Cooler temperatures and heavy rain across Michigan hampered fieldwork, but farmers were still able to utilize the 3.5 days suitable for fieldwork to get a crop in the ground.
According to USDA’s latest Crop Progress Report, parts of the eastern Upper Peninsula received excessive rains and cooler temperatures which slowed the growth of pasture, hay and wheat.
Conditions in the Thumb region were perfect to get more sugarbeets in the ground. So far, 77 percent of Michigan’s sugarbeets have been planted, 15 percent more than last week and 51 points ahead of last year’s progress. 37 percent of the crop has emerged, 21 percent more than last week.
Corn and soybean planting also saw a favorable jump. 11 percent of the state’s corn has been planted, 8 percent more than last year and 1 point behind the five-year average. Nationally 21 percent of corn has been planted.
Soybean planting increased 9 percent from the week prior and the five-year average. 13 percent of the crop is planted, 11 percent more than last year.
Winter wheat and pasture conditions are also holding fairly steady. 88 percent of the winter wheat crop is rated fair to excellent condition. 90 percent of range and pasture is rated fair to excellent.
Tart cherries in the Northwest are in good shape despite cold weather. In the Southwest, freeze injury was widespread.
Asparagus has emerged, but widespread harvest hasn’t started. There is some harvest progress in Southwestern Michigan. Cabbage, broccoli, turnips, spinach and lettuce were planted in the Southwest.
