Published: July 03, 2009 10:55 pm      

Soybean plantings up in Mich.

TRAVERSE CITY -- Corn plantings in Michigan are expected to remain consistent this year, while soybean acreage will increase.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Michigan Field Office released its acreage summary for the state this week. Michigan corn growers planted 2.4 million acres this year, the same amount as last year, but up from what was projected in March. Harvested acres of corn for grain is set at 2.09 million acres.

Other acreage estimates in the state include:

n Soybeans estimated at 2 million planted acres, up 100,000 acres from last year. Growers expect to harvest 1.99 million acres this year.

n Sugarbeet plantings totaling 138,000 acres, up 1,000 acres from last year. Harvested acres are projected at 136,000.

n Winter wheat planted acres estimated at 620,000, up 20,000 from March.

n Dry beans estimated at 195,000 acres, down 5,000 from 2008.

n Harvested hay projected at 1.02 million acres, the same as last year.

State officials said Michigan plantings were later than normal this year because of wet planting conditions. Acreage estimates were based on surveys conducted in early June.