A wet fall and cold spring have delayed the planting of both corn and soybeans in Michigan.
Officials say this is the slowest corn planting season on record and the fifth slowest season for soybeans.
As of last week only 33% of the state corn crop was planted - on average 73% of the state corn crop has been planted by this time.
And for soybeans 23% of the state crop has been planted. The five year average is 52%.
Theresa Sisung is with the Michigan Farm Bureau. She said the final planting dates to qualify for crop insurance are fast approaching. The deadline for corn is Wednesday (June 5).
“It is a really challenging time for them and this is probably the toughest year most of them have ever seen.”
Sisung said the delays aren’t just impacting the planting. Crops already in the ground have been developing slowly as well.
“For the farmers themselves they could take a pretty large hit if they can’t their plants put into the ground.”
More rain is expected later this week and Sisung said this could delay planting still further.