East Central Michigan field crop regional report – May 15, 2014

Dan Rossman, Michigan State University Extension -

Wet, soggy field conditions continue to keep field work at a standstill.

Corn spiking out of the ground in Gratiot County on May 14, 2014. Photo credit: Dan Rossman, MSU Extension
Corn spiking out of the ground in Gratiot County on May 14, 2014. Photo credit: Dan Rossman, MSU Extension

Weather

Rainfall for May 7-14, 2014, was 1.56 inches recorded at the Michigan State University Ithaca Enviro-weather station. This has prevented nearly all field activity. Additional rain on May 15 will keep producers out of the field for at least another five days. On May 13, the Ithaca Enviro-weather station reported a high of 76.9 degrees and soil temperatures above 60 degrees at 2 inches.

Despite the slow start, there is a lot left to this growing season to define what type of year we will have. Although fields remain soggy, a little sunshine and heat will turn field conditions around rapidly.

Commodity reports

Wheat is in Feekes stage 6. Although wheat has greened up and improved considerably, concern is now focused on potential foliar diseases due to the continuous damp conditions.

Alfalfa is 6-10 inches tall. Most fields are now looking good, although growth has been slower than normal.

Corn is almost 10 percent planted. Corn planted on May 6 was spiking on May 14. Some producers are considering switching corn hybrids to earlier maturities if they are delayed past Memorial Day, May 26.

Sugarbeets are over 30 percent planted. Sugarbeets will be the top priority when the conditions allow.

Soybean planting has not yet begun.

Other Michigan State University Extension field crop regional reports from this week:

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Did you find this article useful?

You Might Also Be Interested In

Tag List
  • agriculture,
  • corn,
  • cover crops,
  • dry beans,
  • field crops,
  • forages,
  • grazing crops,
  • msu extension,
  • organic agriculture,
  • small grains,
  • soybeans,
  • sugarbeets,
  • wheat
  • follow us on youtube
  • follow us on linkedin
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).