Corn Condition Looks Poor in Dry Areas of Michigan
Published: Friday, September 6, 2019
The following is from the Michigan Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending Sept. 1.
Variable amounts of rain fell across the state, but the effects of dry weather persist.
There were 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork.
Conditions for row crops such as corn and soybeans continued to be poor in the drier areas of the state. However, most irrigated fields were reported to be looking good. Reporters noted that the cooler temperatures have significantly slowed plant growth and maturity in certain fields.
Most producers were able to finish their second cutting of hay.
Sugarbeet conditions in the Thumb were reported to be looking good, and pasture conditions improved in areas that received rain.
Other activities included the planting of cover crops, and the spraying of insecticides.
Vegetables
Peppers and sweet corn were being harvested in the Southeastern region. Carrots in the Northwest were making strong progress and sizing nicely.
Potato harvest was ongoing in most major growing areas. Weather has been 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 to date. There have been verified reports of the disease in both New York and Wisconsin.
Fruit
Warm days and cool nights last week provided excellent weather for color development on apples. Growers harvested early apple varieties; Gingergold and Zestar were harvested. ReTain was applied on some varieties. Blueberry harvest continued.
Topsoil moisture was rated very short, 11 percent; short, 34 percent; adequate, 51 percent; surplus, 4 percent.
Subsoil moisture was rated very short, 9 percent; short, 38 percent; adequate, 50 percent; surplus, 3 percent.
The crop progress schedule (last week, previous week, 2018 and 5-year average) showed: corn, silking 95, 88, 100, 100; corn, dough 57, 45, 83, 82; corn, dented 14, 9, 49, 40; soybeans, blooming 95, 90, 100, 100; soybeans, setting pods 78, 65, 94, 95; barley, mature 86, 74, 99, NA; barley, harvested 54, 39, 83, NA; dry beans, blooming 97, 90, 99, 98; dry beans, setting pods 81, 66, 91, 89; dry beans, dropping leaves 6, 0, 26, 17; alfalfa hay, second cutting 97, 89, 100, 97; alfalfa hay, third cutting 48, 39, 61, 56; other hay, second cutting 67, 59, 99, 89; other hay, third cutting 18, 6, 41, 33; oats, mature 96, 87, NA, NA; oats, harvested 75, 64, 89, 86.
Return to Top of Page