Michigan farmers speed ahead with spring crop planting

By Andi Anderson

Last week, Michigan's farmers experienced a beneficial mix of weather that significantly aided their spring agricultural efforts. Marlo D. Johnson, the Director of the USDA NASS Great Lakes Regional Office, reported that the above-average temperatures and dry early week conditions, followed by very pleasant weather later, helped farmers make great strides in sugarbeet planting.

The state's winter wheat showed positive growth, continuing to green up nicely. Farmers also prepared for major planting activities, waiting just for the right soil and weather conditions to fully commence.

In addition to preparing the fields, other activities such as manure hauling, applying herbicides and fertilizers, and tilling were carried out effectively due to the favorable weather.

The spring-like conditions didn't just benefit crop fields; they also significantly influenced fruit cultivation across Michigan. On the Ridge, apple buds progressed from 0.25-inch green to half-inch green.

In the Northwest and Southwest, variations of apples like Honeycrisp and Gala reached green tip and tight cluster stages respectively. Similarly, tart cherries and peaches in various regions developed from bud swell to early and mid-bloom stages. In the Southwest, blueberries began their bud break, setting the stage for the upcoming growing season.

Overall, the favorable weather has set Michigan's agricultural season off to a promising start, with farmers and crops alike benefiting from the warm, dry conditions.

Photo Credit: usda