Bill Steenwyk...The various vegetable crops have, of course, responded differently to this season's particular environmental conditions. One common element to nearly all vegetable producers, however, has been the very low level on insect infestation. After an unusually cool summer, September has been kind to many West Michigan vegetable producers. The dry, warm weather has helped some crops catch up on maturity and kept many potential disease problems at bay.

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Dan Pavuk...This has been an interesting season for vegetable production in Southeast Michigan! In terms of weather, this was one of the coolest summers on record. The cooler temperatures slowed development of vine crops, sweet corn, and tomatoes, but more typical temperatures and higher humidity levels in August helped these crops mature.

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Ron Goldy...Temperatures were below to near normal with highs ranging from 63 to 80oF and lows from 43 to 61oF. Total rainfall for the two week period was nearly two inches.

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Bill Steenwyk...Most of West Michigan had no rainfall this past week, but a few areas received one or two tenths of an inch yesterday.

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Dan Pavuk...Warm, humid weather continues in the southeastern region of Michigan. Nights are warm and humid, which have helped the vine and tomato crops a great deal. Considerable rainfall has occurred over the past couple of weeks in some locations.

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Ron Goldy...Temperatures were generally below normal with highs ranging from 65 to 82°F (normal is 79°F) and lows from 51 to 66°F (normal is 59°F). Total rainfall for the week ranged from 0.5 to 1.0 inch.

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Bill Steenwyk...The weather has been cool with less than a half inch of rain in much of West Central Michigan.

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Hannah Stevens...The weather has been cool with high air temperatures barely reaching 81°F and the lows in the 50’s. Rain on four days accumulated 0.1 to 0.2 of an inch; not enough to slow field work or harvest. Mosquitoes have been dreadful since last week.

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Dan Pavuk...Warm, humid weather continues in the southeastern region of Michigan, although we have not had any daytime highs in the 90s in the past week. Nights are warm and humid which have helped the vine and tomato crops a great deal.

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By Ron Goldy...Temperatures averaged near normal with highs ranging from 77 to 91oF (normal is 80oF) and lows from 55 to 69oF (normal is 60oF). Total rainfall for the week ranged from 1.0 to 2.0 inches.

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By Bill Steenwyk... Many welcomed this past week's warmer, albeit humid, weather. Rainfall was modest, with 0.2 to 1.0 inch across my district, from Fremont to Decatur. Generally, northern areas received less than fields in the south.

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By Norm Myers... Except for a few brief showers, Oceana County has been dry since the weekend of August 8 and 9. We could probably use another inch of rain, especially in northern areas which received less rain earlier.

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By Hannah Stevens... We had no precipitation in the area this week, which was helpful as we recover from the excessive rainfall of August 8, 9 and 10. Maximum air temperatures ranged from 81-90°F (the warmest temperatures this summer) and relative humidity varied from 35 to 97 percent with dewy mornings. Conditions are favoring foliar disease.

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By Dan Pavuk... The pattern of warm, humid weather continues in the southeastern region of Michigan, which is certainly more typical for this time of year. Daytime high temperatures have ranged from the mid-80s to low 90s, and the nights have been warm and humid.

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By Ron Goldy... Temperatures averaged near normal with highs ranging from 74 to 93oF (normal is 80oF) and lows from 51 to 72oF (normal is 60oF). August 9 was the first day above 90oF at SWMREC. Typically, we get 10 days above 90oF. Total rainfall for the week ranged from 0.3 to 2 inches-plus. Many non-irrigated fields are again in need of rain.

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By Bill Steenwyk... The weather has been warm and humid. It is interesting to note that, with the exception of Michigan's southern-most counties, the Grand Rapids area has accumulated more heat energy (growing degree days) than other parts of Michigan (see Enviro-weather map.)

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By Norm Myers... Oceana County received from 1.5 inches north to 4 inches of rain south over the last weekend. The timing of this rain couldn’t have been better with a week of hot, dry weather predicted to follow it. Most irrigation is now idle.

