News

Wet conditions throughout Michigan

Spring rains have kept fields waterlogged across much of Michigan for field work. In the first weekly crop progress report of the season, USDA says recent cold and wet weather has been tough on newborn livestock.  Farmers in some areas have started planting sugarbeets.

The state’s winter wheat crop condition is 63 percent good to excellent. Top soil and sub soil moisture are both reported at 99 percent adequate to surplus.

Michigan’s fruit crop development is slightly ahead normal after warmer than normal temperatures in January and February.  A cold snap on March 14 stopped bud development for most of the month.  Growers report some damage to apricots, peaches, nectarines and sweet cherries.  Early season blueberry varieties are starting to develop.