By Andi Anderson
According to the most recent crop progress report from the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Michigan's corn maturity increased by 21% over the past week, reaching an overall maturity rate of 74% for the week ending on October 16. This substantial improvement, which marks a nearly 40% increase since the beginning of the month, has brought the state's progress in line with historical averages, now only 6% behind the five-year average. However, the recent cool and wet weather conditions posed challenges to the corn harvest, as noted by Marlo D. Johnson, director of the NASS Great Lakes Regional Office.
The report indicates that corn harvested for grain increased by 4% during the last week, reaching an overall harvest rate of 17% for the state. This rate is just slightly below historical averages. In contrast, corn harvested for silage matched the five-year average of 89%.
When it comes to the condition of the corn crops, there has been minimal change from the previous week. Approximately 56% of Michigan's corn is listed as good or excellent, 35% as fair, and 9% as poor or very poor.
In terms of soybean conditions in Michigan, there was a 2% increase in the category of poor or very poor conditions, now accounting for 12% of the overall state's soybean crops. Meanwhile, 51% are considered to be in good or excellent condition, and 37% fall under the fair category.
The soybean harvest in Michigan nearly doubled, reaching an overall rate of 32%, which is just 6% behind the five-year average.
Challenges were faced by sugarbeet growers due to field conditions, with only 5% of the state's crop being harvested, bringing the overall rate to 20%. This figure is 16% below the five-year average. The initiation of permanent pile harvesting for sugarbeets is expected to help expedite progress, according to MFB Industry Relations Specialist Theresa Sisung.
Although winter wheat planting increased by 17% week-over-week and now stands at 44%, it still lags behind the five-year average by 12%.
On a national level, Michigan's corn maturity progress improved as the state moved ahead of Pennsylvania, reaching 71% maturity compared to Pennsylvania's 71%. The national average for corn maturity stands at 95%.
In terms of crop conditions among the 18 major corn-producing states, no significant changes were reported for the third consecutive week. About 53% of the crop is rated as good or excellent, 29% as fair, and 18% as poor or very poor.
Nationally, 45% of the corn crop has been harvested, surpassing the five-year average by 3%.
In the context of soybean harvest progress, Michigan ranks second-to-last among the 18 states responsible for harvesting 96% of the 2022 soybean acreage, with only North Carolina reporting lower numbers at 18%. Nationally, the soybean harvest has seen a nearly 20% increase compared to the previous week, exceeding historical averages by 10%.
These updates provide valuable insights into the progress and conditions of Michigan's corn and soybean crops and their standings on the national stage.
Photo Credit: getty-images-elhenyo
Categories: Michigan, Crops, Corn, Soybeans