Weather conditions remained warm and dry across the State, according to Marlo D. Johnson, director of the Great Lakes Regional Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service. There were 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork in Michigan during the week ending Sunday. Many counties in the Northwest and Central Lower Peninsula experienced abnormally dry weather, Gratiot County was reported as in moderate drought from the US Drought Monitor. Winter wheat reached maturity and farmers expect harvest to be in full swing soon. Oats are not in critical condition but showed signs of stress. Small rain events around the State provided some relief to corn and soybean fields. Alfalfa and other hay second cutting continued to be short due to the dry weather. Disease and pest activity have been reported as low. Other activities during the week included preparing combines and grain carts, side dressing fertilizer, and spraying pesticides.
A cooler week helped to keep fruit tree stress to a minimum last week. Most major fruit growing areas of the State were in need of precipitation. Tart cherries were ripening in the Northwest. Growers commented on the high levels of variability in fruit ripeness with fruit inside the canopy less ripe than fruit on the outside of the canopy. Tart cherry harvest in the Southwest began. Apples in the Northwest continued to size well; Gala were 34 mm and Honeycrisp were 36 mm there. Growers were optimistic about the crop. Early peach harvest in the Southwest continued. Warm temperatures were escalating harvest dates for later ripening varieties. Harvest of early blueberry varieties continued in the Southwest. Growers continued to use supplemental irrigation to ensure good fruit size. Fruit set was very good in most locations.
Michigan vegetable producers welcomed cooler temperatures and precipitation as they continued their field activities. Pest presence on vegetables varied, with modest insect activity on carrots and celery and heavier activity on cucumbers and eggplants. Harvest of pickles continued, although Phytophthora rot posed a problem for some growers. Broccoli harvest was also underway, and pumpkin plantings were making progress. Meanwhile, several varieties of greens and herbs were either being planted or being harvested. Pigweed was dead or dying in some West Central asparagus fields, likely indicating that post-harvest burndowns were effective.
Categories: Michigan, Crops, Wheat, Livestock, Weather