Wheat watchers week of April 22, 2024
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EmailSee how the wheat crop is progressing across the state this week.
This is week four of this season’s wheat watchers and things are progressing. This report will come out weekly until most of the state hits flower and then will switch to bi-weekly until most of the state has harvest. This report is only possible because of our agribusinesses and farmers who participate as wheat watchers. If you are interested in being a wheat watcher, especially if you see your area isn’t represented, please reach out to Michigan State University Extension field crops educator Jenna Falor at falorjen@msu.edu.
Overall, this week reporters are seeing wheat stands in good condition ranging in Feekes growth stage 4-7. This means that the crop has moved past green-up, fertilizer is being applied and we are at a critical time for herbicide application.
Southwest region
We had three wheat watchers reporting from the southwest region: one from St. Joseph County near Centreville, one from Allegan County and one from Barry County near Hickory Corners. Wheat is reported to be at Feekes 6-7 with a slowdown in some fields because of the weather. Herbicide has been completed and the second pass of split nitrogen application will be starting soon. None of them reported additional disease or insect concerns.
Southeast region
We had two wheat watchers reporting from Jackson County near Rives Junction and Monroe County near Ida. The watcher in Monroe County is reporting Feekes 7, while the watcher in Jackson County is reporting mostly Feekes 6. The reporter near Monroe County is reporting a second nitrogen application around the rain events. With nice weather predicted in the next week, the nitrogen applications will get wrapped up. The watcher in Jackson County reports herbicide applications have been delayed by wet and cold conditions. No major disease conditions reported.
East central (Thumb) region
We had two wheat watchers reporting from the Thumb: One from Huron County near Ubly and one from Sanilac County near Deckerville. The wheat in the Thumb is still in Feekes 4-5 with much of the first nitrogen application going on if split application. Some herbicide is being applied, but many farms are waiting too due to the colder weather. The cooler weather has slower field work and the development of the wheat. Overall weed pressure is low with some chickweed being reported as the primary concern.
Central region
We had five wheat watchers reporting from the central region: one in Isabella County near Mt. Pleasant, one from Saginaw County near Frankenmuth, one from Gratiot County near Middleton, one from Montcalm County near Trufant and one from Ingham County near Mason. Wheat is reported at Feekes 5-7. There is a spread of nitrogen application with some having completed the first application and others having completed both if a split nitrogen application is planned. The watchers near Middleton is reporting wheat is in great condition with no heavy rains to impact nitrogen application.
In the Frankenmuth area, some disease is present noting powdery mildew development. The watcher around Mt. Pleasant has also seen some powdery mildew but has more concern on well-timed herbicide applications due to the chickweed and purple deadnettle in the fields. The watcher from Trufant noted a similar observation for the weed pressure and species but added that the colder temperatures had slowed down development.
There has been rain in the central Michigan area, but little ponding has occurred. Where ponding has been observed, farms have been encouraged to check drainage or impactions. There is quite a bit of variability in growth stages present in the area. Planting date seems to be a big factor.
West central region
We had one wheat watcher reporting from the west central region located in Mason County. Wheat has reached Feekes 6. The colder temperatures have stalled wheat growth and herbicide applications. They could also use some rain. No other pest concerns were reported.
North region
We had no wheat watchers reporting from the northern area this week.