Wheat watchers week of April 29, 2024
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EmailSee how the wheat crop is progressing across the state this week.
This is week five 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 5-9.
Southwest region
We had three wheat watchers reporting in from 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 7 in Allegan and Barry counties with Allegan reporting they are starting to transition to Feekes 6.0. The watcher in St. Joseph County is reporting anywhere from a Feekes 8.0 to Feekes 9.0 across the area. All wheat watchers are reporting herbicide applications have been completed across the area. If a split application of spring nitrogen is going to be applied, it is now getting applied as field conditions allow. The wheat watcher in St. Joseph County is reporting no fungicide is being applied yet that they are aware of. Finally, all wheat watchers say that the warm conditions continue to push development along.
If you are interested in receiving southwest Michigan crop updates, MSU Extension field crops educator Nicolle Ritchie puts out a weekly update through MSU Extension Field Crops News.
Southeast region
We had one wheat watcher reporting from Jackson County near Rives Junction reporting mostly Feekes 7-8. They are seeing some foliar diseases across the area following the recent rains. Powdery mildew is prominent on lower leaves and some other leaf lesions are appearing across the area.
East central (Thumb) region
We had three wheat watchers reporting from the Thumb: Two from Huron County near Ubly and Elkton and one from Tuscola County near Cass City. Wheat in the Thumb has reached Feekes 5-6 across most of the area. Most of the first pass of spring nitrogen is complete across the area with farmers looking to apply herbicide soon. The recent cooler, wet and windy weather has created issues with getting herbicide out. Additionally, no fungicides or plant growth regulators have been applied across the area.
Central region
We had four wheat watchers reporting in from the central region: One from Isabella County near Mount Pleasant, one from Ingham County near Mason and two from Saginaw County with one near Frankenmuth and one near Chesaning. Wheat is reported at Feekes 6-8. The watcher near Mason is reporting seeing Feekes 5-7 across the area.
The watchers near Mount Pleasant and Frankenmuth are reporting Feekes 6-7, the watcher near Chesaning is reporting Feekes 7 and the watcher near Mason is reporting Feekes 7-8. The watcher near Mount Pleasant is reporting that if a split nitrogen application is occurring this spring, the second pass is starting to happen but is delayed by wet weather. The watcher near Frankenmuth is reporting that they are seeing powdery mildew, and that fungicide is being applied.
The reporter near Chesaning is seeing that most herbicide applications have been completed and that the second round of spring nitrogen will be going on soon. They are seeing a decline in powdery mildew but aren’t sure if it’s a result of fungicide applications or if recent weather has helped.
The wheat watcher near Mason is reporting that the second application of spring nitrogen has been occurring and that most farms that do so have applied herbicide. They are still finding some powdery mildew but otherwise the disease pressure is low. Additionally, the watcher near Mason is reporting that they are seeing some nitrogen deficiency appearing in lower leaves where nitrogen applications have been delayed. Wet field conditions have been limiting across the whole area.
West central region
We had one wheat watcher reporting from the west central region located in Mason County. They are reporting that fieldwork came to a halt over the weekend as from Saturday to Monday they received 2 inches of rain.
North region
We had no wheat watchers reporting from the northern area this week.
Notes from Dennis Pennington, MSU wheat systems specialist
Follow MSU Weed Guide for recommendations on herbicide application. Much of the crop across the state is past Feekes 6, which is the cutoff for some herbicides. Pennington is seeing and hearing of low disease pressure this year. Some farms are now making the choice to skip a herbicide application due to low weed pressure and rapid development of the crop.
