College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

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  National study documents U.S. specialty crop farmers can increase yields through improved pollination

  Published on July 29, 2020
  Largest study of its kind highlights opportunities to improve food security.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – September 5, 2023

  Published on September 6, 2023
  Peaches and blueberries are winding down and grape growers are getting ready for harvesting.

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  West central Michigan tree fruit update – April 2, 2024

  Published on April 2, 2024
  Cooler weather has kept buds in a holding pattern in the west central Michigan region.

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  New video on sampling berries for spotted wing drosophila to guide your IPM program

  Published on April 11, 2024
  How-to guide with equipment list for spotted wing drosophila sampling.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – April 23, 2024

  Published on April 23, 2024
  Warm weather is needed to help set crops for the many fruit types now in bloom in southwest Michigan.

• Grand Rapids area tree fruit update

  Published on March 30, 2011
  We’re off to a slow start with the cooler temperatures this spring.

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – May 7, 2019

  Published on May 7, 2019
  Rain and more rain for the general Grand Rapids, Michigan, area.

• West Michigan tree fruit regional report – May 10, 2016

  Published on May 10, 2016
  Apples are in full bloom and growers need to consider some diseases.

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – June 18, 2019

  Published on June 18, 2019
  June drop in apples should appear with warmer weather.

• Northwest Michigan fruit update - March 30, 2020

  Published on March 30, 2021
  The season is off to a warmer than usual start.

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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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  Northwest Michigan fruit update – May 7, 2024

  Published on May 7, 2024
  Tart cherries are in full bloom and sweets are starting to drop their petals. Gala are at 15% bloom and Honeycrisp are at king bloom. We have had excellent pollination weather for the last three days and black stem borer is in peak flight.

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  Early season reminders for key application timings of dormant and delayed-dormant fruit sprays

  Published on April 3, 2024
  Phenological stages are likely to move quickly when weather warms up this spring.

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  Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – May 7, 2024

  Published on May 7, 2024
  Petals are falling and sprayers are running this week on the Ridge.

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  Southwest Michigan fruit update – May 7, 2024 

  Published on May 7, 2024
  Bloom is finishing up in many of the major crops.

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  West central Michigan tree fruit update – May 14, 2024

  Published on May 14, 2024
  Sweet cherry fruitlets are out of the shuck. Apple tree bloom is lingering across the region.

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  Do you need to worry about early spring freezes?

  Published on April 4, 2016
  Cold, windy, snowy weather shouldn’t concern fruit growers as much as calm, clear nights.

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  All hands needed to protect wild bee pollinators

  Published on April 8, 2021
  New research expands understanding that collaboration among farmers, consumers, policymakers and researchers is needed to support pollination by wild bees and honey bees across agricultural landscapes.

• West Michigan tree fruit update – April 17, 2018

  Published on April 17, 2018
  Winter is still in place—are we in a mini ice age?

• Grand Rapids area tree fruit update – Aug. 20, 2019

  Published on August 20, 2019
  Late summer pest considerations.