News

Rainfall provides some relief to Michigan crops

Rainfall in the southern part of Michigan provided stress relief to crops this week, however, additional rainfall is still needed.

Joe Hirschman with Seed Consultants says crops in southwest Michigan are dry, but healthy.

“Corn looks a little bit better than beans,” he says. “Beans are finally putting on the height that they needed. They started out really, really short and maintained it for a long time- almost stunted.”

According to the latest USDA Crop and Weather report, 56 percent of the corn crop was rated good to excellent. Ninety-five percent is silking, 56 percent of the crop is in the dough stage, and 11 percent is dented.

Soybeans are rated 57 percent good to excellent. Ninety-five percent of the soybean crop is blooming and 85 percent is setting pods.

Eighty-six percent of dry beans are blooming and 68 percent are setting pods.

Eighty-five percent of the second cutting of alfalfa hay is done and 43 percent of the third cutting is complete.

Topsoil moisture is 53 percent and subsoil moisture is 57 percent adequate to surplus.

Audio: Joe Hirchsman with Seed Consultants