News

Warm-up jumpstarts planting in Michigan

Nearly four days of ideal conditions helped Michigan farmers get a start on planting last week.

USDA says 68 percent of oats, 74 percent of sugarbeets, 19 percent of corn and 10 soybeans are now planted.

Winter wheat condition is now 41 percent good to excellent and 44 percent of the crop is jointed.

Crop development remains behind normal because of the cool start to the season.  Asparagus harvest is slow because of the weather.  Planting of carrots and onions as well as tomato and pepper transplanting is ongoing.

Apples in the southwest were in full bloom, about a week behind normal.  Peach losses from winter injury became more pronounced.