By Andi Anderson
For the week ending May 18, 2025, Michigan farmers made steady progress in planting and crop development. With 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork, conditions were favourable for getting into the fields.
Soil moisture conditions remained largely positive. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 10 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 13 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture followed a similar trend with 1 percent very short, 15 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus.
Corn planting reached 63 percent, a sharp rise from 42 percent last week and well ahead of the 5-year average of 50 percent. Corn emergence stood at 27 percent, up significantly from just 3 percent the week before.
Soybean planting advanced to 53 percent, nearly doubling from 29 percent the previous week. Emergence was reported at 23 percent, up from 3 percent. These gains show that warm weather and good moisture levels are supporting rapid development.
Winter wheat jointing reached 82 percent, while heading stood at 1 percent. Oats also showed progress, with 82 percent planted and 35 percent emerged.
Sugarbeets reached 100 percent emergence, confirming excellent early growth. The first cutting of alfalfa hay reached 5 percent, and other hay cutting stood at 3 percent.
Crop condition ratings were strong across the board. Winter wheat was rated 68 percent good to excellent, oats at 77 percent, sugarbeets at 83 percent, and pasture and range at 77 percent.
Overall, Michigan’s crops are progressing well with solid moisture and field conditions. Farmers are on track for a productive growing season as planting and emergence move forward efficiently.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Michigan, Weather