News

Rain quenches Michigan crops

Rain at the end of last week provided much needed relief to Michigan crops.  The USDA says excessively dry conditions during June have slowed soybean emergence and caused some replanting.

The USDA says 94 percent of corn has emerged and the crop’s condition remained steady at 69 percent good to excellent.  Soybeans are 96 percent planted, 86 percent emerged, and condition increased a point to 71 percent good to excellent.  The winter wheat condition dropped three points to 64 percent good to excellent, 89 percent of the crop is headed and 13 percent is mature.

Sugarbeet condition increased eight percent from last week to 72 percent good to excellent.  Dry beans are now 73 percent planted, 45 percent emerged.  Farmers have 70 percent of the alfalfa crop harvested for first cutting and have started second cutting in some areas.

Warm temperatures are speeding up Michigan fruit crop development. Growers are concerned about increased insect pressure and moisture stress.  Strawberry harvest continues with smaller than normal fruit because of the warm weather.  Early cherry varieties are starting to ripen.  Asparagus harvest is expected to wind down in the next two weeks, and early planted peas have started harvest in the southwest part of the state.