Rainfall has been plentiful in southern Michigan, causing some flooding along the state line and swollen rivers across lower Michigan. Some soybean fields are spotty with light green patches, while other stands are lush and green. Replanting in some areas is a must.

Second-cutting hay harvest is under way in southern Michigan, with one farmer finished and admiring his third cutting growth before July 1 – this is the exception among farmers. The wheat has turned and it won’t be long before the combines will be headed to the fields.

Paul Gross, Michigan State University extension educator, reported from central Michigan that scattered showers across the region left about 0.3 inch of rain last week. Soil moisture is considered adequate on most soil types. The warmer temperatures predicted over the next week will be welcome for crop growth.

According to Gross, corn is a mixed bag with lots of variability depending on planting date, soil type and rainfall totals. Most corn made the old rule "knee-high by the Fourth of July." There are reports of yellow corn and some striping. This may be due to excessive rains.

Soybeans in central Michigan are just beginning to flower in early-planted fields. There is concern that conditions are setting up for white mold problems just like the 2014 growing season.

Wheat harvest is right around the corner. Second-cutting alfalfa harvest is under way with good yields reported in the central regions. There are still a few farmers trying to get hay dry enough to bale.