College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – Aug. 10, 2021

  Published on August 10, 2021
  The first apple maturity report of the season is out this week.

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  Southwest Michigan apple maturity report – September 3, 2025

  Published on September 3, 2025
  Many Macintosh, Gala and Honeycrisp blocks are at or near maturity and beginning harvest.

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  MSU Extension welcomes new tree fruit specialist for southwest Michigan

  Published on November 24, 2025
  Dan Dick, M.Sc., started working with Michigan State University Extension in November 2025.

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  Michigan statewide apple maturity report – September 24, 2025

  Published on September 24, 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.

• Michigan apple harvest reports – September 6, 2012

  Published on September 6, 2012
  Apple drop in Michigan is prevalent in 2012.

• Northwest Michigan fruit update – Aug. 4, 2020

  Published on August 4, 2020
  Cherry harvest is nearly complete and apples are sizing nicely.

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  West central Michigan tree fruit update – May 20, 2025

  Published on May 21, 2025
  Tart cherry is at petal fall, and early sweet cherry varieties are at shuck split. Apple varieties are at petal fall or early fruit set.

• Michigan growers successfully manage codling moth with areawide mating disruption

  Published on April 14, 2009
  

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  Michigan Managed Pollinator Protection Plan listening sessions

  Published on August 23, 2016
  Beekeepers, growers and others interested in the health of honey bees are invited to listening sessions to discuss pesticide use and bees.

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  Updated apple cropload management models are available

  Published on April 16, 2019
  New versions of the Carbohydrate Model and Predicting Fruitset Model are available to apple growers.

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  Northwest Michigan apple maturity report – October 11, 2023

  Published on October 12, 2023
  Growers are moving through apples as fast as they are able given the wet conditions over the past week. As most varieties are testing in the mature range, they are fair game for harvest.

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  Worried about February warmup to fruit crops?

  Published on February 21, 2017
  Warmer weather has perennials off to an early start. Does that increase the risk of cold damage or spring freezes?

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – June 24, 2025

  Published on June 27, 2025
  It was a hot week. Crops moved quickly.

• Consumers learn about apple production by visiting a Kent county farm

  Published on November 29, 2012
  Even in a year with few apples on the trees, visitors to the Kent county Breakfast on the Farm event hosted by May Farms received unique insight into how apples are produced and packaged.

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – May 10, 2022

  Published on May 10, 2022
  Expect hot, humidy weather for the duration of this week, with bloom beginning in apples likely by the end of the week.

• Keep food safety in mind when buying equipment

  Published on March 1, 2012
  With auction and trade show season in full swing, an eye often turns to acquisition of new or refurbished produce washing, packing and grading equipment. When evaluating equipment, keep food safety in mind to avoid difficulties.

• Northwest Michigan apple maturity report – September 24, 2014

  Published on September 24, 2014
  Apples are maturing slowly, but warm and sunny weather should move fruit along this week. We expect apples to be ready for harvest close to the predicted harvest dates for northwest Michigan.

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  Northwest Michigan fruit update – May 12, 2020

  Published on May 12, 2020
  The arctic air mass continues to cover Michigan, and the northwest region had over six nights of frost/freeze risk. We will assess potential damage after tonight, which is predicted to be the last cold night this week.

• Use of Apogee for shoot blight control in 2012

  Published on April 26, 2012
  Although the risk of blossom blight has been low in 2012 due to cool conditions, temperatures will eventually warm and the risk of shoot blight will rise. Apogee is the best material currently available for shoot blight control.

• Southeast Michigan apple maturity report – October 21, 2015

  Published on October 21, 2015
  Apple harvest has wrapped up at a few farms, with most growers being close to the end. Growers are finishing up Ida Red and waiting for Braeburn, Cameo and Winesap to mature.