Wheat Watchers Week of July 9, 2025
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EmailSee how the wheat crop is progressing across the state this week.
Enjoy this installment of Wheat Watchers! Our next report will be the final harvest report of the season. Look for it in three to four weeks. This report is only possible because of our agribusiness and farmers who participate as wheat watchers.
Overall, wheat stands in Michigan are in good condition. All the wheat is reported as mature and just waiting on dry down.
Southwest region
We had two wheat watchers reporting from the southwest region: one from Barry County near Hickory Corners and one from St. Joseph County near Centreville. Wheat is at Feekes 11.3 (physiological maturity) to 11.4 (ready for harvest). The watcher in Barry County is seeing pretty good yields at 100-120 bushels per acre. Both watchers note the recent rain has slowed harvest and could potentially cause quality issues.
Southeast region
We had two wheat watchers reporting from the southeast: one from Monroe County near Ida and one from Jackson County near Jackson. Wheat is at Feekes 11.3-11.4 and harvest has begun. The watcher near Ida reports a local elevator is testing for vomitoxin and test weights have been a little disappointing. The watcher in Jackson reports yields and quality have been good, though there is some lodged wheat across the area that has created some harvesting challenges.
East central (Thumb) region
We had three wheat watchers reporting from the Thumb: two in Huron County near Ubly and Elkton, and one in Sanilac County near Peck. Wheat is at Feekes 11.3-11.4. There have been a few early planted fields coming off on the west side of the Thumb. The watcher near Ubly reports harvest began in the area Wednesday.
Central region
We had two wheat watchers reporting from the central region: one from Gratiot County near Middleton and one from Saginaw County near Richville. Wheat is at Feekes 11.3-11.4. The watcher near Richville reports harvest has begun and the watcher near Middleton reports harvest should be starting end of this week or the beginning of next week.
West central region
We had no wheat watchers reporting from the west central area this week.
North region
We had no wheat watchers reporting from the northern area this week.
Notes from Dennis Pennington
Fusarium head blight levels have been very low across the state. There has been some sooty mold reported but this does not create a quality or yield concern. If the frequent rain continues as we come into harvest, falling numbers could become an issue. There are multiple elevators offering free drying starting at different moistures to try to get ahead of potential falling number issues with rain at harvest time. Contact your local elevator to see if they are offering an option like this.
