Rain and sunshine scattered throughout the state with some areas receiving nice moisture and other areas receiving none. In southern Michigan the rain left crops growing like gangbusters, but those finishing up first cutting have had their challenges.

The soybeans are looking great, the corn is following suit and the wheat is headed out and beginning to make a slight change in color.

On the western side of the state, Fred Springborn, Michigan State University extension educator, reported corn stands are good and color is improving steadily with consistently warmer weather. According to Springborn, soybean planting is mostly complete; most fields have emerged with many of the early fields having at least one trifoliate leaf.

Some minor bean leaf beetle feeding was noted on the far eastern side of the region. Wheat is fully headed and in mid- to late flower. Levels of leaf disease continue to be quite low so far this season, even in those fields that have not received a fungicide application.

Extension educator Paul Gross reported corn was growing rapidly with the warmer temperatures last week in central Michigan. Field activities included herbicide applications and sidedress nitrogen applications. The last of the soybean crop was planted last week.

There has been some replanting in lower areas of fields that received frost damage and where the crop was drowned out earlier in the season.

Wheat is headed out and continues to look good, with most farmers expecting above-average yields. While corn and soybeans could use a rain, the dry weather is considered favorable for wheat development.