Wheat Watchers week of April 14, 2025
Print
EmailSee how the wheat crop is progressing across the state this week.
Welcome to the third week 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, this week reporters are seeing wheat stands in good condition ranging in Feekes growth stage 3-5, with the southern part of Michigan just starting to hit Feekes 5.
Southwest region
We had one wheat watcher reporting from southwest region in Barry County near Hickory Corners. Wheat is at Feekes 4-5. There has been little to no field work over the past week because of wet conditions, and more wet weather is in the forecast. The watcher is starting to see what they believe to be very light powdery mildew in one field.
Southeast region
We had one wheat watcher reporting from Jackson County near Jackson. Wheat has reached Feekes 4-5. A short, dry window this past week allowed some growers to continue putting out nitrogen and herbicides. The standing water from previous rains has cleared up.
East central (Thumb) region
We had two wheat watchers reporting from the Thumb in Huron County, one near Elkton and one near Ubly. Wheat is at Feekes 3. Some nitrogen application has occurred, particularly on the west side of the Thumb. As long as the fields stay dry enough, green up applications of nitrogen should be finished up in the next week or so. The watcher near Elkton is also reporting some purpling of wheat due to recent cold weather.
Central region
We had three wheat watchers reporting from the central region: one from Ingham County near Mason, one from Saginaw County near Richville and one from Shiawassee County near Owosso. Wheat is at Feekes 3-4 and green up.
Near Mason, most of the first nitrogen applications have been completed but no herbicide has been applied because of low temperatures. As warm weather is in the forecast, herbicide applications will begin to occur. There is also low weed pressure and no insect pressure. Some speckled snow mold and pink snow mold is being seen.
The first nitrogen has been on for three weeks now on wheat near Owosso. There is some wheat that has excessive growth and may be too thick.
There has been some field work near Richville, but it has been slow due to wet conditions. Purpling in the leaves due to the recent colder temperatures is being seen.
West central region
We had one wheat watcher reporting from the west central region in Newaygo County near Fremont. Wheat is at approximately Feekes 3. About half of the wheat acres have received nitrogen in the area, but the ground has been too wet if you didn’t catch it on the frozen mornings to get out there.
North region
We had no wheat watchers reporting from the northern area this week.
Notes from Dennis Pennington, MSU wheat systems specialist
This weather has been good for the wheat crop and overall wheat is looking good across the state. You can find some weeds and disease if you look carefully. Crop scouting is recommended to know what is happening in your fields.
