News

Still short on rain

Rain over the past week was beneficial for crops and but USDA says a moderate drought persists across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

In the latest crop report, farmers have planted 98 percent of corn, 67 percent of soybeans, and seven percent of dry beans.

Winter wheat condition held steady at 68 percent good to excellent and 97 percent of the crop jointed.  Sugarbeet condition improved four points to 62 58 percent good to excellent.  Corn and soybean condition were both rated 63 percent good to excellent.  Alfalfa harvest is 26 percent complete.

April frost and freeze damage is becoming more evident for fruit growers as crops now face moisture stress.  Vegetable planting and asparagus harvest continues.