News

USDA Cost Share Program now open for certified organic farmers

Published on May 8, 2019
USDA Certified Organic farmers may receive partial reimbursement of fees paid for certification. This program is open through Oct. 31, 2019. Farms or food businesses that have more than one certification are eligible to request cost share for each.
East Michigan fruit update – May 7, 2019

Published on May 7, 2019
Rainfall and mostly cooler temperatures over the last week have continued to slow the growth of fruit crops over the region.
Welcome Mike Reinke, IPM Educator for Fruits and Vegetables based in Berrien County

Published on May 7, 2019
Mike Reinke is the new IPM Educator for fruits and vegetables based in Berrien County and housed at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center.
Tree, turf and ornamental plant update – May 7, 2019

Published on May 7, 2019
An update on Lymantria dispar, formerly gypsy moth, white pine bluster rust and winter injury.
Using ReTain to set fruit

Published on May 7, 2019
ReTain can help set apples, sweet cherries and pears when applied in or near the bloom stage. It maintains longer flower receptiveness during bloom for apples and sweet cherries, and reduces ethylene production after bloom during fruit set on pears.
Southwest Michigan fruit update – May 7, 2019

Published on May 7, 2019
Tart cherries are in full bloom. A cool, wet week with a bright sunny weekend is forecasted.
On Tapping Maples

Published on May 7, 2019
Making maple syrup brings families to woodlands in productive ways. The idea of spending time reducing sap to syrup attracts many, both in the production and the consumption. The season is short. The memories are not.
Grading conservation: Which reserves defend forests?

Published on May 7, 2019
Lands that shelter forests have value often readily tallied by developers, but until now it’s been more difficult to prove the success of protecting those forested lands in pursuit of sustainability. That can put conservationists on the defense.
Northwest Michigan fruit update – May 7, 2019

Published on May 7, 2019
Weather conditions continue to be cool and tree development is slow. We have reached half-inch green in apples and bud burst in sweet and tart cherries.
Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – May 7, 2019

Published on May 7, 2019
Rain and more rain for the general Grand Rapids, Michigan, area.