Michigan harvest races ahead in heat

By Andi Anderson

Abnormally high temperatures and limited rainfall continued to advance crop maturity across Michigan last week, according to Marlo D. Johnson, Director of the USDA NASS Great Lakes Regional Office.

Farmers had 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 22, 2024. The warm and dry conditions caused corn fields to dry out rapidly, with half of the corn crop reaching maturity and 3 percent harvested for grain.

Corn silage harvest surpassed the halfway mark, remaining ahead of both last year’s progress and the five-year average.

Soybean harvest also made significant headway, reaching 9 percent completion by the end of the week. Winter wheat planting continued ahead of normal schedules, but some seeds struggled to germinate due to inadequate moisture.

Dry bean harvest was over 50 percent complete, while sugarbeet conditions were rated 45 percent good to excellent, a decrease from the previous week. The warm weather has also slowed potato harvesting, affecting overall yield potential.

Other farm activities during the week included planting cover crops, hauling hay, chopping alfalfa for silage, alfalfa seeding, fall tillage, and tending to livestock.

Farmers continued to adjust to the dry conditions as they prepared fields for the upcoming growing season.

In the fruit sector, the ongoing warm and dry weather sped up the harvest process. Commercial apple growers focused on picking Red Delicious and Golden Delicious varieties in the Southwest, while Honeycrisp harvesting was nearly complete in the region.

In the Northwest, growers were actively harvesting Honeycrisp apples, and in the West Central area, Jonagold, September Wonder Fuji, and Empire harvests were being wrapped up.

Overall, the warm weather has driven rapid progress in Michigan’s harvest season, but the lack of rainfall poses challenges for crop health and future planting.

Farmers are hopeful for some relief in the weather to support crop development and ensure a successful close to the season.

Photo Credit: istock-ds70