Mich. Experiences Warmer Temperatures, Less Rain
Published: Friday, July 5, 2019
The following is from the Michigan Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending June 30.
The majority of the regions across the state experienced warmer temperatures and less precipitation compared to previous weeks. These weather conditions helped more fields dry out, which in turn allowed for more planting and other field activities to occur.
Most farmers finished planting corn, however, reporters noted that some fields for forage or silage could still be seeded in the upcoming weeks. Spotters noticed that some fields were showing signs of stunted growth due to the high amounts of precipitation during the planting season.
There were 4.2 days suitable for fieldwork.
Soybean progress continued to be below the five-year planting average, however, conditions were reportedly improving due to the drier weather. The favorable weather conditions allowed for a substantial amount of dry beans to be planted. More fields also started to emerge as a result of the warmer temperatures.
Sugarbeet conditions in the Thumb were reported to be improving, and more farmers were able to start cutting and baling hay.
However, some hay fields were reported to have significant trenches after being harvested. Other activities included herbicide and fungicide applications.
Vegetables
Squash and zucchini harvest began in the Southwestern region as early planted sweet corn was beginning to tassel. Early planted potatoes in the area were flowering with reports of increased insect pressure in some fields.
In the Central region, potato and sweet corn planting is complete. Some side-dressing of early planted potato fields took place. Asparagus harvest was coming to a close in the West Central region.
Cabbage, kale and broccoli harvest was underway in the Southeast. No potato late blight has been reported yet this season in Michigan. Despite the sustained wet weather, late blight risk remains moderate in most areas.
Fruit
A warmer, drier week helped to push fruit development. Some fruit growers continued to plant new fruit trees and small fruit. Planting was severely delayed due to the cold, wet spring. This was the latest planting that had occurred in memory.
Tree fruit growers began to deal with the large ruts left in orchards from spraying operations in the spring. Growing degree day accumulations lagged and most fruit was about a week behind normal.
Apples continued to size very well across the state. In the East, most apples were 1.25 to 1.5 inches. Growers had a good fruit set and were pleased with the crop. Growers hand thinned where necessary.
In the Northwest, growers north of Traverse City continued to apply thinners. In the Southwest, growers hand thinned. Growers in the West Central reported king fruit were around 30 mm. Growers applied NAA.
The tart cherry crop in the Northwest and West Central was reported to be highly variable. The crop began to color in the Southwest and were a light straw color in the West Central.
Growers across the state had a difficult time maintaining cover sprays this year and symptoms were easy to find. In the Southwest, Oriental Fruit Moth damage in peaches was evident, especially on trees with winter damaged trunks.
Blueberries in the Southwest looked good. Bleutta, one of the earliest varieties, began to color. Cherry fruitworm and cranberry fruitworm were both active.
Persistent spring rains caused soggy fields which made weed control and insecticide applications difficult. Spotted wing Drosophila monitoring continued. The pest was observed in low numbers last week.
Topsoil moisture was rated very short, 0 percent; short, 1 percent; adequate, 56 percent; surplus, 43 percent.
Subsoil moisture was rated very short, 0 percent; short, 1 percent; adequate, 50 percent; surplus, 49 percent.
The crop progress schedule (last week, previous week, 2018 and 5-year average) showed: corn, planted 96, 91, 96, 99; corn, emerged 84, 63, 95, 99; soybeans, planted 81, 69, 96, 99; soybeans, emerged 67, 48, 91, 97; winter wheat, headed 88, 79, 99, 98; winter wheat, mature 3, 0, 40, 31; barley, planted 95, 86, 98, NA; barley, emerged 81, 59, 87, NA; barley, headed 8, 1, 46, NA; dry edible beans, planted 65, 31, 88, 92; dry edible beans, emerged 25, 9, 75, 79; alfalfa hay, first cutting 63, 43, 83, 84; other hay, first cutting 38, 21, 67, 64; oats, emerged 92, 84, 95, 98; oats, headed 35, 18, 63, 70.
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