Southwest Michigan Field Crops Update – July 2, 2026

Jul 07, 2026

By Christine Charles and Angie Gradiz

Weather

This past week, most of Michigan was in an extreme heat warning with high heat and high humidities leading to heat index values up to 110. Precipation fell late last week and into the weekend, ranging from about 0.10 inches to over 1.5 inches across the southwest region.

Thunderstorms are expected to hit Friday, July 3, and will carry into the weekend with scattered storms expected. Next week should cool down by an average of 10 degrees.

Crops and pests

Soybeans are generally between V6 and early reproductive stages (R1–R2) across southwest Michigan. As fields enter reproductive growth, reviewing labels is key as R1 is the cut-off for glufosinate and R2 is the cut-off for glyphosate applications. Corn across the region is between V7 and V9, with some earlier-planted fields approaching V10. Corn growth has accelerated with warmer temperatures this week following the slower development reported in mid-June. Tar spot has been detected in central Indiana, but current corn growth stages are still ahead of the optimum timing for a single fungicide application.

Western bean cutworm moth traps in Berrien, Van Buren and St. Joseph counties recorded 13, 11 and 15 moths, respectively. These numbers indicate that moth flight is underway but remain well below levels that would warrant management decisions. Peak flight is still ahead, so prepare to monitor trap reports and scout earliest planted fields that will enter late whorl stage to early tasseling first during peak flights in the next few weeks.

Winter wheat has reached Feekes 11.3-11.4 as kernels continue to mature and fields move toward harvest. Recent warm weather has progressed dry down, however upcoming rain may delay harvest and increase the threat of preharvest sprout. Dennis Pennington urges folks to “begin harvesting those fields when grain moisture drops to 19% to 20%” to reduce risk for pre-harvest sprout. (Read more of Dennis’ tips for preparing for a successful wheat harvest this year in this recent Farm Progress article)

Potatoes are in full bloom and with the combination of high temperatures, humid conditions and dense canopies foliar disease development risks are high. Fields should be monitored closely for blight and other fungal diseases.

Source : msu.edu

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.