MSU Extension Drought Resources

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  Irrigation to help get the crop started

  Published on June 2, 2022
  Irrigators have the advantage of being able to apply water to aid germination, emergence, and incorporate herbicides and nutrients. If rainfall is short, irrigation can prevent early season drought.

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  Consider drought-motivated irrigation purchases carefully

  Published on June 8, 2021
  Hot, dry summers sometimes result in quick irrigation investment decisions that may be regretted

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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.

• Compost increases the water holding capacity of droughty soils

  Published on October 16, 2015
  How to choose compost that increases the soil’s water holding capacity.

• 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 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.

• Farms need to start year-end financial plan now to avoid problems later

  Published on August 21, 2012
  With current commodity prices at record levels and crop yields still unsure 2012 will be a year where farms will want to do some early year-end financial planning.

• Have a strategy when commodity markets go against your position to buy or sell crops

  Published on August 21, 2012
  Wild commodity price swings are reacting to drought conditions that are leaving some farm producers wondering what they could have done to protect their situation.

• 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.

• Choosing cover crops

  Published on August 8, 2012
  There is help for producers to determine what cover crops they should use in their rotation.

• 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.

• Toxic seed piece syndrome reported in Michigan potato fields

  Published on July 25, 2012
  Learn the symptoms of toxic seed piece syndrome, a physiological disorder to potato fields that has been reported recently in Michigan.

• 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.

• Botrytis blight is causing problems in Michigan potatoes

  Published on July 20, 2012
  Excessive humidity and other stress factors are causing Botrytis blight in Michigan potatoes this season. Learn the epidemiology of this disease, as well as control methods and fungicide options.

• Conserving soil moisture in vegetables: Effects of weed management and cover crop mulches

  Published on July 18, 2012
  During hot, dry summers like this, timely weed management and retention of surface mulch can help reduce crop stress and minimize irrigation costs.

• 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.

• Evaluate your crop delivery arrangements to avoid hidden risks

  Published on July 9, 2012
  Advanced marketing agreements and contracts may have new meanings if this year’s crop falls short on the delivery bushels needed.

• Recognize the signs of heat stroke before it's too late

  Published on June 18, 2012
  Heat stroke is a serious condition that many farmers are at risk of experiencing, especially during the hot, humid days of a Michigan summer.

• Tips to stay safe in the heat

  Published on June 18, 2012
  With the hot summer weather upon us, heat related issues can sneak up on people who work outdoors, especially farmers who may not have access to shade or air conditioning to cool down.

• Extreme temperatures can trigger intense emotions in farmers

  Published on June 13, 2012
  Spring heat wave and hard frosts take an emotional toll on growers, farm workers and families.