News

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.
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 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 12, 2025

Published on June 12, 2025
Potato leafhopper is present—watch for it in potatoes and alfalfa. Wheat is done flowering and starting kernel fill.
Southwest Michigan field crops update – June 5, 2025

Published on June 5, 2025
Wheat is ending pollination and starting kernel development. Corn and soybeans reached early vegetative stages, but cool weather slowed development. Dry, windy conditions allowed lots of field work, including forage raking and baling.
Fusarium research under watch: How science and regulation work together to protect U.S. agriculture

Published on June 5, 2025
The plant pathogen Fusarium graminearum has recently gained media attention, but why all the fuss?
Continuous corn in Michigan: Popular practice, but is it sustainable?

Published on June 3, 2025
Many Michigan livestock and dairy producers rely on corn-on-corn cropping systems to meet feed demands, but is this short rotation approach truly effective? Here are some considerations for corn-on-corn production systems before sticking with it.