News

Michigan planting hit or miss

 

Planting remains behind average and field conditions vary across Michigan.

The USDA says corn is 80 percent planted, 61 percent emerged, and condition improved two points to 71 percent good to excellent. Soybeans are 65 percent planted, 45 percent emerged, condition is rated 68 percent good to excellent.

Laurie Isley farms mostly sandy loam soils in Lenawee County. She tells Brownfield they finished planting last week, unlike many other farmers in their region.  “We do have all of ours in, but I know many farmers in the area who do not have all of their corn or soybeans in that are pretty concerned about what that will look like later on.”

Oats in are 88 percent planted, 74 percent emerged, and condition is rated 87 percent good to excellent. Sugarbeets are 95 percent emerged with condition rated 93 percent good to excellent. Dry beans are 14 percent planted and first cutting of alfalfa is 24 percent complete.

Winter wheat condition increased four points to 75 percent good to excellent. The crop is now 84 percent jointed and 46 percent headed.

Hot weather last week helped advance tree fruit and berry growth but was challenging for new vegetable transplants. Apples are in bloom. Asparagus harvest continues. Growers in southern Michigan have reported European corn borer.