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Crop conditions not ideal

The first rain in weeks arrived in Michigan Sunday but USDA officials say more is needed.

The agency says 91 percent of the topsoil moisture is in short to very short supply across the state.  Fire conditions remain rated in the ‘extreme’ category in Northern Michigan.

Farmers have nearly finished planting, with corn rated at only 38 percent good to excellent and soybeans at 30 percent.

Winter wheat condition dropped to 41 percent good to excellent with 86 percent headed.  Dry beans are 38 percent emerged and alfalfa’s first cutting is 72 percent finished.

Fruit and vegetable growers are increasingly concerned about the impact of dry weather on crops along with small fruit and young trees.