Mother Nature wasn’t too cooperative in Michigan with several inches of snow, but as the week ended, many producers were able to get some fieldwork accomplished, especially corn.
According to Jim Byrum, president of the Michigan Agribusiness Association, there are some challenges.
“Ear drop is becoming a reality in some parts of the state,” he said. “One of the biggest issues we’re seeing is [black tar spot. The later planted corn, we’re seeing high moisture, lower test weights, but the big thing farmers ought to be looking for is a very strong demand for grain in Michigan this year.”
With new processing facilities in Michigan that are growing quickly, there’s a lot of demand.
“Processing industry for soybeans, for corn, the ethanol demand, but what’s really driving an awful lot of demand is the feeder demand,” said Byrum. “The west side of the state especially. Hog production, dairy industry, layer production egg production—those folks suck up an awful lot of corn, and they’re going to need some quality stuff.”
Byrum believes corn is going to be imported to Michigan since there might not be enough to fill current demand. He also added that another concern is the eventual cost of feed for growers, livestock and poultry producers.
