Wheat Watchers Week of July 9, 2025

See how the wheat crop is progressing across the state this week.

A sectioned-off map of Michigan
The Michigan wheat watcher zones. Map source: https://gisgeography.com/michigan-county-map/

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. 

A harvested wheat field.
Photo by Christine Charles, MSU Extension. 
A human hand holding a few wheat kernels.
Photo by Nicolle Ritchie, MSU Extension. 

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. 

Physiologically mature wheat
Photo by Madelyn Celovsky, MSU Extension. 
Harvested wheat viewed through the windshield of a tractor.
Photo by Brad Kamprath. 

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. 

Physiologically mature wheat.
Photo by Jenna Falor, MSU Extension. 

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.  

 

Did you find this article useful?