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MEDIA CONTACT
Contact information for the Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) staff member who is best qualified to answer media questions on a particular subject accompanies each news release and brief. Should you be unable to reach the staff member or if you have other media questions, please call MFB Media Support Services Manager Jill Corrin toll-free at (800) 292-2680, ext. 6585 or direct at (517) 323-6585.
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AGRINOTES & NEWS FOR August 14, 2008
THIS ISSUE:
ATTENTION MEDIA: AgriNotes & News will not be published next week, as Michigan Farm Bureau staff will be attending an American Farm Bureau Federation conference in Indiana. Look for regularly scheduled issues to resume Aug. 28.
If "nearly ideal" weather continues, this year's corn crop will be one for state and national history books. Michigan corn farmers expect a yield of 148 bushels per acre, up 24 bushels from 2007. If realized, this would be a record yield for the state. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expects national corn yields will average 155 bushels per acre, up 3.9 bushels from last year. If realized, this would be the nation's second-largest corn yield on record, behind 2004.
For more information, contact Bob Boehm, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2023.
Beginning Sept. 30, consumers will be able to easily identify whether certain foods are a product of the United States or another country as farmers, food processors and retailers begin complying with a new country-of-origin labeling (COOL) law.
For more information, contact Ernie Birchmeier, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2024 or Ken Nye, ext. 2020.
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Despite June's severe flooding in the Midwest, U.S. farmers are on pace to produce the second-largest corn crop in history.
In Michigan, corn yield is forecast at a record 148 bushels per acre. Production is expected to total 308 million bushels, what would be Michigan's largest corn crop on record since 1982.
See the following news release for more details and additional information on other commodities.
Despite June's severe flooding in the Midwest, U.S. farmers are on pace to produce the second-largest corn crop in history.
In Michigan, corn yield is forecast at a record 148 bushels per acre. Production is expected to total 308 million bushels, what would be Michigan's largest corn crop on record since 1982.
See the following news release for more details and additional information on other commodities.
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Potential record-setting Michigan corn part of renewed crop outlook
State's soybean forecast bucks national trend; sugar beets also look promising
Contact: Bob Boehm, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2023
LANSING, Aug. 14, 2008 -If "nearly ideal" weather continues, this year's corn crop will be one for state and national history books.
Michigan corn farmers expect a yield of 148 bushels per acre, up 24 bushels from 2007. If realized, this would be a record yield for the state. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expects national corn yields will average 155 bushels per acre, up 3.9 bushels from last year. If realized, this would be the nation's second-largest corn yield on record, behind 2004.
"The state numbers look excellent for Michigan, as most crops other than dry beans benefitted from timely planting," said Bob Boehm, manager of the Michigan Farm Bureau Commodity and Marketing Department. "There is some variability across the state with excess moisture in the Saginaw Valley and concerns about dry conditions in the central and western regions, but overall crops look very good."
In the Corn Belt, recent favorable weather has helped the crop rebound in the aftermath of severe storms and floods that swept the area in June.
In mid-June, analysts predicted that the Iowa corn crop could be reduced 10 percent to 15 percent due to heavy flooding and rain-delayed planting, but excellent growing conditions in July made up for those difficult conditions.
Surprisingly, estimated yields in all of the top-five corn producing states, with the exception of Illinois, either match or exceed 2007 yields, according to Terry Francl, a senior economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation.
"Illinois was only off 2 bushels per acre, but what was unexpected was that Iowa's estimated yield of 171 bushels per acre was unchanged from last year," said Francl.
USDA pegs national corn production at 12.3 billion bushels, up 573 million bushels from last month's projection. The estimate is down from last year's record harvest of 13 billion bushels, but 17 percent above the 2006 harvest. If realized, production would be the second highest on record, behind last year when producers harvested the most acres of corn for grain since 1933.
Michigan corn production is forecast to total 308 million bushels this year, up from 291 million bushels in 2007. If realized, this would be the state's largest corn crop on record since 1982.
Soybeans
On the flip side, USDA has lowered its projections for the country's soybean harvest from a month ago. U.S. soybean production is now estimated at 3 billion bushels, down 27 million bushels from the July projection and down 7 percent from record-high production in 2006. Still, the forecast is up 15 percent from last year and, if realized, would be the country's fourth-largest soybean crop on record. Nationally, soybean yields are expected to average 40.5 bushels per acre, down 0.7 bushels from 2007.
"While the weather in July turned almost ideal for corn throughout much of the Corn Belt, the soybean crop continued to struggle with later plantings and uneven stands," said Francl.
