Michiana July crop update

 

After months of drought, recent heavy rains helped spring Michiana commodity crops into good shape. 

In Indiana, while corn silking was slightly behind the five-year average, nearly 75 percent of the crop was rated in good or excellent condition.

Soybean blooming was slightly ahead of the recent average, with around 70 percent of the crop rated in good or excellent condition.

While most of the winter wheat across the state has reached maturity, the heavy rain did slow harvesting. It is now slightly behind the five-year average, and almost exactly where we were last year at the start of July.

If any state REALLY needed the heavy rain, it was Michigan. Corn was a major beneficiary across the Mitten State. Corn rated good or excellent is running ahead of this time in 2020.

Soybean conditions improved slightly, but the dried bean crop condition fell due to water damage. Farmers are also reported increased weed pressure this year. 

Flooding did not have major impacts on Michigan fruit farmers. Blueberries, tart cherries, and peaches are progressing nicely with harvesting either already in progress or expected to begin soon.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast for most of this week. Hopefully, farmers get the rain without any more severe weather.