News

Checklist for irrigation winterization

Published on November 2, 2022
Proper winterization gets irrigation off to a good start for next year and lessens winter equipment damage.
Southwest Michigan field crops update - September 15, 2022

Published on September 15, 2022
Corn and soybean harvest estimates range from below-average to slightly above-average as crops near physiological maturity. Rainfall over the past month has been well below normal for most areas throughout the region.
Southwest Michigan field crops update - September 8, 2022

Published on September 8, 2022
Corn and soybean are entering the final stages of grain fill. Dry conditions have kept disease pressure low, but hopefully the crop will have enough water to get to the finish line.
Southwest Michigan field crops update - September 1, 2022

Published on September 1, 2022
With no rainfall in the forecast and above-normal temperatures for the coming week, grain fill could be weakened in most parts of the region. The good news: these dry conditions will also keep disease severity low, hopefully until yield has been set.
Christmas trees 101: Irrigation management

Published on August 16, 2022
Irrigating can save new transplants and improve the growth rate of mature trees.
MAEAP Field Day in St. Joseph County on Aug. 3, 2022

Published on July 27, 2022
The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program in Branch and St. Joseph counties is hosting a field day focused on irrigation and water stewardship.
Attend the southwest Michigan crop production and irrigation research field day

Published on July 27, 2022
Research efforts and current recommendations in irrigated corn and soybean production and pest management will be discussed at a field day in St. Joseph County on Aug. 22, 2022.
Camera or drone video can help identify center pivot sprinkler repairs

Published on June 23, 2022
Before we enter July and August when the bulk of irrigation water is applied, use a camera or drone video of pivot water patterns and pipe leaks to greatly help you prioritize needed repairs or sprinkler replacement.
June crop water needs

Published on June 23, 2022
Many areas in Indiana and Michigan quickly went from too much rainfall at planting to sparse rainfall from emergence on leading to an early start for the irrigation season.
Irrigation season: Start with inspections and repairs

Published on June 16, 2022
Running through a checklist of inspections and repairs for each irrigation system greatly improves the chance of being able to start irrigating the day the crop needs it.