Michigan paints a different story. Here, the state's soybean production is expected to total 77.5 million bushels, up 14.2 percent from last year. Yield is forecast at 41 bushels per acre, up 2 bushels from 2007.
According to Francl, plenty of time remains for the national soybean outlook to improve.
"The crucial pollination period for corn typically occurs in July, while soybean pollination typically takes place in August," he said. "Soybeans are now in the flowering and pod-filling mode so a better assessment of the crop's condition will be forthcoming in USDA's September report."
Additional crops
In what could be another record for the state, Michigan's sugar beet crop is on pace to produce a record-setting yield of 24 tons per acre, up 0.6 tons from 2007. Production, however, is estimated at 3 million tons, down slightly from 3.5 million tons in 2007.
In other commodities, Michigan's winter wheat harvest recently wrapped up with yields of 70 bushels per acre. Boehm noted that "later harvested wheat in the Thumb and north that received several rain events suffered quality losses due to sprouting."
Meanwhile, the state's dry bean growers expect their crop to yield 1,650 pounds per acre, up 50 pounds from last year. Michigan all hay yield is forecast at 3.12 tons per acre, up 0.45 tons over last year.
Wait and see
Boehm cautions that there is still "a ways to go" before fall harvest and warmer temperatures are needed to bring the spring-planted crops to full maturity.
"Concern about moisture and heat units will soon transition to worries about prospects for an early frost," he said. "Michigan crop potential is very good, but nothing is certain until the crop is in the bin."
-30-
Potential record-setting Michigan corn part of renewed crop outlook
State's soybean forecast bucks national trend; sugar beets also look promising
Contact: Bob Boehm, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2023
LANSING, Aug. 14, 2008 -If "nearly ideal" weather continues, this year's corn crop will be one for state and national history books.
Michigan corn farmers expect a yield of 148 bushels per acre, up 24 bushels from 2007. If realized, this would be a record yield for the state. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expects national corn yields will average 155 bushels per acre, up 3.9 bushels from last year. If realized, this would be the nation's second-largest corn yield on record, behind 2004.
"The state numbers look excellent for Michigan, as most crops other than dry beans benefitted from timely planting," said Bob Boehm, manager of the Michigan Farm Bureau Commodity and Marketing Department. "There is some variability across the state with excess moisture in the Saginaw Valley and concerns about dry conditions in the central and western regions, but overall crops look very good."
In the Corn Belt, recent favorable weather has helped the crop rebound in the aftermath of severe storms and floods that swept the area in June.
In mid-June, analysts predicted that the Iowa corn crop could be reduced 10 percent to 15 percent due to heavy flooding and rain-delayed planting, but excellent growing conditions in July made up for those difficult conditions.
Surprisingly, estimated yields in all of the top-five corn producing states, with the exception of Illinois, either match or exceed 2007 yields, according to Terry Francl, a senior economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation.
"Illinois was only off 2 bushels per acre, but what was unexpected was that Iowa's estimated yield of 171 bushels per acre was unchanged from last year," said Francl.
USDA pegs national corn production at 12.3 billion bushels, up 573 million bushels from last month's projection. The estimate is down from last year's record harvest of 13 billion bushels, but 17 percent above the 2006 harvest. If realized, production would be the second highest on record, behind last year when producers harvested the most acres of corn for grain since 1933.
Michigan corn production is forecast to total 308 million bushels this year, up from 291 million bushels in 2007. If realized, this would be the state's largest corn crop on record since 1982.
Soybeans
On the flip side, USDA has lowered its projections for the country's soybean harvest from a month ago. U.S. soybean production is now estimated at 3 billion bushels, down 27 million bushels from the July projection and down 7 percent from record-high production in 2006. Still, the forecast is up 15 percent from last year and, if realized, would be the country's fourth-largest soybean crop on record. Nationally, soybean yields are expected to average 40.5 bushels per acre, down 0.7 bushels from 2007.
"While the weather in July turned almost ideal for corn throughout much of the Corn Belt, the soybean crop continued to struggle with later plantings and uneven stands," said Francl.
Michigan paints a different story. Here, the state's soybean production is expected to total 77.5 million bushels, up 14.2 percent from last year. Yield is forecast at 41 bushels per acre, up 2 bushels from 2007.
According to Francl, plenty of time remains for the national soybean outlook to improve.
"The crucial pollination period for corn typically occurs in July, while soybean pollination typically takes place in August," he said. "Soybeans are now in the flowering and pod-filling mode so a better assessment of the crop's condition will be forthcoming in USDA's September report."