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By Hannah Stevens... A weekend of downpours with some high winds and hail has come at a bad time for growers in the northern part of the region. MAWN stations report from 2.7 to four inches of rain, but growers report up to 7.5 inches or more.

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By Dan Pavuk... Warm, humid weather continues in the southeastern region of Michigan. Rainfall has been scattered and is still needed in many areas. We experienced our first day in August over 90°F this past Sunday.

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By Ron Goldy... Temperatures averaged near normal with highs ranging from 75 to 84oF (normal is 81oF) and lows from 55 to 67oF (normal is 61oF). The total rainfall for the week ranged from zero to a half inch.

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By Bill Steenwyk... West Michigan has been fairly dry and cool this past week. Rainfall varied from 0.1 to 0.5 inch. A glance at the base 50 growing degree day accumulations compared to last year (found at http://www.agweather.geo.msu.edu/Misc-Data/degday2.txt) indicates that much of West Michigan, from Kent and Ottawa counties and south, is 100 to 150 GDD behind last year.

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By Norm Myers... Oceana County received some rain on Monday, August 3, with amounts ranging from a trace up to an inch. Irrigation continues in most areas. We are looking forward to the predicted heat this weekend, since we were 11 days behind average the last time I looked.

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By Hannah Stevens... We are looking forward to the predicted “heat wave” to ripen some of the remaining crops, in particular melons and mid-season sweet corn. Some precipitation would be helpful as well, as some growers are observing crops with shallow roots systems that may be causing temporary wilting in the heat of the day.

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By Dan Pavuk... Summer has finally arrived this week. Warm, humid weather that is more typical for this time of the season has settled into the southeastern region. Rainfall continues to be scattered and is still required in many areas. Irrigation systems are being utilized where they are available.

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By Dan Pavuk... Summer has finally arrived this week. Warm, humid weather that is more typical for this time of the season has settled into the southeastern region. Rainfall continues to be scattered and is still required in many areas. Irrigation systems are being utilized where they are available.

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By Bill Steenwyk... Weekly rainfall in westcentral Michigan varied from nothing in Fennville to 2.4 inches near Belding. Most areas received 0.1 to 0.5 inch. Irrigation systems are up and running much of the time.

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By Norm Myers... It continued to be dry this last week with temperatures only slightly below normal. Irrigation is underway where it is available.

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By Hannah Stevens... We have experience frequent but scattered showers and high relative humidity in the region this week.

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By Dan Pavuk... The weather has warmed considerably over the past week, and rainfall has become more frequent, but scattered throughout the southeast Michigan region. Growers that have irrigation systems have been using them extensively the past couple of weeks.

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By Fred Warner... Potato early-dying disease (PED) is complex with the lesion nematode, Pratylenchus penetrans and the wilt causing fungus, Verticillium dahliae, usually implicated as the causal agents.

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By Ron Goldy... Temperatures ranged from 68 to 84oF (normal is 81oF) and lows from 51 to 66oF (normal is 61oF). The area received from 0.1 to 0.5 inches of rain. Many non-irrigated fields are in need of rain.

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By Bill Steenwyk... Much of the area surrounding Grand Rapids received 0.5 to 0.75 inch of rain this past week. The cool weather has been kind to cool season vegetable producers. The warm-season crops however are easily one to two weeks behind expectations.

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By Norm Myers... Weather has continued to be dry this last week. Irrigation is underway where it is available. Over the weekend, daytime temperatures never got out of the 60’s and nighttime temperatures were often in the 40’s.

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By Hannah Stevens... Regional MAWN stations have recorded about 0.6 of an inch of precipitation since July 1, but there have been some local destructive thunderstorms with hail that have caused damage to vegetable crops.

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By Dan Pavuk... The relatively cool and dry weather continues in southeast Michigan. Growers that have irrigation systems have been using them extensively the past couple of weeks. Significant rainfall is needed at this point in time.

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Hannah Stevens...Millers Orchard, Greenhouse and Cider Mill and MSU Extension will host a tomato production update for growers on Thursday, August 27 from 4:00-7:00 PM. The meeting will be at Miller's Big Red Orchard, Greenhouse and Cider Mill 4900 32 Mile Rd. Washington, Michigan..

