Michigan crop yields flourish with warmth

By Andi Anderson

Michigan farmers have continued to make excellent progress in harvesting their field crops, thanks to above-average temperatures and minimal rainfall.

According to Marlo D. Johnson, Director of the USDA NASS Great Lakes Regional Office, the state saw 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 6, 2024.

Field Crops:

Corn harvested for grain has reached 18 percent, six points above the five-year average, showing a strong start to the season. Soybean harvest is also ahead of schedule, with 40 percent of the crop already harvested, surpassing both last year’s figures and the five-year average.

The dry bean harvest is nearly complete, and early sugarbeet harvesting continues. While the dry weather in September and October made harvesting challenging for some growers, concerns about reduced yields have surfaced. Nevertheless, the sugar content in sugarbeets remains high.

Potato harvest is also in full swing, with growers generally satisfied with the yield and quality. However, farmers seeding hay and wheat have raised concerns about a lack of moisture necessary for proper germination.

Additional activities throughout the week included planting cover crops, spreading manure and fertilizer, baling hay, chopping alfalfa for haylage, alfalfa seeding, and preparing for next year’s farm planning.

Fruit Harvest:

Michigan's apple harvest is winding down, with above-average temperatures contributing to faster ripening. Some growers are waiting to harvest late-season apple varieties to achieve better size and brix levels. The apple harvest season has been particularly challenging, with many varieties maturing simultaneously.

Only a few varieties such as Fuji, Braeburn, and EverCrisp remain in the Southwest. In the West Central region, varieties like Idared, Ambrosia, Mutsu, and Red and Golden Delicious have already been harvested. Northern Spy, Aztec, Fuji, and Pink Lady are expected to be harvested next.

In northern Michigan, Honeycrisp and McIntosh apples have been harvested, while Gala apples are still being picked due to their good color and quality.

Overall, Michigan farmers are pushing through a busy harvest season, but concerns about dry weather continue to influence crop yields and future planting decisions.

Photo Credit: istock-rixipix