News

Applying water at the right time and in the right amount

Published on July 24, 2025
Strategic irrigation scheduling ensures water application matches the crop water needs while maximizing crop water productivity.
Fertigation: A midseason option for fertilizer application to irrigated fields

Published on July 22, 2025
Applying fertilizer through irrigation, also known as fertigation, allows irrigators to apply the last increment of nitrogen to their growing crops.
Will an improved PLC program pay more often?

Published on July 17, 2025
Testing PLC updates against historical prices and looking forward to future support.
Drive-by crop identification in southwest Michigan

Published on July 17, 2025
Michigan has a diverse agricultural landscape. Learn to identify five of southwest Michigan’s field crops from the comfort of your vehicle.
Southwest Michigan field crops update – July 17, 2025

Published on July 17, 2025
Corn is in early reproductive stages, and detasseling in seed corn is in earnest. High temperatures and little precipitation have resulted in spider mite infestations in soybeans.
Southwest Michigan field crops update – July 10, 2025

Published on July 10, 2025
Tar spot was confirmed in Cass County. With corn starting to tassel, scout for tar spot and western bean cutworm. Wheat reached physiological maturity, and harvest began.
MSU Extension and Newaygo County Conservation District partner to host Farm Field Day

Published on July 8, 2025
Attend the Newaygo County Farm Field Day on Aug. 19 to learn about pest management and scouting, irrigation, grazing management, and updates on NRCS funding opportunities and programs. RUP and CCA credits are available.
Southwest Michigan field crops update – July 3, 2025

Published on July 3, 2025
Soybeans are in late vegetative to early reproductive stages. As wheat ripens, consider options for planting a robust cover crop or soybeans after harvest.
Southwest Michigan field crops update – June 26, 2025

Published on June 26, 2025
Corn and soybean growth accelerated with the heat. Wheat continued to ripen, and second cuttings of alfalfa started late last week.
Southwest Michigan field crops update – June 19, 2025

Published on June 19, 2025
Sidedress nitrogen applications went out on corn. Early soybeans are starting to flower. Scout for potato leafhopper in potatoes and alfalfa.