College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

• With a backwards spring, Mother Nature pitches a change-up after a fastball

  Published on May 29, 2012
  With a warm March followed by a cold April, 2012 is shaping up to be the worst year for the Michigan fruit industry since 1945 or earlier.

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  Guide for encouraging pollinators

  Published on October 21, 2015
  Handy, new, pocket-sized guide will help gardeners, farmers and landscapers support bee species.

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  West central Michigan tree fruit update – June 18, 2019

  Published on June 18, 2019
  Apples have sized past the optimal thinning window. Insect activity is picking up.

• Join the Michigan Apple Crunch

  Published on September 28, 2015
  A statewide celebration of Michigan Apples on October 22, 2015.

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  Grand Rapids area apple maturity report – Sept. 26, 2018

  Published on September 26, 2018
  We are approaching the halfway mark for the harvest season.

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  Grand Rapids area apple maturity report – Sept. 22, 2021

  Published on September 22, 2021
  This is the seventh apple maturity report for the Grand Rapids, Michigan, region.

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – June 22, 2021

  Published on June 22, 2021
  Much-needed precipitation occurred throughout the area last week; more rainfall and a return to warmer weather predicted later in the week.

• Southwest Michigan apple maturity report – October 16, 2013

  Published on October 16, 2013
  Harvest of Golden Delicious and Red Delicious is winding down. Ida Reds have reached sufficient maturity for good quality, long-term storage. Growers are still holding back from Fuji and Braeburn harvest to wait for better skin color.

• Southwest Michigan apple maturity report – October 2, 2013

  Published on October 3, 2013
  Golden Delicious and some Red Delicious harvesting are underway in southwest Michigan. Recent dry conditions have helped harvest go relatively fast with excellent fruit quality.

• East Michigan fruit update – April 14, 2020

  Published on April 14, 2020
  Cold temperatures over the last week have slowed growth of flower and leaf buds in all fruit crops.

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  Honeycrisp crop management for 2022

  Published on April 26, 2022
  A heavy bloom is expected in 2022 following the light crop in 2021. This article includes strategies and recommendations for pruning and blossom thinning.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – Sept. 19, 2018

  Published on September 19, 2018
  It’s been a warm, dry week as apple harvest gains momentum. Grape harvest is beginning.

• West central Michigan tree fruit update – May 21, 2019

  Published on May 21, 2019
  Stone fruit is in bloom, apples are at pink and early insect activity is picking up.

• Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – April 30, 2019

  Published on April 30, 2019
  The Michigan spring weather rollercoaster continues.

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – June 16, 2020

  Published on June 16, 2020
  June drop in apples is winding down. Fruit set looks good.

• East Michigan fruit update – July 21, 2020

  Published on July 21, 2020
  Two precipitation events moved over the region in the past week, bringing some much-needed relief to drought. Summer red and black raspberry and blueberry harvest continues.

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  West central Michigan apple maturity report – August 28, 2025

  Published on August 28, 2025
  Early apple varieties are being harvested this week in the west central region. Cooler nighttime temperatures are enhancing red color development.

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  Grand Rapids area apple maturity report – August 28, 2025

  Published on August 28, 2025
  Early apple varieties are being harvested this week in the Grand Rapids region. Cooler nighttime temperatures will enhance red color development.

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  Michigan statewide apple maturity report – August 27, 2025

  Published on August 27, 2025
  Keep abreast of the latest apple maturity testing done in different cultivars around the state to optimize harvest times for storage and fresh picking.

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  Michigan statewide apple maturity report – October 15, 2025

  Published on October 15, 2025
  Final apple maturity report for 2025. Keep abreast of the latest apple maturity testing done in different cultivars around the state to optimize harvest times for storage and fresh picking.