Conditions improve during drought

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Conditions improve during drought

More than a third of Michigan was in severe drought last week but scattered rains brought modest crop improvement.

USDA says winter wheat condition improved eight points to 63 percent good to excellent, 95 percent of the crop headed, and three percent is mature.  Corn condition improved five points to 60 percent good to excellent, soybeans were up four points at 57 percent. 

Sugarbeet condition improved eight points to 70 percent good to excellent.  Nearly all dry beans have been planted. Alfalfa harvest is 88 percent complete for first cutting.

Dry conditions persist for non-irrigated fruit and thinning has started in most tree crops.  Pest pressure remains problematic for vegetable growers while asparagus harvest is winding down.

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