News

Southwest Michigan field crops update – June 12, 2025

Published on June 12, 2025
Potato leafhopper is present—watch for it in potatoes and alfalfa. Wheat is done flowering and starting kernel fill.
Lark joining MSU through Agricultural Resiliency Program to address land use challenges facing today’s farmers

Published on June 11, 2025
Tyler Lark, an expert in land use change and sustainable agriculture, will become an assistant professor at MSU in August 2025.
Southwest Michigan field crops update – June 5, 2025

Published on June 5, 2025
Wheat is ending pollination and starting kernel development. Corn and soybeans reached early vegetative stages, but cool weather slowed development. Dry, windy conditions allowed lots of field work, including forage raking and baling.
Irrigation scheduling tools available through MSU Extension

Published on June 2, 2025
Irrigation scheduling tools not only help in deciding irrigation timing and amount but also facilitate water use reporting.
When should you retrofit your center pivot irrigation system?

Published on May 30, 2025
An economic decision support tool.
Southwest Michigan field crops update – May 29, 2025

Published on May 29, 2025
Wheat is mostly in full flower, and some fungicides for Fusarium head blight have gone out. Corn and soybeans continue in early vegetative stages, potatoes are at tuber initiation, and alfalfa had its first cutting.
Southwest Michigan field crops update – May 22, 2025

Published on May 22, 2025
Wheat is heading out and just starting to flower on some acres. Cool weather slowed down corn and soybean progress.
Early season irrigation for small grains and forages

Published on May 22, 2025
Irrigated small grains and alfalfa hay tend to have higher water demands when compared to most field crops and are often overlooked when it comes to timely irrigation.
Help shape the future of livestock water management—Take the MSU Extension survey

Published on May 16, 2025
Your input can help shape practical solutions for more efficient water use in animal agriculture.
Southwest Michigan field crops update – May 15, 2025

Published on May 15, 2025
Corn and soybeans continue to emerge while planting is ongoing. Wheat is at Feekes 9 (flag leaf fully emerged) and early 10 (boot stage).