Field Crops
Much of Michigan experienced sporadic precipitation and below freezing nighttime temperatures, according to Marlo Johnson, Director of the Great Lakes Regional Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
According to the latest Crop Progress Report, there were 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork in Michigan during the week ending October 18, 2020. Cool and wet conditions delayed some fieldwork, although many producers were able to continue harvesting efforts in-between showers.
Pasture and range conditions deteriorated slightly, which was likely attributed to low nighttime temperatures.
Corn and soybean harvest continued to make progress despite the unfavorable weather conditions. Corn harvested for grain was at 24 percent with a reported moisture content of 22 percent. Soybeans harvested was at 64 percent with a reported moisture content of 13 percent. Corn silage harvest concluded ahead of both the five-year average and the previous year.
Sugarbeet harvest continued as weather allowed. Late season cuttings of hay continued as weather allowed although progress was slowed and it is likely that the season was reaching its conclusion.
Dry bean harvest continued to progress in spite of the challenging conditions.
Other activities included seeding winter wheat and cover crops, engagement in crop marketing activities, and maintenance of harvest equipment.
Corn
Mature: 91%
Silage: 100%
Grain: 24%
Condition: 57% G/E
Soybeans
Dropped leaves: 99%
Harvested: 64%
Condition: 67% G/E
Sugarbeet
Condition: 53% G/E
Harvested: 47%
Dry Beans
Harvested: 91%
Wheat
Planted: 81%
Emerged: 45%
Fruit
Apple harvest progressed quickly last week. Growers universally reported very strong demand for apples at farm stands, u-pick apples, and farmers markets. In the Southwest, Red Delicious and Ida Red harvest was complete and Fuji was nearly complete. Rome and Braeburn harvest began. Strong winds early in week caused some fruit drop. Watercore was increasingly more common in the Southwest.
On the Ridge, fruit color, finish, firmness and brix levels were all very good to excellent on nearly all varieties. Growers were about 80 percent complete with harvest there. Most growers had adequate labor for harvest but packing lines were looking for labor. In the East, Red Delicious, Fuji, Northern Spy, and Rome harvest was well along. Ida Red, Crispin, and Cameo harvest began.
