Above freezing temperatures helped clear fields of snow, allowing producers to continue harvesting, according to Marlo D. Johnson, director of the Great Lakes Regional Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service. There were 4.5 days suitable for fieldwork in Michigan during the week ending Sunday.
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, counties in the Eastern half of the Lower Peninsula were reported as abnormally dry and counties along Lake Huron in the Southeast and Thumb Region continued to experience moderate drought.
Producers reported fields and pastures as muddy and wet from rain and snowmelt. Corn harvest picked up pace where snow melted and fields became clear; moisture content at harvest was reported as 18 percent unchanged from the previous week.
Other activities during the week included fall tillage where conditions allowed, hauling manure, and prepping for winter.
This issue concludes the weekly Michigan reports for the 2022 season. Special thanks to the dedicated farmers, Extension Educators, FSA County Directors, NRCS Conservation Specialists, and others who supplied the information necessary to complete these reports each week. Your time and effort made this publication possible and ensured an up-to-date and accurate representation of Michigan agriculture, reported Johnson.
Reports will be issued monthly during the winter season. Weekly reports will resume in April 2023.
Categories: Michigan, Weather