Additional crops
In what could be another record for the state, Michigan's sugar beet crop is on pace to produce a record-setting yield of 24 tons per acre, up 0.6 tons from 2007. Production, however, is estimated at 3 million tons, down slightly from 3.5 million tons in 2007.
In other commodities, Michigan's winter wheat harvest recently wrapped up with yields of 70 bushels per acre. Boehm noted that "later harvested wheat in the Thumb and north that received several rain events suffered quality losses due to sprouting."
Meanwhile, the state's dry bean growers expect their crop to yield 1,650 pounds per acre, up 50 pounds from last year. Michigan all hay yield is forecast at 3.12 tons per acre, up 0.45 tons over last year.
Wait and see
Boehm cautions that there is still "a ways to go" before fall harvest and warmer temperatures are needed to bring the spring-planted crops to full maturity.
"Concern about moisture and heat units will soon transition to worries about prospects for an early frost," he said. "Michigan crop potential is very good, but nothing is certain until the crop is in the bin."
-30-
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Consumers, farmers expected to give COOL law warm reception
Country-of-origin labeling on select grocery food begins next month
Contact: Ernie Birchmeier, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2024 or Ken Nye, ext. 2020
LANSING, Aug. 14, 2008 - Beginning Sept. 30, consumers will be able to easily identify whether certain foods are a product of the United States or another country as farmers, food processors and retailers begin complying with a new country-of-origin labeling (COOL) law.
After years of political wrangling over requirements for the labeling of agricultural products, COOL is set to take effect next month as mandated by the recently adopted federal farm bill.
The law requires that the country of origin of certain food products be visible via stickers, tags, placards or other forms of labeling at the retail level. The affected commodities include beef, veal, lamb, chicken, goat, and pork; perishable agricultural commodities including fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables; as well as macadamia nuts, pecans, peanuts and ginseng. However, these products are exempt from COOL requirements if they are an ingredient in a processed food item or were produced or packaged before Sept. 30. COOL only applies to retail establishments such as grocery stores. It does not apply to restaurants, lunchrooms, cafeterias, lounges or other food service establishments.
What this means for consumers
Shortly, consumers will see three different categories of labeling. The affected products will either be labeled as a product of the USA; a product of the USA and another country; or a product of one or more foreign countries. Labels bearing multiple countries will reflect agricultural transactions in the food chain, such as a U.S. farmer raising a hog that was originally born and bred in Canada.
The approaching implementation of COOL bodes well as more consumers show interest in buying local food and express concerns about food safety, said Ernie Birchmeier, Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) livestock and dairy specialist.
"Mandatory country-of-origin labeling has multiple benefits," said Birchmeier. "With COOL, consumers know where their food comes from and can make a conscious effort to look for the USA seal and support America's farmers. In addition, the labeling will be an asset in the traceability of food products during an outbreak of a food-borne illness."
Michigan's fruit and vegetable industry also looks forward to full implementation of the COOL mandate, said MFB horticultural and forestry specialist Ken Nye.
"We encourage consumers to look for and seek out domestically grown products whenever possible," said Nye.
The benefits of COOL will come at a price, though, as implementation costs are spread throughout the food chain and eventually reach the consumer.
USDA estimates that first-year implementation costs for retailers, farmers, food processors and other intermediary companies will total $2.5 billion. That's below the estimated costs of an earlier COOL proposal offered in the 2002 farm bill. Congress delayed the implementation of that original plan with the exception of labeling for fish and shellfish.
What this means for farmers
Farmers affected by COOL, particularly livestock producers, should expect to sign affidavits verifying a commodity's country of origin with the company or business that markets the product.
"It will be very similar to other quality assurance programs that farmers are accustomed to," said Birchmeier. "The Michigan Farm Bureau will work to educate producers on these changes, but it's imperative that farmers also contact and work with their marketing partners to make sure they are fulfilling the requirements set forth."
USDA also plans to conduct education and outreach activities during the six months following the rule's effective date. Under the law, suppliers and retailers found in violation of COOL can be fined up to $1,000 per violation.
"The phase-in and educational period is critical as this new system is implemented, and a cooperative effort between farmers, processors, retailers and government agencies will go a long way in assuring that COOL is successful," said Birchmeier.
According to Birchmeier, the newest COOL requirements are more palatable to farmers than those previously proposed because they are less bureaucratic and more efficient.
"In general, this is a much more workable system and relieves much of the burden that was part of the original proposal several years ago," he said.
