By Andi Anderson
Michigan farmers welcomed below-average temperatures, lower humidity, and moderate rainfall last week, which provided much-needed relief and support for crop growth. According to Marlo D. Johnson, Director of the USDA NASS Great Lakes Regional Office, there were 4.9 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 11, 2024.
The cooler weather and precipitation helped alleviate stress on crops, though challenges remained as farmers continued to manage disease and pest pressures.
In field crops, tar spot continued to develop in corn, with 39 percent of the crop reaching the dough stage. Farmers applied fungicides to combat white mold in soybeans and dry edible beans, as well as cercospora in sugarbeets.
The chip potato harvest began, with reports indicating that growers were generally pleased with yields. Hay harvesting also continued, though some producers reported insect issues in alfalfa hay.
While summer rains contributed to higher yields, they also delayed harvests and, in some cases, lowered the quality of the hay. Other activities included scouting, planting cover crops after wheat, baling wheat straw, hauling manure, chopping alfalfa for silage, alfalfa seeding, and tending to livestock.
Fruit crops also benefited from the cooler, more seasonable temperatures, which aided fruit coloring. Early apple varieties such as Gingergold, Zestar!, and Paulared were harvested heavily in the southern regions, with McIntosh harvest just a few weeks away. Peach harvest continued, with some growers moving on to later varieties after finishing Red Haven.
However, cherry leaf spot was more widespread than usual, and growers were advised to maintain cover sprays even after cherry harvest. Bacterial canker in cherry and peach orchards was beginning to show, leading growers to remove affected cankers.
In the vegetable sector, Michigan producers faced increased disease pressures and challenges due to uneven rainfall across the state.
Farmers took proactive measures to protect their crops from diseases and pests that thrive in wet conditions, such as foliar disease in carrots, slugs on celery, and purple spot in asparagus.
Nutrient deficiencies and fruit rot were common in cucumbers, squash, and zucchini on farms with consistent precipitation.
Despite these challenges, harvests of tomatoes, peppers, okra, and eggplants continued, with growers managing fungal and bacterial diseases. The sweet corn harvest was in full swing, with many successfully managing corn leaf aphids. Salad mixes, kale, and broccoli remained popular at markets, though some growers reported issues with white mold.
Overall, the cooler weather and moderate rainfall provided Michigan farmers with favorable conditions to advance their crops and manage harvests, despite ongoing challenges with disease and pest management.
Photo Credit: istock-pixeldigits
Categories: Michigan, Harvesting, Weather