By Andi Anderson
Widespread showers late last week across Southern Michigan were a welcome relief for many producers, according to Marlo D. Johnson, Director of the USDA NASS Great Lakes Regional Office.
For the week ending October 13, 2024, there were 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork, allowing the corn and soybean harvest to progress rapidly.
Corn for grain moisture content at harvest averaged 18 percent, which is 7 percentage points lower than the five-year average. Similarly, soybean moisture content stood at 11 percent, down by 4 points from the average. Despite the dry conditions, producers have been generally satisfied with crop yields.
The dry bean harvest is nearly complete, while 27 percent of the sugarbeet crop has been harvested. Growers are waiting for cooler temperatures to initiate a larger-scale sugarbeet harvest. The potato harvest is also winding down across the state.
Though rain showers momentarily slowed harvest activities, they were welcomed, especially given the unusually dry soil conditions.
These showers also aided the emergence of winter wheat. So far, 65 percent of the winter wheat crop has been planted, with 31 percent emerged. Other ongoing field activities include planting cover crops, spreading manure and fertilizers, hauling hay, chopping alfalfa, fall tillage, and tending to livestock.
In Michigan's fruit-growing regions, last week’s sunny days and cool nights were ideal for late-season apple varieties, enhancing fall colour development and sugar levels.
The Idared apple harvest continued in the West Central region, while some areas have started harvesting Aztec Fuji and Evercrisp varieties. The Pink Lady harvest is expected to begin soon on the Ridge.
With harvest season winding down, Michigan farmers are turning their attention to farm planning and preparations for the upcoming year.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ygrek
Categories: Michigan, Harvesting