Michigan heat advances crops

Hot dry weather last week led to abnormally dry conditions along parts of Lake Michigan’s shoreline.

As of Sunday, the USDA says all sugarbeets have been planted and 95 percent emerged.  Corn and soybeans are 80 percent planted, still ahead of last year and the five-year average.

Winter wheat condition dropped to 54 percent good to excellent with 89 percent jointed.  Alfalfa’s first cutting is 19 percent finished.

Caleb Coulter with American Apple and Asparagus tells Brownfield bloom has been surprising after last year’s record crop.

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