January was generally warmer and drier than normal for much of Michigan.
The USDA says temperatures statewide averaged nearly 8 degrees above normal, while average precipitation was more than a half an inch below usual levels, and while most of Michigan has adequate soil moisture, an increasing percentage of the state reports they are short or very short.
58% of winter wheat is in good to excellent condition, down 15% from the start of the month, but 18% above year ago levels, with good conditions in the central counties and Thumb against concerns about damage due to a lack of snow cover in southern areas.
