Field Crops
Michigan experienced generally colder temperatures accompanied by a few scattered rain and snow events, according to Marlo Johnson, director of the Great Lakes Regional Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service in USDA’s weekly Michigan Crop Progress Report.
There were 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork in Michigan during the week ending April 25, 2021.
Winter wheat condition held strong with a reported 71 percent of the crop rated in good to excellent condition. The winter wheat crop has shown resiliency and continued progress despite reports of frost damage in some areas.
Oat and barley seeding continued to make progress as the crops started to emerge in earlier planted fields.
Sugarbeet producers continued planting as previously seeded beets were showing strong emergence; frost damage was reported after freezing temperatures were sustained in much of the major growing area.
Corn and soybean planting continued at a relatively slow pace. The earliest planted fields have not shown emergence. There has been a general concern amongst many producers that a lack of moisture going forward may cause germination problems. The full extent of frost damage will likely be discovered in the coming weeks.
Corn
Planted: 5%
Soybeans
Planted: 5%
Wheat
Jointing: 58%
Condition: 71% G/E
Barley
Planted: 24%
Emerged: 5%
Oats
Planted: 60%
Emerged: 40%
Sugarbeets
Planted: 84%
Emerged: 41%
Fruit
Temperatures in the mid-twenties Wednesday and Thursday morning caused damage to fruit buds. The extent of the damage was unknown and will become evident in the coming days. Development across Michigan was at a standstill due to below average temperatures. Pollinating insect activity was nearly nonexistent due to the cold weather.
Peaches in the Southwest were in an extended bloom with most orchards between 50 percent and full bloom.
Tart cherries were in early bloom in the Southwest. In the Northwest, tarts were in water bud stage.
Apple buds in the Southwest were in full pink. In the Grand Rapids area, they were between open cluster and first pink.
Blueberries in the Southwest were at tight cluster.
National crop progress can be found here.
