Wheat Watchers Week of June 9, 2025
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EmailSee how the wheat crop is progressing across the state this week.
Enjoy this installment of Wheat Watchers! 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 harvested. This report is only possible because of our agribusiness 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, reporters are seeing wheat stands in good condition with growth stages ranging from Feekes 10.5.1 to 11.1.
Southwest region
We had two wheat watchers reporting from the southwest region: one in Barry County near Hickory Corners and one in St. Joseph County near Centerville. Wheat is at Feekes 10.5.4-11.1. Generally, the crop looks good, especially within fields that were able to get a timely fungicide application. Some powdery mildew is developing on wheat heads in St. Joseph County.
Southeast region
We had two wheat watchers reporting from the southeast region: one in Jackson County near Jackson and the other in Monroe County near Ida. Wheat is at Feekes 10.5 and towards the end of flowering. All fungicide applications that they planned have been applied, and the rain they just received was very needed. Stripe rust and leaf rust has been observed in wheat in Jackson County. The recent weather and current conditions pose the risk of these diseases spreading.
East central (Thumb) region
We had one wheat watcher reporting from the Thumb in Sanilac County near Brown City. Wheat is at Feekes 10.5.1. Wheat across the region looks good despite drought conditions in areas. Upcoming rain will be important for grain fill.
Central region
We had two wheat watchers reporting from the central region: one in Montcalm County hear Stanton and one in Saginaw County near Richville. Wheat is at Feekes 10.5.1-10.5.3. Some farmers are still applying fungicides, though many have already finished. For those still applying fungicide into the weekend, watch the forecast for scattered showers and be aware of the rain-free period required for fungicides to be effective.
Despite mild drought conditions, the watcher in Montcalm County says the wheat crop looks excellent in general because of timely irrigation. The watcher in Saginaw County says they’re continuing to catch true armyworm moths in their green bucket trap. Overall, their wheat crop is looking good.
West central region
We had one wheat watcher reporting from Newaygo County near Newaygo. Wheat is at Feekes 10.5-10.5.3, with fungicides applications in progress. Cool nights and smog have kept ground temperatures cool. The wheat could use some rain to move it along.
North region
We had no wheat watchers reporting from the northern area this week.
A note on fusarium risk
The Fusarium Risk Tool shows low infection risk for head scab in Michigan, with a few very small medium risk spots along Michigan’s western border.