News

Michigan crops up to two weeks ahead

Warmer weather is advancing crop development and disease pressure ahead for mid-July.

Michigan State University Extension Field Crops educator Nicolle Ritche tells Brownfield, “All of our pests have come out at least a week ahead of time, almost two in some cases.” 

“Potatoes have already started to vine kill so harvest is way ahead of schedule for potatoes,” she says.

AUDIO: Nicolle Ritche, Michigan State University Extension

The USDA says corn is rated 68 percent good to excellent with 48 percent of the crop silking.

Soybeans are 62 percent blooming and 22 percent setting pods, with 63 percent of the crop good to excellent.

Winter wheat in Michigan is 91 percent mature and 71 percent harvested.

Dry beans are 37 percent blooming, 15 percent setting pods, and rated 53 percent good to excellent.

Second cutting of alfalfa is 66 percent complete, and third cutting has started in some regions. Sugarbeets are at 89 percent good to excellent.

Specialty crop growers are worried about the impact warm, humid weather will have on disease pressure.