MSU Extension Drought Resources

• Agricultural Weather Forecast for May 25, 2021

  MSU agricultural meteorologist Jeff Andresen presents weather forecasts focusing on farmer’s interests to the MSU Extension fruit team.

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  Water up and irrigate in

  Published on April 27, 2021
  Over the wide variety of planting and soil-applied herbicide situations, most irrigated producers will gain from an early-season irrigation application. The limiting factor is whether the irrigation system is ready to go.

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  Fall and winter drought could cause challenges in crops

  Published on April 22, 2021
  Below normal precipitation during the fall and winter has resulted in a decline in groundwater levels. Producers need to prepare for potential challenges, especially if they irrigate crops.

• Fruit and vegetable farmers: Nov. 20 crop and disaster insurance deadline looming

  Published on November 12, 2012
  Michigan State University Extension urges fruit growers to carefully evaluate the costs and potential benefits of crop insurance for their farms.

• Fruit farms consider crop insurance options to manage risk

  Published on October 18, 2012
  Fruit farms can now learn more about crop insurance as a risk management tool in an online video.

• Fruit farms need to act soon before enrollment deadlines expire

  Published on October 8, 2012
  Fruit farms are reminded of the deadline for enrolling in one of the Crop Insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Programs with the Farm Service Agency.

• Fruit Farm financial summary tool to prep for disaster loans

  Published on September 4, 2012
  Farm financial business summary and analysis forms are now available for farms to download.

• Plum nursery mites and firing observed in tart cherry

  Published on August 31, 2012
  Tart cherry growers may need to apply a miticide application to protect overwintering health of trees.

• Michigan drought update for August 9, 2012

  Published on August 9, 2012
  More improvement with cooler temperatures and chances for rain is expected during the next week.

• Understanding the drought through the Evaporative Stress Index

  Published on August 9, 2012
  A look at the Evaporative Stress Index explains patterns of water availability and moisture stress across large areas.

• Weather and pest problems plagued Michigan’s blueberries in 2012

  Published on August 6, 2012
  The 2012 blueberry season has been plagued with problems like no other in many years. Weather, pests and labor problems have seriously challenged Michigan’s blueberry industry, however, there are lessons we can learn from the situation.

• Mediate disaster-related financial issues – don’t procrastinate

  Published on August 3, 2012
  Farmers who have experienced crop losses through drought or freeze may benefit by utilizing mediation services if they cannot meet financial obligations.

• What is evapotranspiration and why it matters

  Published on July 25, 2012
  Under drought conditions, plants may not be able to extract water fast enough to keep up with evapotranspiration.

• Is late season disease control needed in grapes?

  Published on July 24, 2012
  The warm, dry season has kept fungal diseases in grapes at bay. Continue vineyard and weather monitoring and be ready to take action if rainy weather returns.

• Counteracting adverse weather effects on deposition and degradation of insecticides used in berries

  Published on July 24, 2012
  Michigan is in the middle of a period of extreme heat and drought that affects not only the crop physiology, but also the way insect pests respond to pesticides used.

• Drought symptoms in blueberries

  Published on July 19, 2012
  Recognizing water stress in blueberries may allow you to recover without the loss of growth or crop this year and next.

• Impact of heat, drought and related problems on Michigan’s blueberry and raspberry harvest

  Published on July 18, 2012
  Hot and dry weather conditions occurring in Michigan during the 2012 season are not conducive for a “normal” small fruit harvest.

• What to do with drought-stressed blueberries

  Published on July 18, 2012
  Should growers cut back blueberries that appear to be dying from drought?

• Maintaining irrigation on Michigan blueberries

  Published on July 18, 2012
  Strategies for irrigating under hot, dry conditions and limited water supplies.

• How hot? How dry? Enviro-weather tools help answer these questions

  Published on July 10, 2012
  Fruit and vegetable growers can use MSU’s Enviro-weather tools to quickly compare seasonal heat (degree-day) and moisture (precipitation) accumulations with previous years and “normal” years.