Fruit, Vegetable Harvest in Full Swing in Michigan
Published: Friday, August 30, 2019
The following is from the Michigan Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending Aug. 25.
Rainfall was scarce for most of the state, but some locally heavy amounts fell in the Southeast of the Lower Peninsula.
There were 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork.
Most regions experienced hot temperatures during the start of the week, which cooled down as the week progressed toward the end.
Counties in the Upper Peninsula reported that crop conditions were struggling due to the persistent, abnormally dry conditions that have occurred during the last few weeks.
Limited rainfall was reported in scattered regions across the Lower Peninsula. However, most areas continued to be dry, and much more precipitation would be beneficial for producers.
Spotters noted that some corn and soybean fields were showing significant signs of heat stress.
Despite the dry conditions, many producers expressed concerns about disease and insect pressure.
Some sugarbeets were reported to be showing signs of leaf infections such as cercospora and alternaria.
Poor pasture conditions have forced many producers to start supplemental feeding for their livestock.
Other activities included alfalfa seeding and the spraying of insecticides.
Vegetables
Harvest continued for most crops. Pumpkins and winter squash were in various stages of development but still had a ways to go.
Sweet corn and field tomatoes were being picked regularly. Weather was conducive for increased disease pressure and growers are encouraged to be vigilant in scouting efforts.
Phytophthora Infestans (Late blight) has not been detected in Michigan, although models predict high risk in the southwestern region of the state.
Fruit
Blueberry harvest was in full swing in the West Central. Bluecrop harvest was nearly complete. Jersey harvest continued. Jersey yields and quality have been excellent. Harvest in the Southwest was winding down. Most small growers were done for the season.
Peach harvest continued. In the Southwest, the Loring group of varieties were harvested. Redhaven was being harvested in the East.
Apple growers were readying for harvest. Orchard lanes were being mowed, bins were being placed and Retain was being applied.
In the Southwest, Zestar apple harvest was expected to begin soon. Zestar harvest in the East began in earnest. Gingergold harvest was expected to begin there soon.
Topsoil moisture was rated very short, 11 percent; short, 47 percent; adequate, 39 percent; surplus, 3 percent.
Subsoil moisture was rated very short, 10 percent; short, 44 percent; adequate, 39 percent; surplus, 7 percent.
The crop progress schedule (last week, previous week, 2018 and 5-year average) showed: corn, silking 88, 81, 99, 100; corn, dough 45, 30, 73, 71; corn, dented 9, 1, 31, 22; soybeans, blooming 90, 83, 97, 99; soybeans, setting pods 65, 47, 89, 91; barley, mature 74, 63, 94, NA; barley, harvested 39, 26, 73, NA; dry beans, blooming 90, 82, 95, 95; dry beans, setting pods 66, 46, 87, 82; alfalfa hay, second cutting 89, 80, 96, 94; alfalfa hay, third cutting 39, 27, 56, 49; other hay, second cutting 59, 47, 94, 85; other hay, third cutting 6, 0, 34, 26; oats, mature 87, 81, NA, NA; oats, harvested 64, 49, 84, 77.
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