West central Michigan field crop regional report – May 23, 2013
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EmailRapid progress followed by more rain delays in the west central region.
Weather
After several days of warm, summer-like weather and significant progress in field work, growers get a few days off just in time for the holiday weekend. Rain showers on Monday, May 20, through Thursday, May 23, have yielded from 1 to 3 inches of rain across the west central region. Temperatures reached highs in the upper 70s to mid-80s for most of the week. Soil temperatures have remained well above 50 degrees for the past week.
Crops
Corn planting has occurred rapidly this week with a significant portion (80 to 85 percent) of the crop now planted. Several fields are emerging with the most advanced fields at V2. There are still many fields and portions of fields that were intended to go to corn that are once again waterlogged. Corn planting will likely continue over the next few weeks across the region.
Wheat is at Feekes growth stage 7 with a few fields approaching Feekes 8. Nitrogen loss or the lack of nitrogen application is apparent in many fields.
Alfalfa is 16 to 20 inches in height. Fields should be scouted for alfalfa weevil as this pest will become more active in the coming week. New seedings are emerging.
Soybean planting is 40 to 50 percent complete. Several fields have emerged.
No true armyworm adult moths were captured this week and no black cutworm adult moths were caught in pheromone traps this week.
Other Michigan State University Extension field crop regional reports from this week:
