Beautiful weather with a little bit of rain here and there captures what happened in Michigan last week. Crops in general around the state look good, with a smattering of corn and beans that received too much rain and are uneven, reports Brian Troyer of Coldwater.

Troyer said the center part of the state has been getting more moisture than needed, and it has even hindered third cutting alfalfa harvest. While heavier ground around the state is good for moisture, the sandy fields of southern Michigan are being irrigated. Troyer said corn and beans in general look good all over the state.

In the northern region, Michigan State University extension educator Paul Gross reports corn is progressing slowly with the cooler-than-normal temperatures. It appears this year will be the tale of two crops.

The early-planted corn is pollinating and looks extremely good, with the potential for record yields. The later-planted crop is just tasseling, and it will be a race to maturity. The late-planted corn will need a frost-free September.

Gross said soybeans seem to be really turning the corner. Earlier this season the crop struggled with less-than-ideal planting conditions. Wheat harvest is still wrapping up. There is about 15 percent of the crop to be harvested due to late maturity and not ideal harvest weather.

Harvest of third-cutting alfalfa is just getting under way is some areas. Most farmers have been pleased with the yields and quality this season. It appears third-cutting yields will be quite good. There are no reported problems with potato leafhoppers at this point.

NASS reported apples ranged from 2-3 inches in the southwestern part of Michigan. Some summer varieties like Transparent and Lodi have been picked in the southeast. Even though it’s not as plentiful, peach harvest continued, as Garnet Beauty and Summer Serenade varieties ripened.

Pears were 1.5 inches or more in the south. The sweet cherry harvest continued in the northwest. The quality has been good despite frequent rains. Tart cherry harvest was about three-quarters done in the west-central area. The northwest harvest was under way.