News

Warmer weather welcome in Michigan

March was warmer than normal for most of Michigan.

The USDA says the average temperature was nearly six degrees warmer than normal, which was welcome in much of the state after a bitterly cold February.

That allowed fruit growers to prune and maintain orchards, in addition to a handful of reports of tillage and early planting activity.

Otherwise, producers tended livestock, hauled grain, and got equipment ready for planting.

74% of Michigan’s winter wheat crop is in good to excellent condition, compared to 70% at the end of February.

Precipitation was a little below average, but about 80% of the state reports adequate to surplus soil moisture levels.

The USDA’s weekly crop progress and condition reports resume Monday.