Rains bring relief to drought-stressed crops

Crop conditions showed some improvement last week following widespread rain in Michigan.

As of last Sunday, the USDA says 10 percent of soybeans are blooming with 30 percent in good to excellent condition while corn is rated at 33 percent.  Dry beans are 85 percent emerged with the crop rated 55 percent good to excellent.

Winter wheat condition dropped to 25 percent good to excellent with 22 percent mature.  Sugarbeets are rated 52 percent good to excellent. 

Fruit growers are hand-thinning apples and peaches, and some tart cherry harvest has begun. 

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