News

Southwest Michigan field crops update – May 7, 2026

Published on May 7, 2026
Wheat is at Feekes 9 (flag leaf ligule visible) with the head moving up the stem toward Feekes 10 (head emerging). Early planted soybeans began to emerge.
Postemergence weed control in field crops

Published on May 6, 2026
The Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series continues May 14 with an important discussion on postemergence weed control options for field crop production.
MSU Pesticide Safety Education Program offers Core Review training for pesticide applicators

Published on May 5, 2026
New pesticide safety training service offers 4-hour Core Review sessions to support pesticide applicator certification preparation and provide up to 4 RUP recertification credits.
Don’t miss out on the 2026 Field Crops Scouting School

Published on May 4, 2026
Held in Frankenmuth, the Field Crops Scouting School is designed for interns and entry level scouts to learn the basics of identification, walking patterns, scouting tools and more.
Plant identification? There’s an app for that—actually several!

Published on May 4, 2026
2026 update: three AI platforms added! Plant identification apps for smartphones have seen significant improvements over the past several years. Now AI offers to take a photo and get an instant identification, but are they reliable?
Getting ahead of wheat diseases

Published on May 1, 2026
Tune in to the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast on May 7 to discuss disease management in wheat. One RUP/CCA credit is available.
Southwest Michigan field crops update – April 30, 2026

Published on April 30, 2026
Wheat is at Feekes 8 (flag leaf emerging) and 9 (flag leaf ligule visible). Corn and soybean planting has started.
Start thinking now about holding your soil in place

Published on April 29, 2026
It is not too late to consider which cover crops can reduce snirt.
Southwest Michigan field crops update – April 23, 2026

Published on April 23, 2026
Wheat is at Feekes 7 (two nodes). Alfalfa weevil damage is starting in alfalfa. Some fieldwork occurred between pockets of rainfall.
Optimizing alfalfa harvesting schedules

Published on April 16, 2026
The Field Crops Virtual Breakfast on April 23 will feature optimizing alfalfa harvesting schedules with guest speaker Kim Cassida, MSU Extension forages and cover crops specialist.
Winter canola greens up in Michigan

Published on April 16, 2026
Spring has sprung, so how can you make sure your winter canola is on the right track?
Southwest Michigan field crops update – April 16, 2026

Published on April 16, 2026
Wheat is at Feekes 6 (jointing). Persistent precipitation over the past week slowed down field work.
Stand your ground against early-season insect pests

Published on April 16, 2026
The Field Crops Virtual Breakfast on April 30 will feature management considerations for seedcorn maggot and other early insect pests. One RUP/CCA credit is available.
Paraquat and certain dicamba products require additional applicator training

Published on April 14, 2026
EPA requires pesticide applicators using paraquat and dicamba to complete label-mandated training.
How to obtain a pesticide application business license in Michigan

Published on April 13, 2026
Businesses applying pesticides for hire in Michigan must obtain a pesticide application business license. Understanding certification, experience, insurance and application requirements helps ensure compliance and legal operation.
Soil fertility considerations in a down market

Published on April 6, 2026
The 2026 Field Crops Virtual Breakfast series continues April 16 with guest speaker Kurt Steinke, a soil fertility and nutrient management specialist at Michigan State University.
MSU Extension field crops Scouting School returns for the third year

Published on April 1, 2026
This scouting school is designed for interns and entry level scouts to learn the basics of identification, walking patterns and scouting tools.
MSU Extension Virtual Breakfast series continues April 9 with corn and soybean planting considerations

Published on March 31, 2026
The 2026 Field Crops Virtual Breakfast series continues with MSU Extension cropping systems agronomist Manni Singh discussing planting considerations for corn and soybeans.
Control weeds early to spring into successful weed management

Published on March 26, 2026
The 2026 Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series continues on April 2 with guest speaker Christy Sprague, a weeds specialist at Michigan State University.
Take the certified applicator exam in English or Spanish in Kalamazoo County on April 7

Published on March 26, 2026
The core review and exam to become a certified restricted use pesticide (RUP) applicator will be held in both English and Spanish on April 7 in Kalamazoo. Four RUP credits are available to those with a current license who attend the review.