East central Michigan field crop regional report – May 23, 2013
Producers made tremendous progress in getting corn and soybeans planted last week before rain halted most all field work earlier this week.
Weather
Rain began on Monday (May 20) over most of the region. Over 2 inches of precipitation has been recorded at the Ithaca Enviro-weather station this week. The Richville/Frankenmuth Enviro-weather station recorded about 0.5 inches during the same period. Producers in areas with the heaviest rainfall will be out of the fields until Memorial Day (May 27) at least.
Commodity reports
Wheat is in the Feeke’s stage 7-8. Wheat fields are looking very irregular. More fields are likely to get ripped up if time and weather allows. Wheat will likely be heading within a week or 10 days, even though it still appears short. Producers need to be prepared if fungicide treatments are being considered.
Corn planting is nearly complete. Some areas are reporting that 70 to over 90 percent is planted. Many corn fields have emerged with even stands.
Soybean planting has a very good start with 55 to 70 percent completed. Some of the early planted fields have soybeans that are emerged.
Alfalfa has been growing well. Alfalfa harvest is likely to get started later next week. There are some concerns of alfalfa weevil if harvest gets delayed.
Other Michigan State University Extension field crop regional reports from this week: