By Andi Anderson
Marlo D. Johnson, Director of the USDA NASS Great Lakes Regional Office, reports that Michigan farmers utilized the 2.3 days suitable for fieldwork last week effectively, despite widespread precipitation. Key field activities included planting, pesticide application, and manure spreading.
The conditions of major crops like corn, soybeans, and oats ranged from fair to good. Farmers addressed stripe rust in winter wheat using fungicides.
In terms of specific crop progress, dry edible beans saw 13% of their planting completed last week. The potato crop has been advancing steadily, with early planted fields in Southern Michigan beginning to flower. The first hay cutting continued in the gaps between rainfalls.
The fruit sector experienced a week of mixed weather, leading to increased insect activity. Apple growth was notable across regions, with sizes in the Southwest reaching 28-40 mm, slightly larger in the Southeast at 22-25 mm, and smaller in West Central and Northwest areas.
Tart cherries and peaches also reported sizeable growth, with peaches in the Southwest reaching 38-40 mm. Early varieties of blueberries in the Southwest began showing hints of blue, indicating the onset of ripening.
Vegetable growers in Colorado faced increased insect pressures, but continued planting efforts. Asparagus harvests were bountiful, while field tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers were planted.
Pests included diamondback moth and cabbage looper in brassicas, seed corn maggot in cucurbits, aster leafhopper infections in carrots, and high Colorado potato beetle activity in potato growers. The pace of harvests has slowed.
Michigan's agricultural community displayed resilience and adaptability, managing to push forward with crop and livestock operations amidst a backdrop of variable weather and ongoing pest challenges.
Photo Credit -gettyimages-dszc
Categories: Michigan, Crops, Hay & Forage, Fruits and Vegetables