Lighter precipitation allowed growers to make significant progress on
planting this week, according to the USDA, NASS, Great Lakes Region.
Despite the lack of significant rain in most areas, cool temperatures left
some fields too wet to work on and slowed germination. Temperatures
were below average for the week for nearly all regions of the state. Days
suitable for fieldwork was 4.5 with the lack of heavy rain.
Regionally, winter wheat was 28% headed in the North, 57% in Central
and 84% in the South. By region, corn was 89% planted in the North,
86% in Central, and 92% in the South. By region, corn was 64% emerged
in the North, 57% in Central, and 73% in the South. Soybeans planted
was 59% complete in the North, 57% in Central, and 63% in the South.
Emergence in the corn and soybean crop has continued steady progress
in most areas, though cool temperatures may be having a slightly negative
effect. Fields that were “mudded in” show noticeably poorer stands and
some replanting may be necessary. Farmers have begun to side dress
corn in some fields. Corn planting is basically finished except for seed
corn and low lying or poorly drained fields. Winter wheat condition is
largely unchanged from the previous week, though jointing and heading
progress are both behind the 5 year average.
Hay growth was helped by the previous week’s rains, though farmers are unable to cut hay in many areas due to the low temperatures leaving fields damp. Overnight frosts
in many areas threatened some fruit, berry, and melon crops, but the extent of the damage is not known at this point. Other activities for the week included spraying for weeds, applying fertilizer, tilling fields, and transplanting vegetables into fields.
