Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Center

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Established 1979

This 137-acre center sits in the five-county northwestern region that produces almost half of the U.S. supply of tart cherries and is responsible for 83 percent of sweet cherry production in Michigan. Founded through the efforts of the northwestern Michigan area fruit industry, the center is the premier research site for integrated pest management, horticultural production and handling, value-added processing, marketing and farm financial management practices for sweet and tart cherries, wine grapes, apples, plums and hops. In addition to creating and expanding knowledge through leading-edge research on cherries and other fruits, the center disseminates state-of-the-art information to the Michigan fruit industry and the public.

Enviro-Weather Report

News

Northwest Michigan fruit update – May 20, 2025

Published on May 21, 2025
Sweet and tart cherries are in petal fall after an extremely fast bloom period with the warm weather last week. Gala are in king bloom petal fall, and Honeycrisp are at 80% bloom; pollination weather has been particularly cool for honeybee flight.
Michigan grape scouting report – May 21, 2025

Published on May 21, 2025
Check out the latest Michigan grape scouting report for timely updates on weather, vine growth, disease management and pest activity. Stay informed and make proactive decisions to support vineyard health and productivity.
Northwest Michigan fruit update – May 13, 2025

Published on May 14, 2025
Sweet cherries are in full bloom, and tart cherries are close behind at 50% bloom. Apples are at pink, and growers are busy with bloom activities.
Michigan grape scouting report – May 14, 2025

Published on May 14, 2025
Check out the latest Michigan grape scouting report for timely updates on weather, vine growth, disease management and pest activity. Stay informed and make proactive decisions to support vineyard health and productivity.
Northwest Michigan fruit update – May 6, 2025

Published on May 6, 2025
The cool spring has been replaced by a few warm days that moved plant development along. We are at white bud in sweet cherry varieties. We had a cold night April 30, and growers are assessing if the low temperatures resulted in damage.