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Norm Myers...Oceana County received very little rain in the last week and irrigation is running steadily where available. Most crops are behind because of the cool temperatures and many growers are concerned that there is not enough summer left to catch up.

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Hannah Stevens...At this time many crops are being harvested and others nearing harvest. The weather has been very cool, and we are apparently two weeks behind normal in heat accumulation. Some of our vegetable crops on vulnerable soils are showing signs of excessive precipitation from weeks ago and even hail injury. By and large, crop development is adequate and irrigation is underway.

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Dan Pavuk...The weather in southeast Michigan has been quite wonderful over the past couple of weeks, with temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s and plenty of sunshine. The nights have been rather cool with temperatures at the Petersburg weather station dipping into the low 40s during several nights.

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By Ron Goldy... Temperatures ranged widely with highs from 66 to 90oF (normal is 79oF) and lows from 57 to 71oF (normal is 59oF). There was only a trace of rain for the period. Warmer temperatures increased plant growth, but cooler temperatures have again slowed growth.

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By Bill Steenwyk... Rainfall was moderate to very low for the past week throughout west central Michigan. The high, 90°F-plus temperatures of last week spurred rapid development in warm-season crops, but recently plummeted to about 70°F. So once again, all but the cooler-season crops have slowed down considerably.

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By Bill Steenwyk... Rainfall was moderate to very low for the past week throughout west central Michigan. The high, 90°F-plus temperatures of last week spurred rapid development in warm-season crops, but recently plummeted to about 70°F. So once again, all but the cooler-season crops have slowed down considerably.

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By Norm Myers... Weather here has turned a little wetter and a lot cooler. Oceana County received a much needed 0.4 of an inch of rain over Monday night, June 29, and through Tuesday morning, June 30. Last week’s warm weather did not catch most crops up to where they should be at this point in the season.

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By Hannah Stevens... The cold front that passed through the region on Thursday, June 25 brought widely variable amounts of rainfall ranging from less than 0.5 inch to three inches. Combined with rainfall since that and prior precipitation that began in mid-June, most vegetable producers have lost some crops and yield, or anticipate losing some because of prevented planting and difficulty in carrying out timely cultural practices.

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By Dan Pavuk... After some extremely hot, humid weather at the end of last week, we are now in a cooler than normal period over the past two days. The Monroe County weather station recorded a temperature of 96°F last Wednesday, June 24, but the highs have only been in the 70s over the past several days.

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By Ron Goldy... Temperatures have been generally above normal with highs from 65 to 89oF (normal is 78oF) and lows from 55 to 70oF (normal is 58oF). There was between 2.5 to over 3.0 inches of rain with most occurring on June 19. Some erosion did occur. Field activity continued with little weather interruptions. Warmer temperatures have greatly increased plant growth over the past week.

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By Bill Steenwyk... This past week the temperatures soared and rainfall poured. As a result, vegetables in many portions of West Michigan, where rainfall was below three inches, are growing well. Unfortunately, some areas were devastated with extremely heavy rainfall.

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By Norm Myers... Last weekend’s rains varied from an inch in the northern part of the county to half an inch in the south. Rains were not nearly as damaging as further south. Heat-loving crops have put on a lot of growth in the last few days, but have a long way to go to catch up.

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By Hannah Stevens... Rain on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (June 19-21) amounted to 2.5 to over 5.0 inches (grower report) in the northern parts of the region, resulting in field flooding and some crop loss. Water has yet to drain away in some fields and even corn and soybean yields may be affected.

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By Dan Pavuk... What a difference a week can make. We are certainly into some steamy weather this week in southeast Michigan. We received approximately 1.75 inches of rain last Friday and Saturday (June 19 and 20), and the daytime temperatures have ranged from 63 to 90°F. Most of the heat has arrived in the last four to five days.

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By Ron Goldy... Temperatures have been generally below normal with highs from 64 to 81oF (normal is 77oF) and lows from 51 to 61oF (normal is 55oF). There was nearly 1.5 inches of rainfall during the past week. Field activity has continued with little weather interruption except for June 11. Weather has been excellent for high transplant survival.

