Wheat Watchers week of April 28, 2025
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EmailSee how the wheat crop is progressing across the state this week.
Enjoy this installment of Wheat Watchers! This report will come out weekly until most of the state hits flower and then will switch to bi-weekly until most of the state has harvested. This report is only possible because of our agribusiness and farmers who participate as wheat watchers. If you are interested in being a wheat watcher, especially if you see your area isn’t represented, please reach out to Michigan State University Extension field crops educator Jenna Falor at falorjen@msu.edu.
Overall, wheat stands are in good condition ranging in Feekes growth stages 4-7. One concern brought up by multiple wheat watchers is that many areas are getting a bit dry, and the wheat could use a good rain.
Southwest region
We had two wheat watchers reporting from the southwest region: one from Barry County near Hickory Corners and one from Allegan County near Wayland. Wheat is reported to be at Feekes 6-7. The watcher in St. Joseph County is reporting wheat at a Feekes 7. Some fungicide application has been occurring. In the St. Joseph County area, some powdery mildew has been seen along with cereal leaf beetle adults and some aphids.
The watcher near Wayland is reporting Feekes 6. Most herbicide applications are complete and those who split their spring nitrogen are making their second passes. Some powdery mildew has been found. Herbicides are working but not quickly. Some fields without a nitrogen application are starting to show signs of stress.
Southeast region
We had two wheat watchers reporting from the southeast: one from Jackson County near Jackson and one from Monroe County near Ida. The watcher near Ida is reporting wheat is at a Feekes 7-9 and that the second shot of nitrogen has been completed. Herbicide application and foliar feeding occurred over the weekend. The ground is getting dry, which is good for planting corn and beans, but not great for the wheat, which could use some moisture.
The watcher near Jackson is reporting Feekes 6. Similar to the other watcher, most spring herbicide and fertilizer applications have been completed.
East central (Thumb) region
We had one wheat watcher reporting from the Thumb in Huron County near Ubly. Wheat is at Feekes 4-5. There have been nitrogen applications made over the past week and herbicide applications have been occurring as well. The wheat is really starting to take off and some of the plants that had signs of stress seem to be growing out of it.
Central region
We had three wheat watchers reporting from the central region: one from Ingham County near Mason, one from Saginaw County near Richville and one from Gratiot County near Middleton. The watcher in Saginaw County is reporting Feekes 4-5 with spring fertilizer and herbicides starting to wrap up. The watcher near Middleton reports wheat has reached Feekes 6 and top dress fertilization was finished up last week. They also reported a possible frost concern in low-lying areas from a very cool night last week. Overall, both watchers report wheat looking good around central Michigan and the Bay area.
The watcher near Mason is reporting wheat at a late Feekes 5 to mid-Feekes 6 range. Most herbicides, plant growth regulators and early fungicides have been completed along with most of the second application of nitrogen. There is some weed pressure in fields and some low levels of septoria. The Mason wheat watcher is concerned about dry conditions but so far the wheat is holding up well.
West central region
We had one wheat watcher reporting from the west central region in Mason County near Scottville. Wheat is at Feekes 4. The first pass of nitrogen and sulfur have been applied and herbicide applications have also occurred. The region has been having a cooler start to spring than normal.
North region
We had no wheat watchers reporting from the northern area this week.
Other notes from Dennis Pennington, MSU wheat systems specialist
Powdery mildew has been reported in the state, though I have not seen any in the Mason area yet. The national drought monitor shows parts of central/mid-Michigan through the Saginaw Bay area under abnormally dry as well as D1 and D2 drought, but wheat has been handling it well so far. The picture below is a plant that has been dissected. In the red box you can see the first node and if you look carefully with a hand lens, you can see the tiny developing head. Feekes 6 occurs when the node is about a half-inch above the base of the stem. At this point, the node hasn’t swollen yet to form the bump on the stem. Once you can feel the bump, you are about halfway between Feekes 6 and 7.
If you are unsure how to stage Feekes 6-7, here is a video to help:
