News

Southwest Michigan fruit update – April 26, 2022

Published on April 26, 2022
Sweet cherry bloom has begun. Last week’s Sunday freeze does not seem to have had any significant impacts on fruit crops.
The next step in your on-farm produce safety work: On-Farm Readiness Review

Published on April 25, 2022
The Michigan on-farm produce safety team helps Michigan produce growers assess their farm’s readiness related to the FSMA Produce Safety Rule.
Michigan beekeepers and growers featured in Honey Bee Health Coalition’s Bee Integrated Demonstration Project

Published on April 22, 2022
Videos showcase strong relationships and communication between Michigan growers and commercial beekeepers to support honey bee health and pollination.
Southwest Michigan fruit update – April 19, 2022

Published on April 19, 2022
Bloom has begun in apricots. More blooming crops are expected by the end of the week.
Southwest Michigan fruit update – April 12, 2022

Published on April 12, 2022
Petal tissues are starting to be seen in some stone fruit. Some apples are near tight cluster. Development will continue with this week’s warmer weather.
Southwest Michigan fruit update – April 5, 2022

Published on April 5, 2022
Most crops have continued development despite last week’s cool weather.
Southwest Michigan fruit update – March 29, 2022

Published on March 29, 2022
This is the first update for the season. All fruit crops made it through the winter in good shape. Buds are swelling on early tree fruit.
Opportunities for mechanization and precision viticulture in Michigan wine and juice grape vineyards

Published on March 6, 2022
A brief overview of some technologies used in precision viticulture, such as remote and proximal sensing, and new opportunities driven by agricultural robots available for vineyard mechanization.
Grape winter bud hardiness: January 2022 mid-winter research update

Published on January 24, 2022
Southwest Michigan winter weather has been mild. Grape buds appear to be doing well.
Southwest Michigan fruit update – 2021 review

Published on January 12, 2022
Repeated freezes in May damaged many crops. A dry summer kept disease pressure down in most fruits. Crop quality and volumes were generally good for early season crops, but a warm and wet October caused quality issues for some late crops.