In the case of livestock producers, for instance, the revised rules allow the livestock industry's existing system of extensive recordkeeping to meet COOL criteria. Records maintained in the normal course of business, such as animal health papers, import or customs documents, or producer affidavits can serve as country-of-origin verification. In addition, slaughter facilities that accept animals from an officially recognized identification system, such as the National Animal Identification System (NAIS), can rely on the presence of an official ear tag and/or animal marking to verify the animal's country of origin.
"The new requirements are intended to facilitate and simplify compliance for the meat and poultry industries," said Birchmeier. "Fortunately, Michigan's animal identification system for the cattle industry is compliant with the NAIS and will be accepted by the COOL requirement."
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AGRITIPS:
Consumers, farmers expected to give COOL law warm reception
Country-of-origin labeling on select grocery food begins next month
Contact: Ernie Birchmeier, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2024 or Ken Nye, ext. 2020
LANSING, Aug. 14, 2008 - Beginning Sept. 30, consumers will be able to easily identify whether certain foods are a product of the United States or another country as farmers, food processors and retailers begin complying with a new country-of-origin labeling (COOL) law.
After years of political wrangling over requirements for the labeling of agricultural products, COOL is set to take effect next month as mandated by the recently adopted federal farm bill.
The law requires that the country of origin of certain food products be visible via stickers, tags, placards or other forms of labeling at the retail level. The affected commodities include beef, veal, lamb, chicken, goat, and pork; perishable agricultural commodities including fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables; as well as macadamia nuts, pecans, peanuts and ginseng. However, these products are exempt from COOL requirements if they are an ingredient in a processed food item or were produced or packaged before Sept. 30. COOL only applies to retail establishments such as grocery stores. It does not apply to restaurants, lunchrooms, cafeterias, lounges or other food service establishments.
What this means for consumers
Shortly, consumers will see three different categories of labeling. The affected products will either be labeled as a product of the USA; a product of the USA and another country; or a product of one or more foreign countries. Labels bearing multiple countries will reflect agricultural transactions in the food chain, such as a U.S. farmer raising a hog that was originally born and bred in Canada.
The approaching implementation of COOL bodes well as more consumers show interest in buying local food and express concerns about food safety, said Ernie Birchmeier, Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) livestock and dairy specialist.
"Mandatory country-of-origin labeling has multiple benefits," said Birchmeier. "With COOL, consumers know where their food comes from and can make a conscious effort to look for the USA seal and support America's farmers. In addition, the labeling will be an asset in the traceability of food products during an outbreak of a food-borne illness."
Michigan's fruit and vegetable industry also looks forward to full implementation of the COOL mandate, said MFB horticultural and forestry specialist Ken Nye.
"We encourage consumers to look for and seek out domestically grown products whenever possible," said Nye.
The benefits of COOL will come at a price, though, as implementation costs are spread throughout the food chain and eventually reach the consumer.
USDA estimates that first-year implementation costs for retailers, farmers, food processors and other intermediary companies will total $2.5 billion. That's below the estimated costs of an earlier COOL proposal offered in the 2002 farm bill. Congress delayed the implementation of that original plan with the exception of labeling for fish and shellfish.
What this means for farmers
Farmers affected by COOL, particularly livestock producers, should expect to sign affidavits verifying a commodity's country of origin with the company or business that markets the product.
"It will be very similar to other quality assurance programs that farmers are accustomed to," said Birchmeier. "The Michigan Farm Bureau will work to educate producers on these changes, but it's imperative that farmers also contact and work with their marketing partners to make sure they are fulfilling the requirements set forth."
USDA also plans to conduct education and outreach activities during the six months following the rule's effective date. Under the law, suppliers and retailers found in violation of COOL can be fined up to $1,000 per violation.
"The phase-in and educational period is critical as this new system is implemented, and a cooperative effort between farmers, processors, retailers and government agencies will go a long way in assuring that COOL is successful," said Birchmeier.
According to Birchmeier, the newest COOL requirements are more palatable to farmers than those previously proposed because they are less bureaucratic and more efficient.
"In general, this is a much more workable system and relieves much of the burden that was part of the original proposal several years ago," he said.
In the case of livestock producers, for instance, the revised rules allow the livestock industry's existing system of extensive recordkeeping to meet COOL criteria. Records maintained in the normal course of business, such as animal health papers, import or customs documents, or producer affidavits can serve as country-of-origin verification. In addition, slaughter facilities that accept animals from an officially recognized identification system, such as the National Animal Identification System (NAIS), can rely on the presence of an official ear tag and/or animal marking to verify the animal's country of origin.
