Dry conditions are allowing Michigan farmers an early start to field activities.

In the first crop report of the season, USDA says farmers have planted four percent oats and sugarbeets.  Topsoil moisture is 80 percent adequate to surplus and subsoil moisture is at 76 percent.

Fruit growers are accessing damages following a warmer than normal March pushing development and last week’s cold weather.

Winter wheat condition was reported at 69 percent good to excellent.

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