East Central Michigan field crop regional report – June 19, 2014

Dan Rossman, Michigan State University Extension -

Crops are off to a slow but good start. Recent rains have prevented ample moisture.

Weather

Rainfall for June 18-19 was 0.71 inches recorded at the Michigan State University Ithaca Enviro-weather station. Across the area, rainfall was 0.5 to well over 1 inch of rain. This has provided plenty of moisture for the stage the crops are in and will prevent any spraying or other field activity for a few days.

Commodity reports

Corn overall is looking good, although it was planted late and is behind. Corn planted May 6 is between knee- and waist-high and is filling the rows. Some additional corn was planted on Mother’s Day, May 11, but most of the corn was planted near Memorial Day weekend, May 24-26, and is just about 6 inches tall.

Black cut worm caused damage in a few late planted fields. Sandhill crane damage was a surprise in one field, totally destroying a perfect stand to less than 10 percent in about 20 acres. A seed treatment to repel the cranes is the common control.

Corn planted May 6 Corn planted Memorial Day
Left, Corn planted May 6 filling the rows in Gratiot County on June 19, 2014. Right, Corn planted near Memorial Day about 6 inches tall in Gratiot County on June 19, 2014. Photo credits: Dan Rossman, MSU Extension

Sandhill crane damage Sandhill crane damage
Corn damaged by sandhill cranes in Shiawassee County on June 18, 2014. Photo credits: Dan Rossman, MSU Extension

Soybeans were planted the last week in May. Many fields are in the first trifoliate stage. Most stands are good. A few were planted in dry soils resulting in some irregularity. Weed control is a challenge. The frequent rain showers have prevented timely herbicide applications. Glyphosate-resistant marestail is common. Lambsquarter has escaped control in several fields.

Soybeans with weed escapes
Soybeans with weed escapes in Gratiot County on June 19, 2014. Photo credit: Dan Rossman, MSU Extension

Wheat is in good condition. So far, foliar and head diseases have not yet begun to show symptoms.

Alfalfa second cutting is 6-18 inches tall. Most fields are now looking good with plenty of moisture. Insect activity appears to be minimal at this time. Leafhoppers could start to be a concern in a couple of weeks.

Second cutting alfalfa
Second cutting alfalfa in Gratiot County on June 19, 2014. Photo credit: Dan Rossman, MSU Extension

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

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