"The new requirements are intended to facilitate and simplify compliance for the meat and poultry industries," said Birchmeier. "Fortunately, Michigan's animal identification system for the cattle industry is compliant with the NAIS and will be accepted by the COOL requirement."
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AGRITIPS:
MFB members appointed to Water Resources Conservation Advisory Council
Two Farm Bureau members have been appointed to Michigan's new Water Resources Conservation Advisory Council. They are Scott Piggott, manager of Michigan Farm Bureau's Agricultural Ecology Department, and Robert Walther, a Clio potato grower. Water legislation recently signed into law, specifically Public Act 189 of 2008, instructed the state to establish the council. One of the council's tasks is to study, test, evaluate and make recommendations to state leadership concerning the roll out of a new computerized water use assessment tool that will help water users understand if a new use will adversely impact the environment. The assessment tool is being phased in from Oct. 1 to Feb. 1, 2009. In addition, the council is charged with:
Contact: Scott Piggott, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2021
Two Farm Bureau members have been appointed to Michigan's new Water Resources Conservation Advisory Council. They are Scott Piggott, manager of Michigan Farm Bureau's Agricultural Ecology Department, and Robert Walther, a Clio potato grower. Water legislation recently signed into law, specifically Public Act 189 of 2008, instructed the state to establish the council. One of the council's tasks is to study, test, evaluate and make recommendations to state leadership concerning the roll out of a new computerized water use assessment tool that will help water users understand if a new use will adversely impact the environment. The assessment tool is being phased in from Oct. 1 to Feb. 1, 2009. In addition, the council is charged with:
- Making recommendations on how to reconcile conflicts in state laws related to water use.
- Making recommendations on the development and implementation of the state's water conservation and efficiency program under the Great Lakes Compact.
- Developing a framework to evaluate preventative measures designed to prevent adverse resource impacts.
- In consultation with academic institutions and other nonprofit organizations, making recommendations regarding educational materials related to the use and availability of water resources.
Contact: Scott Piggott, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2021
Feral swine expert to conduct public info meetings in September
The Michigan Farm Bureau, in partnership with the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy, Michigan Pork Producers Association and Chippewa Nature Center, is co-sponsoring two informational sessions designed to educate the public on the hazards that feral swine pose to agriculture and natural resources in Michigan, and what the public can do to help control their rapid spread. The sessions are free and will feature guest speaker John Mayer, the nation's foremost expert on wild hogs and their devastating impacts. The meetings will take place as follows:
Contact: Ernie Birchmeier, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2024
The Michigan Farm Bureau, in partnership with the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy, Michigan Pork Producers Association and Chippewa Nature Center, is co-sponsoring two informational sessions designed to educate the public on the hazards that feral swine pose to agriculture and natural resources in Michigan, and what the public can do to help control their rapid spread. The sessions are free and will feature guest speaker John Mayer, the nation's foremost expert on wild hogs and their devastating impacts. The meetings will take place as follows:
- Sept. 13 at 3:30 p.m. at the Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Bauer Road in Midland. For more information call (989) 631-0830.
- Sept. 14 at 3 p.m. at the Bengel Wildlife Center, 6380 Drumheller Road in Bath. For more information call (517) 641-7677.
Contact: Ernie Birchmeier, (800) 292-2680, ext. 2024
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MICHIGAN CROP WEATHER:
Soil moisture was becoming a concern for field crops for the week ending Aug. 10, reports the Michigan Field Office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
Corn condition was variable. In some lighter soils, there was evidence of moisture stress. The condition of dry beans varied. In the central and west central regions, the crop is reported to be in need of rain. In the east central region, however, dampness has caused yellowing in low areas, but other areas were progressing.
In the orchards, harvest of summer apple varieties continued across the state. Meanwhile, summer pruning was under way in apple orchards in the Grand Rapids area and southeast.
Harvest continued for many vegetables, including celery which is on schedule with good size, yield and quality. Potato yield and quality has also been good as early tablestock harvest got under way. Onions for shipping and retail sales have also had very favorable growing conditions this season.
The USDA-NASS-Michigan Field Office can be reached at (517) 324-5300. This information is also available online at http://www.nass.usda.gov/mi.
Table 1 - Soil moisture for week ending 08/10/2008
Stratum: (Very Short, Short, Adequate, Surplus)
Topsoil: (22, 35, 41, 2)
Subsoil: (15, 33, 50, 2)
Table 2 - Crop Progress for week ending 08/10/2008 (percent)
Crop: (This Week, Last Week, Last Year, 5yr. Avg.)
