West central Michigan field crop regional report – May 28, 2015
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EmailCorn planting has virtually finished and soybean planting is nearing completion.
Weather
Air temperatures were highly variable this week with highs ranging from 56 degrees Fahrenheit Wednesday, May 20, to 80 F Tuesday, May 26, in Entrican, Michigan. Low temperatures ranged from 34.5 F Saturday, May 23, to 61.6 F Tuesday, May 26. Low soil temperatures range from the low 50s to low 60s.
Rainfall totals for the week were generally light with most areas receiving between 0.5-0.75 inches May 25-26. Soil conditions remain variable with some soils too wet to work.
Crops
Corn planting is all but finished with 98 percent of the crop planted in the region. Early planted corn is at V4, the majority is at V2 to V3. Stands are very good.
Soybeans are emerging and early planted soybeans have first unifoliate leaves. Planting progress is estimated at 85-90 percent.
Wheat is at Feekes 9-10 with a few fields breaking boot. Levels of leaf disease have been quite low in all wheat so far this season, even those that did not receive a fungicide application early. Growers planning to apply fungicides for the prevention of Fusarium head scab will need to begin preparations to do so as timing application for flowering is important.
Dry bean planting has begun with less than 5 percent of the crop planted. Soil temperatures are adequate but cooler weather is expected later this week. Rapid germination and emergence is important to avoid root rot infection. Michigan State University Extension recommends waiting until soils temperature reach a consistent 60 F or higher and moisture conditions are suitable before planting dry beans.
Insects
We continue to catch only low numbers of true armyworm and black cutworm moths this week. Low catch numbers does not mean there is zero threat, however. MSU Extension still recommends scouting for these pests as decisions on pesticide applications should be based on scouting reports and observations of larvae activity.
Remember that proper pest identification is an important part of pest scouting.
