The week in Michigan started out feeling like July with hot humid temps, but at mid-week it regressed back to March with lows in the 30s and highs in the 50s.

Corn and soybean planting in southern Michigan is progressing nicely, with several stands emerging and looking good. Some hay is being made in the south-central part of the state.

Paul Gross of Michigan State University extension reported from central Michigan that corn planting was wrapping up, with most of the crop expected to be in the ground by last weekend. Early-planted fields have emerged with uniform stands. The crop is quite yellow due to the cooler temperatures.

Soybeans are being planted where field conditions allow.

Gross reported the wheat crop is progressing rapidly and farmers are struggling to get herbicide and nitrogen applications made because of wet field conditions. Some micronutrient deficiencies are being observed.

First-cutting alfalfa harvest is just getting under way in central Michigan for some of the larger farms that have large acreage and are in need of forage. The crop is approaching the stage for maximum forage quality.

Oats and barley fields look extremely good this year. Stands are uniform, with no problems observed.

According to Fred Springborn of extension, west-central corn planting continues with more than 90 percent in the ground last week. Many livestock producers still have a significant amount of corn to plant, as the late spring did not allow for early manure applications. Emergence has been somewhat slow due to relatively cool soil temperatures.

Alfalfa is 18-24 inches. Alfalfa weevils are present in many fields and will warrant monitoring if cutting will be delayed into June. No potato leafhoppers have been observed.

Soybean planting continues with more than 60 percent planted. Several fields contain plants that have begun emerging.