The calendar and the weather tell us summer is still with us, but other indicators point to fall’s rapid approach. School has started, Labor Day has passed, and daylight hours are shorter and darkness hours are longer. Many things are “Ripe in the Land of Oceana” as well. The harvest of peaches, pears and apples and other good eats are ripe. Peach varieties are showing up at stores and fruit stands. Currently, McIntosh, Paula Red and early Golden varieties are being harvested. Pear picking is nearing completion. A few cooler night temperatures have added color to apples.
MACMA (Michigan Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Association) estimates the Michigan apple crop at 25 million bushels, slightly less than 2025. A slight increase in prices for processing apples was negotiated with several handlers for 19 cents per pound for soft varieties and 21 cents for hard varieties. Demand for apples seems good this fall.
The summer dry weather is visible with certain fields of corn and soybeans showing drought symptoms. Hay crops were impacted with lower than normal yields. This is small in comparison to the years-long drought in the western states. Corn chopping has started and will continue until silos, ag bags and bunkers are filled.
The 155th Oceana County Fair is a wrap, and the Large Market Project prices were very “ripe.” Gross sales totaled $513,585.90 with hogs averaging $10.92 per pound. They ranged from $5.50 to $22. Goats averaged $24 a pound, ranging from $18 to $30. The lambs' spread was $5.50 to $11, averaging $7.95. Beef topped out at $14.50 per pound and bottomed at $4, for an average of $6.50 per pound. It is amazing how our local community and businesses stepped to the plate to support our youth.
On a very sad note, the Grand Champion hog passed away Saturday evening, Aug. 29. To set the record straight, a necropsy performed on organs harvested determined that no swine influenza was involved. As swine barn superintendent, your loyal scribe was at the forefront of this unfortunate situation. Several calls from two different state veterinarians confirmed that our team instituted all the necessary protocols to ensure safety for all individual persons and animals involved. All remaining swine reached their destinations safely.
A recent accidental farm death shows that no matter the task, safety is always job one, whether at the workplace, at home or on the highways. Be part of the solution by exercising caution in your daily activities no matter the location.
