Many farms in the Rochester region are now or will soon be picking early varieties of sweet corn, according to Bob King of the Monroe County Cooperative Extension. Local sweet corn in the Rochester region is expected to be in full swing around July 20. Historically, the season runs from July 4 until hard frost in late September or early October. This year's harvest of sweet corn has been delayed by at least a week due to cool and wet conditions during the spring. During July, some periods of tight supply are expected due to delayed plantings. However, as the season progresses, the supply of sweet corn should even out and become more widely available.

Three stages of sweet corn plantings referred to as: 1) early, 2) mid-season and, 3) late season. Early varieties are smaller in ear and plant size than mid and late season varieties, which usually have large ear and plant size. Predominantly bicolor (yellow and white) is sold by Rochester markets and three types of sweet corn are sold: standards, sugar enhanced and super sweets, King stated in a press release.

Sweet cherries are now being harvested and fruit quality has been good to excellent across the region. Recent rains in some areas caused damage by cracking the fruit, which illustrates how risky this crop can be to grow. The most effective way to avoid cracking is to keep rain off the cherry by either using a water proof cover or applying calcium chloride. Calcium chloride is a salt that helps prevent water from entering and creating pressure that will split the cherry.

Tart cherries are soon to be harvested in some areas around Lake Ontario. East of Rochester, the ice storm has significantly reduced the integrity of the trees in older orchards. Some trees have already fallen with the crop load, while others are likely to come down when being harvested.

Summer red raspberries are also being picked in most areas of Monroe County and western New York. Picking is soon to be in full swing and will include black and purple raspberries. The raspberry season is expected to continue through September. The heat and recent rain this past weekend created ample soil moisture and encouraged the maturity of the raspberry crop. Blueberries are soon expected to be picked during the week of July 21.

Monroe County sweet corn statistics:

• Third in the state in terms of farms growing sweet corn 64 farms
• Sixth in the state in terms of acreage 3,881 acres
• Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Wayne counties comprise the largest region in NYS for production - 34,021 acres
• Average yield - 1000 dozen per acre (40% acreage for processing, 60% acreage for fresh market)
• Average range in terms of weight 3.5 to 7 tons per acre

Monroe County raspberry statistics:

• Ranks third in the state in terms of production acreage and poundage.
• Twelve farms produce raspberries on 26 acres, accounting for $200,000 in total farm revenue