News

Michigan adopts the new National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual

Published on June 17, 2026
Michigan pesticide applicators will transition to updated training materials and certification exams designed to reflect current federal pesticide safety, stewardship and regulatory competency standards
Michigan’s H-2A wage offers in first half of Fiscal Year 2026

Published on June 16, 2026
Recent changes have important implications for Michigan growers, especially those hiring workers for harvest, equipment operation, trucking, packing and other tasks.
Bulletins Live! Two Tracker Report available now

Published on June 2, 2026
To raise awareness of pesticides currently impacted by the new EPA Bulletins Live! Two pesticide label directive, Michigan State University Extension will be generating a Bulletins Live! Two Tracker Report twice a month.
Water-up and water in: Irrigation can improve production and profits while reducing risk

Published on May 29, 2026
Irrigators have the advantage of applying water to help with germination and emergence and incorporate herbicides and nutrients. When rainfall is limited, irrigation can prevent early-season drought.
Michigan chestnut crop report – May 21, 2026

Published on May 27, 2026
Black stem borer activity continues. Growers should be trapping for adults and treating vulnerable trees. Potato leafhopper could arrive at any time.
2026 Status of herbicide-resistant weeds in Michigan

Published on May 13, 2026
Herbicide resistance screening is conducted by MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics every year. In 2025, there was a rise in waterhemp submissions.
Michigan chestnut crop report – May 11, 2026

Published on May 13, 2026
Black stem borer activity has begun. Growers should be trapping for adults and treating vulnerable trees.
Updated Michigan Chestnut Management Guide now available

Published on May 12, 2026
The Michigan Chestnut Management Guide offers important information at your fingertips and is available for free.
MSU Pesticide Safety Education Program offers Core Review training for pesticide applicators

Published on May 5, 2026
New pesticide safety training service offers 4-hour Core Review sessions to support pesticide applicator certification preparation and provide up to 4 RUP recertification credits.
Plant identification? There’s an app for that—actually several!

Published on May 4, 2026
2026 update: three AI platforms added! Plant identification apps for smartphones have seen significant improvements over the past several years. Now AI offers to take a photo and get an instant identification, but are they reliable?