Resources

  • Driving Farm Success with Financial Management Education

    Published on July 2, 2025
    Farmers need to understand their farm’s finances, available options and the best solutions for their situation. This report explains how MSU Extension provides comprehensive consultations, content and tools to help farmers manage these demands.

  • Helping Farmers Understand Federal and State Agriculture Policy

    Published on July 2, 2025
    This report tells how Michigan State University Extension works to educate and support farmers in understanding federal and state agricultural policy through resources and webinars.

  • Hoary Alyssum: Small But Hazardous to Horses

    Published on June 25, 2025
    This bulletin explains how to identify living and dried hoary alyssum, why the plant is a problem for horses and other equine species, and offers strategies for managing hoary alyssum in pastures, hayfields, turfgrass and Christmas tree stands.

  • MSU Extension Provides Education to Beef Producers and Industry

    Published on June 19, 2025
    MSU Extension continued to meet the challenge of serving the Michigan beef industry by supporting producers through education on regenerative grazing practices, reproductive efficiency, marketing decisions and genetics, such as beef crossed with dairy.

  • GREEN means GO—Animal Check-in Checklist

    Published on June 12, 2025
    GREEN means go! Use this checklist to evaluate the condition of animals before they come off the trailer and enter the barn at fairs. If you can answer YES to each of these areas, animals can go into the barn.

  • Winter Bale Grazing in Michigan and the Great Lakes Region

    Published on May 13, 2025
    This bulletin provides practical guidance for implementing bale grazing as a winter-feeding strategy for beef cattle in Michigan, including equipment needs, layout tips, animal health considerations and soil fertility benefits.

  • Value-Added Products from the Farm: Selling Farm Fresh Poultry in Michigan

    Published on May 13, 2025
    This publication includes an infographic and detailed information on options, regulations, and licensing for selling farm fresh poultry in Michigan.

  • Recordkeeping System for Crop Production

    Published on May 12, 2025
    A system for keeping records for pesticide application, nutrient application, manure application, animal burial and composting, irrigation and employee training.

  • Bulletin E-3506 Models for Raising Pigs for Pork

    Published on May 5, 2025
    This publication highlights the differences in cost and revenue structures for contract and independent finishers. It was developed from a 2024 National Pork Board funded grant.

  • Measure and track serum total protein scores in calves

    Published on May 2, 2025
    Whether you are using a Brix or analog refractometer to measure serum total protein (STP) in calves for passive immunity, this chart will help you track STP scores and identify potentially at-risk calves or an ineffective colostrum management program.

  • Managing livestock resources during natural disasters

    Published on April 18, 2025
    Important tips and resources to consider when planning for a natural disaster while raising livestock.

  • A Discussion Guide for Veterinarians and Producers on Basic Swine Nutrition

    Published on April 11, 2025
    This guide aims to facilitate conversations between veterinarians and swine producers on swine nutrition. It covers essential topics like nutrient requirements, feed formulation and the impact of nutrition on animal health and productivity.

  • The State of Michigan Agriculture: 2025

    Published on April 9, 2025
    This analysis outlines the state of Michigan agriculture in 2025.

  • The Outlook for Michigan Agriculture 2025

    Published on April 9, 2025
    This analysis outlines the outlook for agriculture with a particular emphasis on commodities of particular importance to Michigan.

  • JBS Contract Comparison Tool

    Published on March 12, 2025
    This spreadsheet is to be used to help assist with choosing between using the "New" or "Old" JBS Holstein contract and discovering how premiums and discounts can affect the profitability on a load of cattle.

  • Comprehensive Guide to Parasite Management in Pasture-Raised Swine Herds

    Published on February 5, 2025
    Parasites in small swine farms can lower feed efficiency, slow growth, and increase disease risks, raising costs and delaying market readiness.

  • Farm Records Book for Management

    Published on December 20, 2024
    The Farm Records Book for Management is a tool designed specifically for paper-and-pen bookkeepers but it can also help spreadsheet or software users get a better understanding of their financial situation.

  • Farm Records Book for Management spreadsheet

    Published on December 20, 2024
    The Farm Records Book for Management spreadsheet is a tool designed to help farmers get a better understanding of their financial situation.

  • MSU Custom Rate Calculator Worksheet

    Published on October 30, 2024
    The MSU Custom Rate Calculator Worksheet can guide the calculation of the total economic cost of owning and operating the machinery for custom hire services.

  • MSU Custom Rate Calculator Tool spreadsheet

    Published on October 30, 2024
    The MSU Custom Rate Calculator Tool spreadsheet can guide the calculation of the total economic cost of owning and operating the machinery for custom hire services.