By Andi Anderson
For the week ending May 4, 2025, Michigan farmers continued to make steady planting progress under mostly favorable field conditions. According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, growers had 4.5 days suitable for fieldwork last week.
Soil moisture remains strong. Topsoil moisture was rated 1% very short, 5% short, 86% adequate, and 8% surplus. Subsoil moisture followed with 0% very short, 13% short, 78% adequate, and 9% surplus. These conditions have helped crops get off to a good start.
Corn planting reached 23%, up from 6% the previous week and ahead of the five-year average of 15%. Corn emergence stood at 1%. Soybean planting also progressed to 20%, well above last week’s 8% and ahead of the five-year average of 15%. Soybean emergence has not yet begun.
Winter wheat jointing reached 43%, slightly behind average but on track. Wheat condition ratings were mostly positive, with 44% rated good and 13% excellent. Only 5% was rated poor and none very poor.
Oat planting progressed to 54%, with 9% of the crop emerged. These numbers show consistent planting activity compared to past seasons. Sugarbeets showed strong progress, with 93% planted and 30% emerged, marking one of the best starts of the season.
Range and pasture conditions were also healthy, with 51% rated good and 19% excellent.
This is the final state-level crop weather update from the Great Lakes Regional Field Office. Future reports will be available in the USDA’s national Crop Progress and Condition publication.
With strong soil conditions and consistent planting, Michigan's 2025 growing season is off to a healthy and promising start.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Michigan, Crops