Michigan crops hit by hurricane

By Andi Anderson

The remnants of Hurricane Beryl brought heavy rain and localized flooding across Michigan last week, according to Marlo D. Johnson, Director of USDA NASS Great Lakes Regional Office. With only 3.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 14, 2024, farmers faced significant challenges.

Field Crops:

Corn conditions declined slightly due to yellowing from excessive rain and nitrogen leaching. Soybeans blooming increased to 46 percent, with 10 percent setting pods. Despite wet weather delays, winter wheat harvesting progressed well, with half the crop harvested and yields looking promising.

This progress remains ahead of both last year and the five-year average. Farmers also dealt with cercospora in sugar beets and white mold in dry beans. The hay harvest continued to be difficult, with other activities including scouting, hauling hay, baling wheat straw, and livestock care.

Fruit:

Hurricane Beryl's wind and excessive precipitation impacted southern Michigan, raising concerns about fruit quality due to elevated temperatures and high humidity.

Apples on the Ridge were sizing nicely, with early apple varieties in the West Central ranging from 58-63 mm. Honeycrisp apples ranged from 56-60 mm, Gala from 44-49 mm, and Minneiska from 58-62 mm.

Tart cherry harvest was ending in the Grand Rapids area, while in the West Central, tart cherries continued to grow and ripen. Peach harvest on the Ridge was well underway, with steady growth across all varieties in the West Central.

Early peaches were being sold at roadsides and farm markets in the Southeast. Blueberry harvest was in full swing in the West Central.

Vegetables:

Heavy precipitation and warm temperatures increased disease pressure on vegetable crops statewide. Substantial losses were reported in cucumbers and squash due to the rain.

Other affected vegetables included beets, cabbage, and carrots. Late blight was detected on potatoes and tomatoes in Ontario, though not yet in Michigan. Farmers were diligently applying fungicides to manage these threats.

On a positive note, garlic and onions were ahead of schedule in some areas, and recent rains spurred new asparagus shoots in the West Central region. Pickle harvest was underway, while broccoli, kale, and kohlrabi were hitting the market.

Overall, Michigan farmers are working hard to manage the impacts of Hurricane Beryl, ensuring crop progress and maintaining the quality of their produce despite challenging weather conditions.

The dedication of the farming community continues to shine through as they adapt and respond to these environmental challenges.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-awakr10