What’s Going on With Michigan Crops?

USDA published the latest Crop Progress report on Monday, Aug. 4. Here’s a closer look at recent weather and the status of Michigan’s most important crops in early August.

Weather

Nicolle Ritchie, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension field crops agronomist educator, and Angie Gradiz, MSU Extension agriculture water use efficiency and irrigation educator, reported in a Southwest Michigan field crops update that high temperatures and high humidity continue. Humidity is expected to remain high but temperatures are likely to cool down.

The central part of the state is in moderate drought with some areas reaching severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

In Monday’s Crop Progress report, USDA said farmers had 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork the week that ended Aug. 3.

USDA rated Michigan topsoil moisture 4% very short, 24% short, 69% adequate, and 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions in the state were rated 4% very short, 29% short, 63% adequate, and 4% surplus.

Corn

Acreage Estimates

According to the June 30 Acreage report, Michigan farmers planted 2.4 million acres of corn in 2025. This is up from 2.25 million acres from the previous year, said USDA.

Pest and Disease Pressure

The Crop Protection Network shows there are 18 positive tar spot counties in the central and southern parts of the state. These counties have been affected:

• Cass County — reported July 9
• Eaton County — reported July 9
• Gratiot County — reported July 10
• Montcalm County — reported July 10
• Tuscola County — reported July 16
• Calhoun County — reported July 22
• Kent County — reported July 22
• Saginaw County — reported July 24
• Shiawassee County — reported July 25
• Van Buren County — reported July 26
• Lapeer County — reported July 28
• Branch County — reported July 29
• Ionia County — reported July 29
• Kalamazoo County — reported July 29
• St. Joseph County — reported July 29
• Clinton County — reported July 31
• Isabella County — reported Aug. 5
• Clare County — reported Aug. 6

Ritchie said if fields are infected at low levels, tar spot pressure will likely increase during an upcoming period of cool weather. Risk models show low tar spot risk soon for unirrigated fields, but moisture increases tar spot infection, so irrigated fields are at higher risk. 

The best timing for a single fungicide application is still between VT and R3-4. 

Corn that is freshly tasseled or close to tasseling is most attractive to western bean cutworm moths. Western bean cutworm moth flights have been low, with peak flight likely already passed. 

Silking Progress

USDA reported that 78% of Michigan’s corn crop has reached the silk growth stage. That is slightly behind than the five-year average of 81%. Last year at this time 79% of the state’s corn had reached the silk growth stage.

Corn Dough

Thirty-two percent of Michigan corn has achieved dough stage, ahead of the 22% five-year average. Only 20% had reached this stage this time last year. 

Corn Condition

USDA rated Michigan corn 1% very poor, 8% poor, 35% fair, 40% good, and 16% excellent for the week that ended Aug. 3.

The 18-state average rating is 2% very poor, 5% poor, 20% fair, 53% good, and 20% excellent.

Soybeans

Acreage Estimates

The Acreage report published June 30 said Michigan planted 2.0 million acres of soybeans this year. That is down 200,000 acres from 2024.

Pest and Disease Pressure

Ritchie reported that risk models based on weather show high white mold risk on irrigated fields and low white mold risk on unirrigated fields for the next several days. Frog-eye leaf spot risk is moderate.  

Blooming Progress

The latest Crop Progress report said 88% of Michigan soybeans are blooming. That is on track with the five-year average of 87%, and 87% this time last year. 

Soybeans Setting Pods

Although 58% of the nation’s soybeans have reached the pod growth stage, Michigan is behind at 48%. Michigan soybean progress is also behind its own five-year average of 59% setting pods.

Soybean Condition

USDA rated Michigan soybeans 2% very poor, 13% poor, 34% fair, 45% good, and 6% excellent for the week that ended Aug. 3.

The 18-state average rating is 2% very poor, 5% poor, 24% fair, 54% good, and 15% excellent over the same time period.

Winter Wheat 

Acreage Estimates

USDA’s acreage report said Michigan farmers planted 540,000 acres of wheat in 2025. That is up 140,000 acres from last year.

Winter Wheat Harvested

USDA noted 89% of winter wheat has been harvested in Michigan. This is equal to the five-year average. However, last year at this time 95% of Michigan winter wheat had harvested.

Pasture and Range

Acreage Estimates

USDA’s acreage report said Michigan farmers planted 760,000 million acres of hay in 2025, with 550,000 of those being alfalfa. 

Pasture and Range Condition

USDA rated pasture and range conditions in the state 3% very poor, 11% poor, 27% fair, 42% good, and 17% excellent. 

The 48-state average ratings are 10% very poor, 16% poor, 30% fair, 33% good, and 11% excellent over the same time period.