Resources

USDA Farmland Cash Rental Rates

Published on August 22, 2025
Rental rates per county taken from USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Services
Michigan Apple Cost of Production 2025

Published on August 20, 2025
This report summarizes our findings related to the costs of producing apples in Michigan.
Multi-Year Land Rent Value Calculator

Published on August 19, 2025
A decision tool that provides different approaches to determining land rent by crop and rotation over multiple years.
MSU Research Update: Improving Conifer Plantation Establishment: Impacts of Pre- and Post-Planting Treatments

Published on August 12, 2025
This article summarizes MSU trials on pre- and post-planting treatments for improving conifer seedling survival, highlighting mulch as the most consistently beneficial under drought conditions.
The Science of Shearing

Published on August 12, 2025
In this article, Bert Cregg discusses some of the basic biology and underlying principles that guide the response of conifers to shearing.
Assessing Sites for Christmas Tree Production Using Web Soil Survey

Published on August 12, 2025
This article discusses the use of the Web Soil Survey tool produced by the USDA NRCS as it provides Christmas tree growers with a free, powerful, easy to use online program for gaining critical information on soil on their sites.
Weed Biology & Management Series for Christmas Tree Production

Published on August 12, 2025
This article explores the biology and management of field horsetail in Christmas tree production, detailing its rhizome-based spread, environmental preferences, and the challenges of controlling it with both non-chemical and limited herbicide options.
16th International Christmas Tree Research and Extension Conference held in Denmark

Published on August 12, 2025
This article explains the importance of understanding herbicide modes and sites of action for effective weed control in Christmas tree production, helping growers select, rotate and apply herbicides to prevent resistance and maximize efficacy
How to Speak Christmas Tree: IPM: Weed Management

Published on August 12, 2025
Managing weeds is one of the most critical, and often frustrating components of operating a Christmas tree farm. In this edition, we examine weed management through an IPM lens.
Increasing Point of Sale Efficiency: Hardware, Software and Bookkeeping Tips

Published on August 12, 2025
This article reviews Point of Sale (POS) systems and how to set up a farm bookkeeping system that can account for sales collected in several different ways.