Farmers Work to Harvest Crops Ahead of First Frost
Published: Friday, October 18, 2019
The following is from the Michigan Field Office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending Oct. 13.
Cooler temperatures and wet conditions continued to be prevalent across much of the state. There were 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork.
There were reports of light frosts in certain areas of the Lower Peninsula. The cooler temperatures continued to delay crop progress and maturity in later planted corn fields. However, the harvest continued in areas where the weather permitted.
The soybean harvest was in full swing in the drier areas across the state; yields were reported to be variable.
Farmers were also able to make good progress in the dry bean harvest; there were no reports of concerns towards poor yields or other major issues.
In the Thumb, the sugarbeet harvest continued to lag behind the five-year average, due to the persistent wet weather.
Pasture and range conditions remained stagnant during the course of the week, however, there were less reports of flooding.
Other activities included the planting of winter wheat and the cutting of alfalfa where the weather permitted.
Fruit
Apple harvest continued at full speed aided by excellent harvest weather. In most cases, growers were able to stay on schedule and harvest continued well.
On the Ridge over 75 percent of apples were harvested. Jonathan and Jonagold harvest was nearly complete. Golden Delicious and Red Delicious were harvested.
In the Northwest, Honeycrisp was being harvested in most orchards. Apples overall were of excellent size and quality.
In the Southwest, Red Delicious harvest was wrapping up with Fuji and Ida Red next in line. Golden Delicious harvest was almost complete.
In the East, Golden Delicious was harvested. Rome, Autumn Gala, CandyCrisp and EverCrisp harvest began. Red Delicious harvest began on some farms. Empire harvest concluded.
In the West Central, most growers were about 50 percent complete with harvest. Honeycrisp and Jonagold harvest was nearly complete. Rome and Golden Delicious harvest began.
Topsoil moisture was rated very short, 0 percent; short, 2 percent; adequate, 55 percent; surplus, 43 percent.
Subsoil moisture was rated very short, 0 percent; short, 3 percent; adequate, 66 percent; surplus, 31 percent.
The crop progress schedule (last week, previous week, 2018 and 5-year average) showed: corn, dented 87, 82, 100, 98; corn, mature 44, 31, 86, 80; corn, harvested for grain 7, 4, 19, 16; corn, harvested for silage 59, 42, 92, 88; soybeans, dropping leaves 83, 69, 92, 95; soybeans, harvested 18, 8, 22, 36; winter wheat, planted 47, 28, 39, 55; winter wheat, emerged 21, 11, 23, 31; dry beans, harvested 53, 26, 67, 78; alfalfa hay, third cutting 81, 78, 99, 94; other hay, third cutting 46, 45, 97, 85; sugarbeets, harvested 18, 14, 37, 30.
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