MSU Extension Beginning Farmer

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  Michigan sets goal of 1,000 participating Apple Crunch sites for 2022

  Published on September 26, 2022
  The Michigan Apple Crunch returns this October.

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  MSU Organic Farmer Training Program now in Detroit and East Lansing

  Published on September 16, 2022
  New partnership with Keep Growing Detroit leads to a hands-on learning site.

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  USDA Farmland Cash Rental Rates

  Published on August 29, 2022
  Rental rates per county taken from USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Services

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  Insurance options for fruit growers bulletin now available

  Published on July 22, 2022
  A new bulletin from MSU Extension explores the basics of crop insurance available to fruit producers and presents how its use can benefit your farm.

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  Bulletin E-3426 Insurance Options for Fruit Growers

  Published on July 20, 2022
  This publication outlines insurance and risk management options available to Michigan fruit growers.

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  Reducing heat stress for you and your employees

  Published on June 22, 2022
  Heat stress can be an issue for you and your employees, even in a northern state like Michigan. Multiple 90+ degree days during spring 2022 brought that to light for many of us working in agriculture.

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  Will gas prices keep employees at home?

  Published on June 15, 2022
  The cost to employees of filling their gas tank may make some think twice about driving to work. What can employers do to recognize the stress on employees and keep them working?

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  What should I do if I find a swarm of bees?

  Published on May 10, 2022
  Contact a local beekeeper if you find a swarm of honey bees.

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  How profitable does 2022 look for your farm?

  Published on April 12, 2022
  The MSU Cash Flow Estimator can help your farm answer this question.

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  Pollinator supportive trees and shrubs for farm and orchard windbreaks

  Published on April 8, 2022
  Fruit growers can support bee health and other wildlife by thoughtfully selecting woody plants for their windbreaks.

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  Production Record Accuracy Check Template

  Published on April 6, 2022
  A Microsoft Excel tool to assist producers with reconciling production records for accuracy and completeness.

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  Bulletin E-3424 Marketing Fresh Produce via Direct to Consumer and Intermediated Markets

  Published on March 31, 2022
  The guide provides an overview of direct and intermediated marketing channels, including quality standards, insurance and food safety considerations, communication, skills, pricing, and typical customer profiles.

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  Monday night southwest Michigan fruit IPM meetings are back April 11

  Published on March 29, 2022
  These weekly updates, held virtually and in person, will keep growers current on pest and disease developments throughout the season and offer RUP credits.

• Presenter Panel Discussion of the Week's Pest Topics

  Attendees submitted questions to the expert panel of presenters from the week's fruit sessions. The panel spent the Friday hour answering attendee submitted questions based on the week's topics.

• Key Wildlife Pests of Fruit and How to Promote and Protect Pollinators in Fruit Systems

  Learn more about key wildlife pests to be on the lookout for as well as how you can promote and protect pollinators on your operation.

• Key Insect Pests and Diseases of Small Fruits

  Diseases and pests can show up quickly to ruin fruit crops. This video will help you learn the basics, including management strategies, for important small fruit diseases and pests common in our region.

• Key Insect Pests and Diseases of Tree Fruits

  Diseases, and pests can show up quickly to ruin fruit crops. This session will help you learn the basics, including management strategies, for important tree fruit diseases and pests common in our region.

• What is IPM and How do you do it?

  Learn more about integrated pest management and how to implement IPM practices on your farm.

• Fruit Presenter Panel Discussion of the Week's Horticultural Topics

  Attendees at the MI Ag Ideas to Grow With conference who participated in the fruit track, week 1 with horticultural topics were able to hear from an expert panel of presenters from the week's sessions. This panel spent the Friday hour answering attendee submitted questions based on the week's topics.

• Digging in: How to pick and prepare a site for a fruit planting

  Join Emily Lavely to learn more about how to pick the best location and prepare it for planting fruit.