All hay, second cutting: (82, 74, 90, 81)
Blueberries, harvested : (58, 47, 68, 63)
Corn, silked : (96, 86, 94, 89)
Dry beans, blooming: (81, 63, 86, 86)
Oats, harvested: (48, 21, 61, 52)
Peaches, harvested: (35, 32, 34, 28)
Potatoes, harvested: (14, 9, 4, NA)
Soybeans, blooming: (96, 84, 94, 91)
Tart cherries, harvested: (97, 91, 93, 96)
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You are receiving this e-mail because you are subscribed to Michigan Farm Bureau's AgriNotes & News. To unsubscribe, reply to this e-mail with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line. If you did not receive this e-mail directly from us and would like to be added to our list, please send an e-mail with your contact information to mfbinfo@michfb.com with the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject line.
MICHIGAN CROP WEATHER:
Soil moisture was becoming a concern for field crops for the week ending Aug. 10, reports the Michigan Field Office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
Corn condition was variable. In some lighter soils, there was evidence of moisture stress. The condition of dry beans varied. In the central and west central regions, the crop is reported to be in need of rain. In the east central region, however, dampness has caused yellowing in low areas, but other areas were progressing.
In the orchards, harvest of summer apple varieties continued across the state. Meanwhile, summer pruning was under way in apple orchards in the Grand Rapids area and southeast.
Harvest continued for many vegetables, including celery which is on schedule with good size, yield and quality. Potato yield and quality has also been good as early tablestock harvest got under way. Onions for shipping and retail sales have also had very favorable growing conditions this season.
The USDA-NASS-Michigan Field Office can be reached at (517) 324-5300. This information is also available online at http://www.nass.usda.gov/mi.
Table 1 - Soil moisture for week ending 08/10/2008
Stratum: (Very Short, Short, Adequate, Surplus)
Topsoil: (22, 35, 41, 2)
Subsoil: (15, 33, 50, 2)
Table 2 - Crop Progress for week ending 08/10/2008 (percent)
Crop: (This Week, Last Week, Last Year, 5yr. Avg.)
All hay, second cutting: (82, 74, 90, 81)
Blueberries, harvested : (58, 47, 68, 63)
Corn, silked : (96, 86, 94, 89)
Dry beans, blooming: (81, 63, 86, 86)
Oats, harvested: (48, 21, 61, 52)
Peaches, harvested: (35, 32, 34, 28)
Potatoes, harvested: (14, 9, 4, NA)
Soybeans, blooming: (96, 84, 94, 91)
Tart cherries, harvested: (97, 91, 93, 96)
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QUICK FACTS:
S'mores
Solid eating chocolate was invented in 1674.
Hershey's manufactures more than 373 million milk chocolate bars a year. That is 746 million S'mores!
Graham crackers are whole wheat crackers sweetened with honey or molasses.
Graham crackers were named after their inventor Sylvester Graham, a 19th century champion of wholemeal wheat flour. He invented the food item in 1829.
The roots of the marsh mallow plant (Althaea officinalis) were the source for the original marshmallow candy, made by boiling the soft inner pulp from the roots with sugar until very thick.
The first marshmallow-like confection was made in France from the juice of the marsh mallow plant. Today, marshmallows are made from sugar, corn syrup and gelatin.
Source: Hershey's and foodreference.com
QUICK FACTS:
S'mores
Solid eating chocolate was invented in 1674.
Hershey's manufactures more than 373 million milk chocolate bars a year. That is 746 million S'mores!
Graham crackers are whole wheat crackers sweetened with honey or molasses.
Graham crackers were named after their inventor Sylvester Graham, a 19th century champion of wholemeal wheat flour. He invented the food item in 1829.
The roots of the marsh mallow plant (Althaea officinalis) were the source for the original marshmallow candy, made by boiling the soft inner pulp from the roots with sugar until very thick.
The first marshmallow-like confection was made in France from the juice of the marsh mallow plant. Today, marshmallows are made from sugar, corn syrup and gelatin.
Source: Hershey's and foodreference.com
__________________________________________________________________________
You are receiving this e-mail because you are subscribed to Michigan Farm Bureau's AgriNotes & News. To unsubscribe, reply to this e-mail with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line. If you did not receive this e-mail directly from us and would like to be added to our list, please send an e-mail with your contact information to mfbinfo@michfb.com with the word SUBSCRIBE in the subject line.