By Andi Anderson
Last week, Michigan experienced drier weather and warmer temperatures, significantly impacting crop progress and harvest activities. According to Marlo D. Johnson, Director of the USDA NASS Great Lakes Regional Office, there were 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 21, 2024.
The dry weather allowed for the winter wheat harvest to reach 71 percent completion. Oats condition was rated 82 percent good to excellent, with 26 percent of the crop reaching maturity.
The warm temperatures also accelerated corn progress, with nearly half of the crop silking. Fungicide and insecticide applications continued in sugarbeets, soybeans, and dry edible beans. Ideal conditions favored much-needed hay harvests. Other activities included scouting, planting cover crops, baling wheat straw, hauling manure, and tending to livestock.
In the fruit sector, the warm and humid weather raised concerns about potential increases in fungal and disease pressure.
Farmers in the West Central and Northern Lower Peninsula were particularly hopeful for rain. The apple harvest for most varieties is expected to begin a week or more earlier than usual.
Tart cherry harvest was nearly complete in the Southwest and continued in the West Central and Northwest regions, with the Northwest expecting a particularly heavy harvest in the coming week.
Vegetable producers also faced elevated disease pressure due to the warm temperatures and high humidity. Growers remained vigilant against cucurbit downy mildew disease in cucumbers and melons. Phytophthora capsici caused additional losses in squash and cucumber crops.
Despite these challenges, hard squash and watermelons were setting fruit. Garlic, salad mixes, and celery hit the market, and tomato and pepper harvests were underway. While the ample rain benefited plant growth, it also increased the prevalence of diseases. Growers began switching to main season varieties for sweet corn planting.
Overall, Michigan farmers navigated the challenges and opportunities presented by the weather conditions, working diligently to manage crops and ensure successful harvests across the state.
Photo Credit: istock-urpspoteko
Categories: Michigan, Weather