Wheat Watchers week of April 7, 2025
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EmailSee how the wheat crop is progressing across the state this week.
Welcome to the second 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 2-5, with the bulk of it being Feekes 3-4.
Southwest region
We had two wheat watchers reporting from southwest region: one from St. Joseph County near Centreville and one from Barry County near Hickory Corners. Wheat is at Feekes 3-5.
The watcher near Hickory Corners saw wheat ranging from Feekes 3-4. Herbicide and fertilizer applications have slowed in the area due to lower temperatures and rain over the past week. There is also some slight frost damage to leaf tips.
Near Centreville, fertilizer is continuing to go out if not already received. Herbicide applications started over the weekend and continued through the week. The watcher did note the lower temperatures this past week as well, and some superficial frost damage on leaf tips.
Southeast region
We had one wheat watcher reporting from Jackson County near Jackson. Wheat has reached Feekes 3-4 and has hit green up. Green up applications of nitrogen have slowed over the past week due to wet field conditions. Weeds, including annual bluegrass, are beginning to emerge and heavy deer browsing is being seen.
East central (Thumb) region
We had two wheat watchers reporting from the Thumb: one from Huron County near Ubly and one from Tuscola County near Cass City. Wheat is at Feekes 2-3. Neither wheat watcher saw any field work occurring over the past week. The wet and cool weather has slowed any small progress that was made the previous week. There is a slight concern about excess water on some fields.
Central region
We had two wheat watchers reporting from the central region: one from Saginaw County near Richville and one from Gratiot County near Middleton. Wheat is at Feekes 3-4 and greening up.
Near Middleton, some dry fertilizer went out with clover early on, but nothing has occurred in the last 10 days because of wet weather. Slight weed pressure is starting to be seen, but not much. Overall, the crop looks great as it greens up. The fall and milder winter have resulted in very little winter kill. Excess moisture may have been a concern, however the recent rains fell on relatively dry soils and most of the water seems to have drained before damage occurred.
All field work has stalled near Richville because of wet conditions.
West central region
We had one wheat watcher reporting in from the west central region located in Mason County near Custer. They are reporting wheat is still dormant at Feekes 3-4, and it hasn’t progressed in the last week. No field work has been performed, as it is too wet, but most of the ponding has finally gone away.
North region
We had no wheat watchers reporting from the northern area this week.