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By Bill Steenwyk... Rainfall was light from June 9-16. Portions of Van Buren County received 0.5 to 0.7 inches, while much of Allegan, Barry, Kent and Ottawa counties received 0.15 to 0.3 inches. The Fremont station recorded only 0.02 inches. Showers are ending as I write this report with about one inch total in south-central Kent County. Temperatures warmed up somewhat, spurring growth and causing pale plants to finally turn a deep green.

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By Norm Myers... Oceana County has had a relatively dry week. We got only light rain out of the storms that swept through Grand Rapids this morning, June 17. Soil surfaces are dry, but there is plenty of deep moisture and I have seen no irrigation so far this year other than what was used for wind erosion protection earlier in the year.

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By Hannah Stevens... Counties received some showers this week amounting to less than half inch. Conditions remain cool and breezy and some more rain would be welcome although soil moisture is adequate for the most part.

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By Dan Pavuk... The weather has warmed up slightly from the previous week, but we are still below normal in terms of temperature in southeast Michigan. We are now at the point where some significant rainfall would be very helpful for the vegetable crops.

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By Ron Goldy... Temperatures have been generally below to near normal with highs ranging from 62 to 81oF (normal is 76oF) and lows from 41 to 63oF (normal is 54oF). There was 0.13 inches of rainfall during the past week. Field activity has continued with no weather interruptions.

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By Bill Steenwyk... On this date last year, we were assessing the damage from the four to seven inches of rain that had just fallen and destroyed West Michigan crops worth millions of dollars (go to www.ipm.msu.edu/cat08veg/v06-11-08.htm#2a and scroll to the middle for my report and photos).

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By Norm Myers... Oceana County experienced heavy rains over Sunday and Monday (June 6-7) with amounts ranging from 2 to 4 inches. Much of this rain came very quickly resulting in a lot of soil erosion both in fields and on roads. Many vegetable growers are also worried about leaching of fertilizer and herbicide. Temperatures remain well below normal, and most crops are well behind where they should be at this point in the season.

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By Hannah Stevens... Temperatures remain cool in the region, but timely rains have been good for crops. Over the past few days, 0.05 to 0.8 inches of rain were reported. Plastic tunnels are still in place for the most part. Tall rye cover crops have been incorporated.

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By Dan Pavuk... The cool and relatively dry weather has continued this past week in southeast Michigan. We did have several days in the upper 70s, so that helped crop growth.

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By Ron Goldy... Temperatures have been generally below to near normal with highs ranging from 57 to 78oF (normal is 73oF) and lows from 45 to 57oF (normal is 52oF). There was 0.96 inch of rainfall during the past week.

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By Bill Steenwyk... The weather has been cool and breezy. Many fields have been dry enough to allow for field work to continue. Most crops are developing slowly in the cool weather. Base 50 degree-day accumulations as of June 1 are 420 at Fremont, 500 at Hudsonville, and 600 in southern Allegan and Barry counties. Rain accumulation this past week varied from 0.27 inch at Hudsonville, to 1.87 inch at Fennville.

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By Norm Myers... While Oceana County has had a relatively dry week, the weather has remained cool and very windy. The Asparagus Research Farm recorded a low of 33.6°F on Sunday morning, May 31. Local weather people are calling for lows in the mid-30s tomorrow morning. Winds continue to interfere with spraying operations.

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By Hannah Stevens... Rain events were somewhat scattered this week, but most farms in the region received about an inch. Scattered frost on Sunday morning, May 31, burned some sensitive bedding plants and transplants on trailers although I have not noticed crop injury in the field.

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By Dan Pavuk... The cool, wet weather has slowed growth of all vegetable crops in the southeast Michigan region. In addition, windy conditions have made herbicide spraying operations difficult for growers in the region.

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By Ron Goldy... Temperatures have been generally above normal with highs ranging from 76 to 84oF (normal is 71oF) and lows from 46 to 59oF (normal is 50oF). There was 0.93 inch of much needed rainfall during the past week, mostly in the evening of May 26. Decent weather has allowed growers to get back on schedule.

