The cool weather and damp soils are delaying field work throughout the east central region.
Posted on April 24, 2014 by Dan Rossman, Michigan State University Extension
Weather
On Monday, April 21, a limited amount of field work and planting took place, but it quickly ended with a small amount of rain and colder temperatures. Fields may appear dry on the surface, but are too wet underneath in most cases to begin field work. We are still about two weeks behind normal and the forecasts call for more cool weather throughout the rest of April and early May. More patience is needed.
Commodity reports
Wheat conditions are mixed. Wheat planted on time on land with a little slope looks good. Late planted wheat and wheat on flat land has spotty areas of thin, slow growing, or dead wheat. There will likely be fields worked up and planted to a spring crop. Nitrogen applications have began on some of the drier fields.
Sugarbeet planting has begun in a few areas. Most field activity is still very limited.
Alfalfa is showing more new growth. It appears to be in good condition.
Corn and soybean planting has had no noticeable progress.
Other Michigan State University Extension field crop regional reports from this week:
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