Wheat Watchers week of May 5, 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 6-9. Wheat crops are looking to be in excellent condition.
Southwest region
We had three wheat watchers reporting from the southwest region: one from Barry County near Hickory Corners, one from Allegan County near Wayland, and one from St. Joseph near Centreville. Wheat is at Feekes 8-9.
The watcher in St. Joseph County is reporting wheat at Feekes 8-9. Some flag leaf fungicide applications have begun this past week. They are seeing some powdery mildew starting to move up the canopy and are some aphids, but not at a concerning level. They are also still seeing some cereal leaf beetles.
The watcher in Barry County near Hickory Corners is also reporting Feekes 8-9. Some fungicide applications are going out and some patchy powdery mildew and cereal leaf beetles are visible.
The watcher in Allegan County near Wayland is reporting wheat at Feekes 8. Nitrogen applications are all wrapped up and a few cereal leaf beetles have been seen.
Southeast region
We had one wheat watcher reporting from Jackson County near Jackson. Wheat has reached Feekes 7-8. Powdery mildew is starting to show up in areas that are lush. Strong thistle and annual bluegrass pressure is visible, especially in areas where only a fall herbicide was applied.
East central (Thumb) region
We had one wheat watcher reporting from the Thumb in Huron County near Ubly. Wheat is at Feekes 6, heading toward Feekes 7 quickly. Herbicide applications have been made as needed. No disease/insect pressure has been noticed, but there is some weed pressure.
Central region
We had two wheat watchers reporting from the central region: one from Ingham County near Mason and one from Saginaw County near Richville. Wheat in Saginaw County is at Feekes 5-6 with spring fertilizer and herbicides starting to wrap up.
Wheat near Mason is at Feekes 6 approaching Feekes 7. All fertilizer, herbicide and plant growth regulator applications are complete. There has been some powdery mildew, septoria and a few cases of suspected wheat streak mosaic virus. Wheat is actively growing despite cooler and wetter conditions and has entered the rapid uptake phase for nitrogen. Recent rain has been beneficial for the wheat crop.
West central region
We had one watcher reporting from the west central region in Kent County. Nitrogen and herbicide applications have been ongoing. Overall, wheat looks good.
North region
We had no wheat watchers reporting from the northern area this week.
Notes from Dennis Pennington and Martin Chilvers
Overall, the wheat crop looks excellent. There are a few cases of nutrient deficiencies, disease or other problems, but those are uncommon and special situations.
Stripe rust has not been detected in Michigan yet this season, and levels appear low in southern states. This map at the Crop Protection Network has real-time tracking of reports. However, leaf rust is at elevated levels in southern states including Kentucky, so scouting should be conducted as we approach the flag leaf growth stage. If you suspect stripe rust or leaf rust, please submit a sample to Michigan State University Plant and Pest Diagnostics for confirmation.
Some areas of the state, including southern and western areas, are reporting heavy levels of powdery mildew. Wheat streak mosaic virus has been confirmed in Kent County and is likely present in many others. Fungicides offer no protection against viral or bacterial diseases.
If you are unsure how to stage Feekes 6-7, here is a video to help:
