Aug 1, 2014

MSU Extension adds small fruit educator

Michigan State University Extension’s (MSU) Ag & Agribusiness Institute (AABI) has added Brad Baughman as the new Extension Educator for small fruit and horticulture in Berrien County.

Baughman, who began his duties in June, will work with various faculty, specialists and field-based educators to achieve efficient and economical fruit production and overall advancement for the Michigan fruit industries. He will provide growers, processors and agri-business professionals with the knowledge to profitably produce agricultural products while minimizing environmental impact, and contributing to the short and long-term viability of farms.

While housed and having a focus in the Berrien County area, Baughman will also have statewide Extension programming responsibilities and will work with the regional MSUE team on production and management of grapes and other small fruits.

“We are pleased to be able to fill this very important position in our agricultural efforts for Berrien County and the state,” said MSUE District 13 Coordinator, Ginger Hentz. With the addition of Brad Baughman, MSU Extension has taken steps to advance the management of tree fruit, grapes and other small fruit that supports educational programming and applied research.

Baughman earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Alma College, and also graduated this May from MSU with a master’s degree in entomology. He has done current research on strip cultivation at on-farm orchard and vineyard sites, and worked on farms in Frankfort, Michigan and in Van Buren County.

“As an extension educator, I will be continually educating others and myself on modern horticultural methods, the market situation, and pest issues,” Baughman said.