News

Michigan’s drought expands

Drought conditions continue to expand across Michigan despite scattered rain and snowfall last week.  The U.S. Drought Monitor reports a large portion of the lower peninsula moved from abnormally dry to moderate drought.

USDA says farmers have planted five percent of corn and soybeans, 60 percent of oats, and 84 percent of sugarbeets—all remaining ahead of the five-year average. Winter wheat condition dropped four percent to 71 good to excellent with 58 percent of the crop jointed.  Frost damage was reported in sugarbeets while wheat damage is still being assessed.

Topsoil and subsoil moisture are rated 70 percent adequate to surplus.

Fruit damages are also still being assessed.  Peach orchards were between 50 percent and full bloom in the Southwest while tart cherries were in early bloom at the time of last week’s freeze.