Michigan: Wheat harvest expected earlier

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Michigan: Wheat harvest expected earlier

A wheat specialist says the harvest in Michigan could begin up to two weeks earlier than normal.

Dennis Pennington of Michigan State University Extension believes that brownfield yield losses are likely to be lower in post-bloom plants due to recent hot, humid weather.

“Most Michigan wheat crops were probably at least 50 percent mature by the time these high temperatures and humidity hit, and some were even a little further along,” he says.

He recommends that farmers harvest early and at higher moisture levels when weather could be a problem.

“If frequent rains are expected in the long-term forecast, it is even more important to harvest as early as possible,” he suggests. “There is a small drying fee, but sometimes there are some fruit and vegetable silos that will actually cover the drying costs because they encourage growers to get out and harvest early.”

AUDIO: Dennis Pennington, Michigan State University Extension

The USDA says Michigan’s winter wheat is 76 percent good to excellent and 17 percent mature, above last year and the five-year average.

Ninety-seven percent of the corn has now emerged and 71 percent of the crop is rated good to excellent. Ninety-eight percent of the soybeans are planted, 91 percent have emerged and two percent are flowering, with 62 percent of the crop rated good to excellent.

Dry beans are 91 percent planted, 83 percent have emerged and 62 percent have a good to excellent crop. Sugar beets are 70 percent good to excellent. The first cut of alfalfa is 71 percent complete and the second cut is at six percent.

Because of the rapid development, the apple harvest is expected about a week earlier than normal, while cherry and blueberry harvests have already begun in the southern part of the state. More Michigan vegetables are coming to market, with downy mildew being closely monitored.