Crop Progress and Condition Report for the Week Ending Aug. 24
Field Crops
There were 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork in Michigan during the week ending August 24, according to the USDA, NASS, Great Lakes Region. Most regions of the state received adequate amount of much needed rain last week, but warmer temperatures are still needed for maturity of corn.
Soybean crop was progressing well with minimal reports of insect and disease infestation.
Wheat harvest was complete in most parts of the state, while oats and barley harvests were well underway.
Alfalfa third cutting was wrapping up, although drying has been a challenge due to weather conditions.
Field activities for the week were: baling straw, spreading manure, combining small grains, and equipment maintenance. Corn condition was 72% good to excellent compared to 63% last year. Soybeans condition was 63% good to excellent compared to 59% last year.
Fruit
Harvest of early fall apple varieties like Earligold and Zestar continued. Apple development was 3 to 4 days ahead of earlier predictions. Bartlett pear harvest began.
Tart cherry harvest neared completion in the northwest. Quality has been good throughout the harvest. Allstar, PF17, Loring, Coralstar, and Blushingtar were among peach varieties harvested.
Japanese and early European plum varieties were picked. The peach and plum crops in the east region have been very light. The wine grape crop potential varies greatly among varieties. Fall raspberry harvest continued.
The harvest of Jersey and Elliott blueberries continued. Supplemental irrigation was needed in the west central area, where dry conditions have caused fruit shriveling and mechanical harvesting difficulty. Alternaria fruit rot was present in many fields.
