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Dry weather causing issues in Michigan

A crop farmer in Michigan’s Thumb says insect pressure is mounting from persistent dry conditions.

Mark Reif grows corn, soybeans, dry beans, wheat and pickles near Saginaw.  “If it stays like it is, it’s going to be a challenge getting the right insecticides that are actually going to work on the bugs, the spider mites and thrips that have been showing up.”

Reif says wheat harvest finished up quickly with the dry weather about a week and a half ago.  “Wheat harvest was probably one of the best and easiest we’ve had in quite a while—nice dry weather, dry wheat.  Yields were ok, probably a little below average due to the dry weather during the grain fill period.”

He says fields have remained relatively disease-free and cooler weather in this week’s forecast should help with pollination.

AUDIO: Interview with Mark Reif