By Andi Anderson
Despite recent rain, farmers across Michigan made significant progress in planting corn, soybeans, and oats. Warmer temperatures, however, accelerated fruit development, raising concerns about disease management.
Crops:
- Corn and Soybeans: Planted corn and soybeans are in mostly good condition, with 74% and 68% rated good to excellent, respectively.
- Winter Wheat: Winter wheat is well ahead of schedule for heading compared to last year and the five-year average.
- Oats: Planting of oats is nearing completion.
- Hay: Dry edible bean planting continues, while first cutting hay progress is delayed due to wet conditions in some areas. Hay quality may be affected in these areas.
- Other Activities: Farmers are busy tending to livestock, scouting for pests, spraying fields, and side-dressing crops.
Fruits:
- Warmer temperatures have advanced fruit development, raising concerns about potential disease outbreaks due to recent wet weather and humidity.
- Apples: Apple sizing varies by region, ranging from 10-45 mm in diameter. Fruit drop has been significant in some areas.
- Tart Cherries: Tart cherries are progressing through pit hardening, with some regions showing color development.
- Peaches: Peaches are at various stages, with some areas reaching 40 mm in diameter while others are still green and developing.
- Blueberries: Blueberry fruit set looks promising, with earlier varieties showing signs of ripening. However, some farms reported poor foliage growth on certain varieties.
Vegetables:
- Planting of pumpkins has begun, and squash and cucumber seeding continues.
- Sweet corn succession plantings are ongoing.
- Pepper plantings are starting to flower.
- Broccoli, beets, and asparagus harvests are nearing.
- Greens like lettuce, bok choy, radishes, and peas are being harvested.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Michigan, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Fruits and Vegetables