Michigan crops received much-needed relief over the weekend with widespread rains, benefiting those entering the grain fill stage, according to Marlo D. Johnson, Director of the Great Lakes Regional Office of the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The week concluding on August 6, 2023, saw 4.8 suitable fieldwork days in Michigan.
Field Crops: The recent slow and soaking rains over the weekend were particularly welcomed by corn and soybean farmers as their crops entered the ear and pod-filling phase. The rains helped to offset an otherwise dry week and will likely improve yields. Wheat harvest was in its final stages, and hay producers recovering from a dry June were grateful for the rain. Last week's activities also included hay cutting and baling, summer seeding of forages to boost hay yields, and treating corn for tar spot.
Fruit: Recent weeks have brought consistent rainfall, offering relief from earlier dry spells. Tart cherry harvest continued in some areas of the Southeast, while peaches were still being harvested. Blueberry u-picks remained open, and blackberry growers initiated direct sales. The apple harvest included varieties like Yellow Transparent and Lodis in the region. King fruit in Britton reached sizes of up to 70 millimeters. There were reports of apple maggot and codling moth second flight. Populations of the brown marmorated stink bug increased, posing a challenge. Despite being past the primary scab season, the risk of secondary scab infections persisted due to the rain.
Vegetables: Michigan's vegetable producers encountered cooler temperatures as they progressed with their harvest activities. Sweet corn and processing zucchini were actively being harvested in the West Central region, and early plantings of winter squash were slated to begin soon. Disease and insect issues were also being managed by growers in their fields. The spread of cucurbit downy mildew remained a concern for cucumber crops across the state. Meanwhile, potato plants were facing insect-related decline in certain areas. Although no cases of late blight had been reported in Michigan, the disease was identified in New York.
Michigan crops are in good condition and are benefiting from the recent rains. Farmers are keeping an eye on the weather as they head into the critical grain fill period.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-songdech17
Categories: Michigan, Weather