West central Michigan field crop regional report – May 30, 2013

Very little planting progress this week and more delays expected in the west central region.

Weather

Another batch of rain showers slowed field work. A few were able to get into sandy, well-drained fields on Memorial Day (Monday, May 27). The following day, Tuesday, May 28, brought another 2 to 3 inches of rainfall with more rain forecasted for the remainder of the week. Temperatures have been relatively cool with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s. Soil temperatures have remained well-above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for the past week.

Crops

Corn planting is still intended on many farms. Approximately 85 percent of the crop is in with more yet to be planted. Planted fields are emerging with many fields at V2 and some V4. Corn planting will likely continue over the next few weeks across the region.

Wheat varies in growth stages; it is not uncommon to find fields in Feekes growth stage 8 and other fields in boot. Leaf diseases such as powdery mildew are present, but do not appear to be threatening the flag leaf in most cases I have observed. Nitrogen loss or the lack of nitrogen application is still an issue in many fields.

Even though armyworm monitoring traps have indicated likely low levels of this pest, Michigan State University Extension advises that it is still necessary to be observant for signs of feeding injury as fields are scouted.

Alfalfa is 20 to 27 inches in height and is beginning to bud. Alfalfa weevil pressure is generally low. No potato leafhoppers have been observed.

Soybean planting is 45 to 50 percent complete. Early planted fields have emerged and are at the cotyledon to first trifoliate stage.

True armyworm and black cutworm adult moth captures remain very low in pheromone traps this week.

Other Michigan State University Extension field crop regional reports from this week:

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