College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

• Watering fruit trees with micro-irrigation systems

  Published on June 12, 2014
  Drying conditions in much of the fruit growing region sparks need to begin watering using micro-irrigation systems. Growers need to review the MSU Enviro-Weather website to collect valuable data for your area to determine irrigation scheduling.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit regional report – June 2, 2015

  Published on June 2, 2015
  Time to focus on post-bloom insects that attack fruit.

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – April 2, 2019

  Published on April 2, 2019
  Another slow start to spring is good news to tree fruit producers.

• Michigan spotted wing Drosophila report for August 26, 2014

  Published on August 26, 2014
  Spotted wing Drosophila numbers continue to rise across the monitoring network. Protect susceptible crops where they are detected.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – Sept. 3, 2019

  Published on September 4, 2019
  Plum, pear and apple harvest is underway.

• Analyzing and improving your farm's air drainage

  Published on March 16, 2012
  Improving your farm's air drainage can pay benefits when spring frosts come.

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  Bridge grafting girdled fruit tree trunks

  Published on March 26, 2014
  Bridge grafting is an option to help save trees with extensive bark damage inflicted by rabbits during the winter.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – April 20, 2021

  Published on April 20, 2021
  Development was slow this past week. This week’s forecast is for a hard freeze in southwest Michigan.

• East Michigan fruit update – Aug. 20, 2019

  Published on August 20, 2019
  Red haven peach and fall red raspberry harvest is in full swing. Most fruit farms are experiencing dry soils with some growers seeing signs of drought stress in tree and small fruits planted this spring.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – March 25, 2020

  Published on March 25, 2020
  With warmer weather in March, the snow has melted and plant growth is starting.

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  Help shape the future of weed management in Michigan specialty crops

  Published on September 16, 2025
  Share your priorities and challenges by completing MSU’s 2025 Specialty Crop Weed Management Survey.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – June 16, 2020

  Published on June 16, 2020
  Strawberry harvest has begun.

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  Michigan State University hosts online peach field day

  Published on August 17, 2020
  Virtual presentations highlighted peach research at MSU’s Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center.

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – June 28, 2022

  Published on June 28, 2022
  Warm, dry conditions expected across the region. Fruit sizing continues. Cherry harvest underway.

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – July 12, 2022

  Published on July 12, 2022
  Slightly cooler and wetter conditions this week, then expect a return to warm, dry weather for the remainder of July.

• West central Michigan tree fruit regional report – August 11, 2015

  Published on August 11, 2015
  Latest rainfall totals were highly variable.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – Aug. 25, 2020

  Published on August 25, 2020
  Dry weather is slowing development and causing small fruit for most crops but is helping increase sugar content in peaches and grapes.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – April 4, 2023

  Published on April 4, 2023
  This week will be warm with some extreme storm potential on Wednesday. Quick phenology advancement is expected. Be prepared for any disease management sprays if the crop phenology indicates the need.

• Millennials in agriculture – Part 2

  Published on November 22, 2017
  Millennials tend to be discerning consumers willing to purchase food brands and products that embody their preferences for authenticity, transparency and responsible ingredient sourcing.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit regional report – August 26, 2014

  Published on August 26, 2014
  Summer fruit harvest continues and grapes are in veraison.