After a summer that included some rain, some sun with little heat and humidity, fall-like temperatures swept over the Mitten State. Some areas in the northern portions of Michigan saw nighttime temperatures plummet into the 30s. Soybean and corn maturity dropped with the drop in temperature all around the state.

According to Brian Troyer of Coldwater, this summer has been unusual, with great moisture level in some areas and little better than drought conditions elsewhere. "After that cold winter I think everyone expected a hot, dry summer but we just never got the heat," he added.

He said in the southern tier of Michigan, harvest is in full throttle. "Corn silage is about half done, seed corn is being picked, tomatoes are being harvested, as well as potatoes, while fourth-cutting hay has been done for two weeks."

Moving north to the center of the state, some corn silage is being harvested but many fields need a week to 10 days to dry down while fourth-cutting hay is finishing up. Troyer said in the Thumb area hay is being harvested, sugar beet harvest is up and running and most corn silage has a week or so to go before it will be dry enough.

According to NASS, Gala apples were harvested in southern and west-central Michigan, while Gingergolds, Paula Reds and SweeTangos were picked in the northwest.

The harvest of some varieties will be a little later than predicted and some, a little earlier. Fruit size, color and finish continued to be excellent for early-harvested varieties.

The extent of the winter damage to the vinifera grape crop in the northwest has been evident during harvest. Hybrids, which can sustain colder weather than vinifera, will have good or full crops. Sunny warm conditions are needed to speed sugar production.