MSU Extension Beginning Farmer

Farm Business

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  Weathering the worst: Essential disaster prep for livestock and the farmers who protect them

  Published on April 16, 2026
  Simple, effective preparedness strategies that help farms stay resilient through storms, wildfires and rising waters.

• Soil Fertility Considerations in a Down Market

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Kurt Steinke, MSU professor and Extension specialist in soil fertility and nutrient management, discussing soil fertility considerations in a down market.

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for April 16, 2026

  Presented as part of the MSU Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast, Jeff Andresen reviews recent weather events and totals, and provides short-, medium- and long-term outlooks using NOAA forecasts to assess impacts on field crops.

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  Corn cost of production projection tool for 2026 now available

  Published on April 13, 2026
  New cost of production Excel-based tool for non-irrigated and irrigated corn now available from MSU Extension.

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  Grass-Fed Freezer Beef Pricing Worksheet

  Published on April 13, 2026
  This worksheet provides examples and calculations for pricing grass-fed freezer beef.

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  How to price freezer beef

  Published on April 13, 2026
  Spreadsheet tools help beef and dairy producers set prices when selling grain-fed and grass-fed beef carcasses.

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  Grain-Fed Freezer Beef Pricing Worksheet

  Published on April 13, 2026
  This worksheet breaks down each of the variables and provides examples on pricing.

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  2026 Corn Projected Cost of Production

  Published on April 10, 2026
  The MSU Extension 2026 Projected Cost of Production for corn tool is intended to serve as a starting point for discussions on both expected income and expenses for individual farms.

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  Farmers invited to join national study on farming practices and soil health

  Published on April 9, 2026
  Farmers and ranchers are invited to participate in a free soil health evaluation and contribute to research supporting profitable, resilient and sustainable agriculture.

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  Taming farm fuel costs using farm level planning

  Published on April 9, 2026
  Adjusting 2026 farm budgets with rising diesel prices.

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for April 9, 2026

  Presented as part of the MSU Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast, Jeff Andresen reviews recent weather events and totals, and provides short-, medium- and long-term outlooks using NOAA forecasts to assess impacts on field crops.

• Corn and Soybean Planting Considerations

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Manni Singh, MSU Cropping Systems Agronomist, discussing corn and soybean planting considerations.

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  Evaluating nitrogen rates for corn with high fertilizer prices

  Published on April 2, 2026
  Maximizing profitability begins with optimizing nitrogen’s return on investment.

• Early Season Weed Control

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Christy Sprague, MSU Extension Weeds Specialist and Professor, discussing early season weed control.

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for April 2, 2026

  Presented as part of the MSU Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast, Jeff Andresen reviews recent weather events and totals, and provides short-, medium- and long-term outlooks using NOAA forecasts to assess impacts on field crops.

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  Projected Cost of Production for Soybeans tool for 2026 available

  Published on April 1, 2026
  A new cost of production Excel-based tool for soybeans is now freely available online for the 2026 growing season.

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  2026 Soybean Projected Cost of Production

  Published on March 26, 2026
  The MSU Extension 2026 Projected Cost of Production for Soybeans tool is intended to serve as a starting point for discussions on both expected income and expenses for individual farms.

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  Harmful Algal Blooms in Western Lake Erie

  Published on March 26, 2026
  This bulletin explains causes, trends and impacts of harmful algal blooms in Western Lake Erie, linking nutrient runoff, land use and climate to water quality, and outlining management strategies to reduce phosphorus and protect ecosystems.

• Spring Field Management

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Anna Cates, Associate Extension Professor at the University of Minnesota, discussing spring field management and if better soil management can get you in the fields earlier.

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for March 26, 2026

  Presented as part of the MSU Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast, Jeff Andresen reviews recent weather events and totals, and provides short-, medium- and long-term outlooks using NOAA forecasts to assess impacts on field crops.