By Andi Anderson
The recent weather in Michigan has been quite variable, with rain events slowing down fieldwork across the state. According to Marlo D. Johnson, Director of USDA NASS, Great Lakes Regional Office, there were only 3.4 days suitable for fieldwork in Michigan during the week ending April 28, 2024. However, despite these challenges, there has been progress in various agricultural activities.
In the field crops sector, soil temperatures have been warming up, which has been beneficial for oat progress. Sugarbeet planting is nearly half complete, and winter wheat jointing has made significant advancements, remaining ahead of the 5-year average. Early planting of potatoes is also ahead of schedule, with other activities such as tilling, fertilizing, and spraying being carried out where conditions allowed.
In the fruit sector, growers have been concerned about possible frost, but despite overnight lows, temperatures have generally been above normal. Many growers have been proactive in spraying fungicides on stone fruit to control diseases like brown rot, peach leaf curl, cherry leaf spot, and powdery mildew. Across different regions, apples and cherries have been progressing through various stages of bloom, with tart cherries at full bloom in some areas and peaches ranging from petal fall to full bloom.
In the vegetable sector, the winter's warm temperatures combined with consistent rainfall have expedited fieldwork and planting progress. Sweet corn planting has commenced, with some early plantings already germinating. Celery transplanting has begun, and other crops like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower transplanting are ongoing. Onions are up in many fields, and asparagus emergence is expected soon. Producers have been busy with various fieldwork tasks for tomato and pepper crops.
Overall, while weather challenges persist, Michigan's agricultural sector continues to make progress across a range of activities.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-tlillico
Categories: Michigan, Weather