By Andi Anderson
Michigan farmers closed out the 2024 harvest season as mild temperatures and precipitation improved winter wheat conditions, according to Marlo D. Johnson, Director of the USDA NASS Great Lakes Regional Office.
During the week ending November 24, there were 3.6 days suitable for fieldwork, allowing farmers to complete essential tasks.
The crop harvest is virtually finished, with only small amounts of corn left in some areas. Winter wheat showed continued improvement due to recent moisture, and cover crops remained green while forages entered dormancy.
Farmers focused on various end-of-season activities, including soil testing, planting cover crops, hauling grain, fall tillage, and applying herbicides and fertilizers. Additional efforts involved spreading lime and manure, tending to livestock, and planning for the next planting season.
This report concludes Michigan’s weekly crop updates for 2024. The USDA acknowledged the contributions of farmers, extension educators, and agricultural professionals who provided critical data for these updates. Their efforts ensured accurate and timely reporting of Michigan’s agricultural progress.
Monthly crop weather reports will be issued during the winter months, with anticipated release dates set for January 8, February 5, March 5, and April 2, 2025. Weekly updates will resume in April 2025, providing insights as the new growing season begins.
With harvest season complete and winter preparations underway, Michigan’s agricultural community transitions into planning and maintenance, ready to support a successful 2025 farming season.
These efforts showcase the resilience and dedication of Michigan’s farmers in sustaining the state’s agricultural productivity.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dmaroscar
Categories: Michigan, Harvesting