News

Michigan crop condition declining

Drought-like conditions remain for most of Michigan despite scattered rain.

The USDA says corn is now 90 percent silking and 39 percent in the dough stage, with condition 48 percent good to excellent. Soybeans are 90 percent in bloom, 69 percent setting pods, and condition is rated 53 percent good to excellent.  The wheat crop is 96 percent harvested.

Dry beans are 88 percent blooming, 69 percent setting pods, and 54 percent good to excellent.

Jim Byrum with the Michigan Agri-Business Association tells Brownfield rains over the weekend were beneficial to dry beans.  “We could have a pretty reasonable, decent crop—there’s a lot of optimism.  The challenge is if we’re going to be able to sell.”

Most fruit regions need rain in Michigan. Sweet cherry harvest has finished, and tart cherries are winding down.  Harvest of early season apples, peaches and blueberries continues.  Harvest of sweet corn, cabbage, bell peppers, pickling cumbers, potatoes, squash and watermelon is also ongoing.