Field Crops
The vast majority of Michigan experienced cooler temperatures and rainy conditions, according to Marlo Johnson, Director of the Great Lakes Regional Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service. There were 3.2 days suitable for fieldwork in Michigan during the week ending October 25, 2020.
Cold and wet conditions continued to delay fieldwork although many producers were able to continue harvesting efforts as the weather allowed. Pasture and range conditions showed further deterioration as low temperatures slowed growth.
Corn and soybean harvest continued to make progress although the unfavorable weather conditions slowed things down significantly. Corn harvested for grain was at 34 percent with a reported moisture content of 21 percent. Soybeans harvested was at 73 percent with a reported moisture content of 14 percent.
Sugarbeet harvest continued as weather allowed. Despite the recent slow-down in progress, harvest was still ahead of the previous year and the five-year average. Late cuttings of hay showed very little progress, indicating the season had likely reached its conclusion. Dry bean harvest neared completion ahead of the five-year average pace. Other activities included crop-marketing, harvest trucking efforts, and equipment maintenance.
Fruit
Apple harvest wound down last week and most growers anticipated completing harvest soon. Harvest progress was hampered due to wet weather. Demand for fresh market apples has been excellent, much higher than anticipated. Growers in the Northwest continued to harvest the few late season varieties that were left. Northern Spy and Idared, were all harvested there last week. Quality and color have been excellent across all varieties. On the Ridge, Fuji, Evercrisp, Pink Lady, and Braeburn were harvested. In the East, Idared, Crispin, Northern Spy, and Evercrisp were harvested. Braeburn and Winesap were not yet mature and growers will save those until next week to harvest. The apple season in the Southwest was nearly complete with just a few growers finishing up late season apples. Watercore was increasingly more common on Rome, Fuji, and Evercrisp there. While this does not affect flavor, it can affect storability.
