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Michigan’s corn crop tour doesn’t expect yields to hold

Michigan’s annual crop tour is wrapping up this week and reporting extreme variability in corn condition.

“The ear structure is longer than in years past but not as girthy or not as many rows around.”

Corn Marketing Program of Michigan executive director Jim Zook tells Brownfield yields in the Thumb appear to be decent as opposed to the middle and southeast regions of the state. “Those are probably the most severe counties that we’re seeing, extremely reduced yields in those areas.”       

The Between the Rows tour estimates an average yield around 152 bushels per acre, close to USDA’s 155-bushel August estimate. “I would not expect that number to hold, we have a long way to go before we get to full maturity on this corn crop.”       

Zook says insect and disease pressure is not as prevalent as past crop tours but the crop maturing is three to four weeks behind normal.

Farmers attending tour stops are also being encouraged to sign a letter urging EPA to stop issuing small refinery waivers and learning about the spread of corn tar spot.