Farmers Waiting for Dry Weather
Published: Friday, November 9, 2018
The following is from the Michigan Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending Nov. 4.
Most regions across the state experienced cooler temperatures and a decent amount of rainfall.
There were also some reports of snow in Upper Peninsula.
The higher rates of precipitation resulted in harvest delays in most areas across the state. The corn harvest continued in places that were dry enough.
Statewide, the moisture content of the grain harvested was 21 percent, showing no significant dry-down over the week. They were also more reports of vomitoxin in some fields.
The soybean harvest was slowed due to rainfall and high moisture levels. The estimated moisture content of the grain harvested was 15 percent.
The sugarbeet harvest also continued. Storage piles were reported to be in good shape as a result of the cooler temperatures.
Pasture growth neared its end for the year, resulting in most cattle being on supplemental feed.
Other activities included the planting of winter wheat and cover crops.
There were 3.1 days suitable for fieldwork.
The crop progress schedule (last week, previous week, 2017 and 5-year average) showed: corn harvested for grain, 57, 46, 55, 52; soybeans harvested, 74, 65, 83, 82; winter wheat planted, 89, 81, 95, 95; winter wheat emerged, 61, 48, 87, 80; dry beans harvested, 95, 92, 93, 96; sugarbeets harvested, 74, 58, 62, 69.
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