Michigan crop progress - weather boosts crop growth

By Andi Anderson

Michigan's agricultural landscape witnessed significant growth last week as periodic rains paired with warm temperatures fostered early crop emergence and fruit development. Marlo D. Johnson, the Director of USDA NASS, Great Lakes Regional Office, reported 4.9 days of suitable fieldwork for the week ending May 26, 2024.

Field crops like corn, soybeans, and oats are emerging faster than last year and the five-year average. Sugarbeets are growing with conditions rated as 95 % good to excellent. Potato planting is nearing completion with promising emergence signs.

Wheat faces challenges with stripe rust, but some fields in Southern Michigan begin to flower. Hay harvests gain momentum, and farmers continue scouting and applying pesticides.

The fruit sector experienced mixed weather conditions, affecting spray schedules due to sporadic rains and windy conditions. Apple development varied across regions, with sizes ranging from 10-12 mm in Fenton to 26 mm in Britton.

In the Northwest, the apple bloom was inconsistent, with some trees at 30-50 percent bloom while others commenced fruit setting. Tart cherries measured 11-13 mm, and despite earlier frost impacts, peaches showed resilience with sizes around 12-14 mm. Blueberries moved into the fruit set stage in the Southeast and green fruit stage in West Central.

The vegetable segment also saw increased activity. Asparagus harvests were plentiful, though the pace began to slow. Producers continued planting field tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers amidst rising insect pressures.

Pests like diamondback moth and cabbage looper were noted in brassicas, particularly in the Southwest. Seed corn maggot activity was prevalent during the seeding and transplanting of cucurbits.

In carrots, aster leafhopper infections posed threats in the East Central and West Central areas. Potatoes had grown sufficiently for hilling, with Colorado potato beetle activity remaining high.

This week's favorable weather conditions have undoubtedly boosted Michigan's agricultural sectors, providing an optimistic outlook for the season's yields and quality.

Photo Credit -istock-alenamozhjer