Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center

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Established 1971 (relocated in 2009)

Most of the dry bean and sugar beet production in Michigan is located in the Thumb and Saginaw Valley areas. Michigan is the No. 1 producer of black beans, the No. 2 producer of all dry beans and the No. 4 producer of sugar beets in the country. Research at the center has allowed Michigan producers to be national leaders in sugar beet and dry bean production, offering growers the latest information on crop management and tillage techniques, new variety trials, and pest and weed control with minimal environmental impact. In addition to dry bean and sugar beet research, studies at the 310-acre site explore other important rotational crops including corn, wheat and soybeans.

Enviro-Weather Report

News

Michigan State University scientists to showcase latest in agricultural research

Published on May 8, 2018
Members of Michigan’s agriculture industry and local residents are invited to attend the upcoming research field days at Michigan State University’s outlying research facilities throughout the state this summer.
MSU AgBioResearch announces field day schedule for summer 2017

Published on May 18, 2017
Members of the Michigan agriculture industry and others are invited to tour several of the Michigan State University research facilities this summer during the annual field day festivities.
Industry contributions result in new $1M facility at MSU research center

Published on July 19, 2016
A ribbon-cutting dedication took place July 18 to celebrate the new Agricultural Education Center at the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center. The facility was made possible by contributions from the agriculture industry.
MSU history continues strong in Saginaw Valley and Thumb Regions

Published on July 11, 2016
MSU's Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center has provided research for the agriculture industry for more than 40 years.
James Kelly: A masterful bean breeder and mentor

Published on July 11, 2016
MSU University Distinguished Professor James Kelly has developed 47 bean varieties in the past 35 years. And he's not finished yet.