Michigan Ag Connection - Michigan Farmers Deal with Muggy Weather

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Michigan Farmers Deal with Muggy Weather
Michigan Ag Connection - 07/25/2017

There were 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork in Michigan during the week ending Sunday, according to Marlo Johnson, director of the Great Lakes Regional Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Muggy weather was prevalent this week, with temperatures ranging from average to above average across most of the State. The weekend brought widespread, scattered showers and cooler temperatures to the region, although more rain was needed to support crop growth. An abnormally dry band persisted, stretching from St Joseph to Oakland County. The warm weather continued to benefit the corn crop and tasseling is now evident in most fields. There had been some reports of corn rootworm beetles in non-bt corn fields. Soybeans continued to thrive with many fields setting pods; some areas received herbicide and nitrogen applications, where necessary. Many operators took advantage of ideal weather conditions to make significant progress on wheat harvest. While some producers were able to wrap up harvest and follow up with manure applications, others were delayed by rain late in the week. Pre-harvest sprout in wheat was a concern for some farmers. Alfalfa and dry hay harvest similarly advanced with the dry weather and most first cuttings approached completion.

Recent rain events helped to alleviate drought concerns with fruit growers, and allowed apples and pears to continue to size well, but some growers expressed frustration that fungicides have washed off in the rain, leaving fruit crops vulnerable to disease. Harvest of early peach and plum varieties continued in southern counties; quality has been reported as good with only minor disease problems. Sweet cherry harvest was wrapping up across the State. Tart cherry harvest in the Southwest and West Central was winding down while harvest pace was ramping up in the Northwest. Blueberry harvest was in full swing across the State; fruit quality was reported to be excellent, but size was small in some fields where berry numbers were high and leaf counts were low. Raspberry harvest continued while blackberry harvest was starting in the southwest. Grapes were at berry touch; there were reports of powdery mildew in grapes in Saginaw County. Spotted wing Drosophila trap counts jumped significantly in recent weeks to levels not normally seen in July; growers continued to monitor and spray for this pest, as ripening fruits of susceptible crops were at risk of infestation.

Carrots in the West Central were developing fungal diseases earlier than normal. The majority of asparagus fields in the area were ferning out. Fungal diseases were the main problem and growers were encouraged to continue the use of foliar fungicide programs. Cucumber harvest was ongoing across the State with many growers reporting good quality. Mechanical pickle harvest began on early planted fields. Late pickle field planting continued. Sweet corn harvest from early planted fields began. Watermelon and muskmelon growers were advised to scout for downy mildew and apply preventative fungicide as needed. Late blight (Phytophthora infestans) was found in St. Joseph County potatoes on July 7, 2017. Potato and tomato growers statewide were advised to be vigilant in scouting efforts and application of preventative fungicides. Overall, the potato crop was reported to be in excellent condition with harvest expected to begin soon in the Southwest. Fresh market tomato, pepper, and eggplant harvest continued.

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