College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

• Livestock may not mix with fruit and vegetable production

  Published on March 1, 2012
  Livestock in close proximity to produce-growing areas can pose a problem for growers seeking food safety certification. With proper mitigation strategies, the two can coexist. Without these strategies, passing an audit may be difficult.

• East Michigan fruit update – Sept. 19, 2018

  Published on September 19, 2018
  Brown marmorated stink bug trap catches have taken a sharp rise at some east Michigan farms. Apple and fall red raspberry harvest are in full swing.

• Reduction of overwintering inoculum in orchards with apple scab

  Published on September 21, 2010
  

• Northwest Michigan fruit update – June 5, 2018

  Published on June 5, 2018
  With the recent heat and moisture, tree growth has accelerated and fruit is sizing quickly. Thinning is a priority for growers this week.

• Dieback issues in McIntosh cultivars in Michigan

  Published on August 24, 2010
  

• Are small farms exempt from Good Agricultural Practices certification?

  Published on April 25, 2011
  Growers operating small farms may not be required to be GAP certified under the new Food Safety Modernization Act, but retailers, packers and shippers keep demanding proof of GAP certification.

• Apple scab control 2010

  Published on April 13, 2010
  

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  Improved degree-day maps on Enviroweather

  Published on April 19, 2017
  New maps provide more accurate and extensive growing degree-day information to users making pest and crop decisions.

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  Importance of recycling on tall spindle apple plantings

  Published on April 3, 2015
  A key to successful canopy development is to retain and encourage productive growth by recycling vigorous branches in a tall spindle apple planting.

• Michigan apple maturity reports – October 5, 2011

  Published on October 5, 2011
  Each week, MSU Extension educators test apples for maturity in their region and report the status.

• Post-harvest wash water management for shelf life and food safety

  Published on August 8, 2016
  Washing fruits and vegetables properly in a dunk tank or hydrocooler can help extend shelf life and improve food safety. Improper washing increases the risk of a small food safety problem becoming a big one.

• Who is eating the produce that I grow?

  Published on February 3, 2012
  When adopting food safety practices on the farm, it’s important to remember why and for whom it is being done.

• Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Foundation supports young growers to attend conference

  Published on January 29, 2014
  The Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Foundation and Cherry Republic are helping four young growers from northwest Michigan attend the 2014 International Tree Fruit Association meeting in British Columbia.

• Are the “kids” back on the farm?

  Published on January 18, 2012
  MSU Extension’s IPM Academy on February 20-21 can bring the newest generation of farmers up to speed on pest management in a variety of cropping systems.

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  Northwest Michigan fruit regional report – June 2, 2015

  Published on June 2, 2015
  Growers are assessing sweet cherries, tart cherries and apples for damage from the May 20 frost.

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  Northwest Michigan fruit regional report – June 28, 2016

  Published on June 28, 2016
  Spotted wing Drosophila management is underway in susceptible fruit crops, and sweet cherry harvest will begin early next week.

• Training apple trees in tall spindle during developing years

  Published on June 19, 2014
  Train trees in a timely manner in the initial years and reap the rewards in subsequent years.

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  Two new Enviro-weather stations added in Allegan and Haslett

  Published on April 28, 2015
  New and replacement MSU Enviro-weather stations brings station total to 75 within Michigan.

• East Michigan fruit regional report – May 10, 2016

  Published on May 10, 2016
  With cooler temperatures over the last week, our season is back to normal for our bloom dates.

• East Michigan fruit regional report – July 26, 2016

  Published on July 26, 2016
  Drought conditions continue across the region. Harvest continues for blueberries and early Japanese plum varieties. Spotted wing Drosophila trap catch numbers are building.