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By Bill Steenwyk... With warm temperatures and adequate soil moisture, the 2009 growing season is on the move. Rain received last night and today will be welcomed by many.

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By Norm Myers... We have received more than an inch of rain over the last 30 hours and it is raining this morning. Soils had been getting a little dry, but this will certainly fix that. After a warm weekend, this week’s temperatures have been below normal.

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By Hannah Stevens... After 10 days of low relative humidity and no precipitation, most well-drained soils have now been worked and early season crops planted. Some rye cover crops are waiting for plow-down. A gentle rain across the region fell early this morning bringing 0.25 inch or less. Soil temperatures are rising into the 70°F mark during breezy days, and falling to the high 50’s to early 60’s at night. I expect weeds will start to emerge in earnest.

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By Dan Pavuk... We have had a fairly long stretch of warmer, drier weather now for the past two weeks. Consequently, growers have been making great progress in their planting schedules. Likewise, insect activity has increased, so growers will need to be vigilant for pests, such as flea beetles.

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Ron Goldy...Temperatures have been generally below to near normal with highs ranging from 57 to 78oF (normal is 67oF) and lows from 33 to 53oF (normal is 47oF). Lowest temperatures occurred May 17 and May 18 with both days having lows of 33oF. Some isolated frosts would have occurred both days. There was 0.7 inch of rainfall during the past week.

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Bill Steenwyk...The counties surrounding Grand Rapids experienced cool, moist conditions this past week. Most areas received two-thirds to one inch of rainfall. Moist soils and high winds made ID difficult for some to spray herbicides. Overall, field operations continue on the better-drained soils. Some have had to adjust their plans as to where a particular crop would be planted.

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Norm Myers...Oceana County received anywhere from 2.5 inches to 6 inches of rain last Wednesday night, May 13. The rains caused serious erosion and washing in many places especially the Stoney Lake area.

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Hannah Stevens...The weather continues to be sunny, breezy and cool throughout the region with scattered frost on Tuesday, May 19, which did some injury to transplants on wagons and probably some in the field. It has rained five days in the past seven. High winds followed about 1/3 inch of rain last Thursday, May 14, bringing the total to about 0.5 inch for the week.

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Dan Pavuk...We have had a very wet, cool spring in southeast Michigan until very recently. Consequently, this has slowed vegetable field operations for all crops. Now, however, there is a great deal of activity in fields.

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By Fred Warner and Angela Tenney... The Chinese calendar depicts 12 animals; this is the year of the ox. The calendar shows, a bird (rooster), two reptiles (dragon and snake) and nine mammals. Nematodes, as well as all invertebrates, were excluded. However, based on the results of soil samples submitted to date to Diagnostic Services, 2009 may be the year of the dagger nematode.

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By Ron Goldy... Temperatures have been generally below normal with highs ranging from 57 to 75oF and lows from 33 to 53oF. Some isolated frosts occurred Monday, May 11, and Tuesday, May 12. There was rainfall during the past week.

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By Bill Steenwyk... Much of the area north of northern Allegan and Barry counties received approximately a half inch of rain with relatively little farther south. Most of the rainfall occurred on Saturday. Temperatures have been cool for the past week. Seasonal accumulation of growing degree days is similar to last year (nearly 500 base 50 GDD near Grand Rapids).

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By Norm Myers... We continue to get good rains, but weather took a cool turn earlier this week. Highs on Monday morning, May 11, were a degree either side of 30 with white frost on the grass. There were only a few spots of frost in very low areas yesterday morning.

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By Hannah Stevens... Yesterday’s conditions allowed for a full day of fieldwork, at least on well-drained mineral and muck soils. It’s safe to say that this season is behind average in getting rye and wheat cover crops plowed down and vegetable crops established, especially compared to last year.

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By Norm Myers... Oceana County has had plenty of rain in the last couple of weeks and temperatures, except for the last couple of days have run near normal. Some or the lower, wetter fields are only now getting dry enough to work.

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