Despite cooler temperatures, there were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork in Michigan, and farmers took advantage of the favorable conditions.
USDA’s weekly Crop Progress Report shows that colder conditions slowed pasture, hay and wheat growth.
37 percent of Michigan’s corn has been planted, 26 percent more than last week and 33 percent more than 2019. Three percent of the crop has emerged. Nationally, 67 percent of the corn crop has been planted, and 24 percent has emerged.
Soybean progress was also swift. 35 percent of the crop s planted, 22 points ahead of last week and 23 points ahead of the five-year average. Only two percent of the crop has emerged. Nationally, 38 percent of the soybean crop is in the ground, and 7 percent is emerged.
Sugarbeet planting increased 8 points from the previous week, mostly due to cold weather. 85 percent of the crop is planted, and 56 percent is emerged. 85 percent of the Michigan sugarbeet crop is rated in fair to excellent condition. Nationally, 60 percent of the crop is planted.
Freezing temperatures from the weekend inflicted damage on apples in the Southeast suffered damages.
Potato planting continued at a moderate pace, and some early potatoes have begun sprouting in the Southeast.
