Wheat Watchers week of April 21, 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, this week reporters are seeing wheat stands in good condition, ranging in Feekes growth stage 3-6.
Southwest region
We had two wheat watchers reporting from the southwest region: one from Barry County near Hickory Corners and one from St. Joseph County near Centreville. Wheat is at Feekes 5-6. Some wheat fields near Centreville are jointing already, but this is not representative overall, however most likely it will be by the end of the week. Wheat near Hickory Corners is at a solid Feeke’s 6. Both watchers report fertilizer applications have continued this week, with herbicide applications occurring in Barry County as well. There has been some powdery mildew reported, but very spotty and light pressure.
Southeast region
We had two wheat watchers reporting: one from Jackson County near Jackson and one from Monroe County near Ida. Wheat near Ida is at Feekes 6 and is looking great. The second pass of nitrogen is currently occurring. Wheat near Jackson is at Feekes 5, with some winter annual weed pressure occurring quickly as the temperatures increase.
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 4. A lot of nitrogen applications have been made over the past week. The cold weather across the area has slowed growth, particularly along the lakeshores, but wheat seems to have started taking off during the first part of this week.
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 Saginaw County near Chesaning. Wheat in Saginaw County is at Feekes 4-5. The watcher near Chesaning reports many growers have applied nitrogen but not all. Not much herbicide has been applied in the area as it still has been colder and the weeds are still emerging. The watcher is also reporting no drowned-out areas, even in the non-tiled fields; however, the rain event at the beginning of the month has produced some signs of water stress.
The watcher near Richville reports early fertilization is complete, as are many herbicide applications.
Wheat near Mason is at Feekes 5-6. The watcher reports most early applications of nitrogen are complete with those who are doing a split application beginning the second application. There has been some powdery mildew but, overall, very low disease pressure.
West central region
We had two wheat watchers reporting from the west central region: one in Newaygo County near Fremont and one in Mason County near Scottville. Wheat is at approximately Feekes 3-4. The watcher in Newaygo is reporting Feekes 4, with most nitrogen applications complete. They are not seeing weed or insect pressure but anticipate that with warmer weather over the next 10 days, they may see herbicide applications starting. They are also reporting soil temperatures in the low 50s, with some areas having no field work done yet and some ponding that is quickly receding.
The watcher near Scottville is reporting Feekes 3-4 with wheat only breaking dormancy merely 10 days ago. All the first round of nitrogen and sulfur have been applied. A few wheat fields have annual blue grass pressure and will likely need a herbicide application. They have been further behind the bulk of the state because of cooler than normal temperatures that are lagging 15 degrees or so behind many others.
North region
We had no wheat watchers reporting from the northern area this week.
Other notes from Dennis Pennington, MSU wheat systems specialist
With the warmer temperatures this week, wheat is quickly moving into the jointing stages of growth. This marks the rapid uptake phase for nitrogen. Scout wheat fields weekly to keep track of any disease issues. Timing for plant growth regulators is between Feekes 5 and 7, which means it is go-time for many wheat growers. If you wait too long, you may miss your window of opportunity. With high biomass and adequate nitrogen supplies comes the risk of lodging.
If you are unsure how to stage Feekes 6-7, here is a video to help:
