Soybean Conditions Improve; Hay Harvest Picks Up
Published: Friday, August 10, 2018
The following is from the Michigan Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending Aug. 5.
Spotty rainfall occurred in some areas of the Lower Peninsula which improved crop conditions. However, some counties received little to no precipitation, and reported more hot and dry weather.
Spotters reported that despite showing signs of stress, corn progressed and continued pollination.
Soybean conditions improved in areas where they received rain, but in the drier areas of state there were reports of visible potassium deficiency.
The hay harvest continued and the third cutting began in some counties. Yields were reported to be fair in the areas that were lucky enough to receive rain. However, in the drier areas of the state there were reports of hay fields and pastures turning brown.
The oat harvest also continued; there were not any reports of quality issues or problems. Pests and diseases were once again reported to be limited as a result of the overall hot and dry summer.
Other activities included spraying and the planting of cover crops.
There were 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork.
Fruit
Apples continued to size well despite dry conditions. Early variety harvest continued.
Harvest of early peach varieties continued. Fruit size was smaller than normal at some farms due to lack of precipitation. Red Haven harvest was just beginning on some farms in the southwest and was anticipated to begin around Aug. 10 in the East.
Blueberry harvest continued. Bluecrop, Ruble and Jersey varieties were being harvested with reports of excellent quality and flavor.
Berries are smaller than normal on farms not providing supplemental irrigation. Growers applied insecticides to protect against spotted wing drosophila.
Vegetables
Sweet corn harvest continued in the Southwest. Downy mildew was detected in some area cucurbit fields.
Cabbage and bell pepper harvest was ongoing in the Southeast. Muskmelons were sizing nicely and harvest is expected to begin soon.
Pickling cucumber harvest continued in the East. Powdery mildew has been reported in vine crops across the region.
No late blight has been detected in Michigan potatoes or tomatoes to date. Growers are encouraged to be vigilant in scouting efforts.
Topsoil moisture was rated very short, 12 percent; short, 50 percent; adequate, 37 percent; surplus, 1 percent.
Subsoil moisture was rated very short, 13 percent; short, 47 percent; adequate, 40 percent; surplus, 0 percent.
The crop progress schedule (last week, previous week, 2017 and 5-year average) showed: corn silking, 81, 68, 84, 87; corn doughed, 22, 9, 15, 17; soybeans blooming, 84, 74, 87, 88; soybeans setting pods, 54, 37, 57, 58; winter wheat harvested, 93, 87, 93, 94; barley mature, 73, 50, NA, NA; barley harvested, 22, 3, NA, NA; dry beans blooming, 76, 63, 64, 75; dry beans setting pods, 31, 26, 21, 31; alfalfa hay, second cutting, 82, 74, NA, NA; alfalfa hay, third cutting, 22, 11, 21, NA; other hay, second cutting, 68, 57, NA, NA; other hay, third cutting, 10, 3, 10, NA; oats harvested, 41, 18, 31, 24.
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