Midwest

Sylvia Freeland crowned Michigan Apple Queen

Sylvia Freeland of Kent City, Mich. has been crowned the 2023 Michigan Apple Queen. Freeland is the daughter of Kirk and Billie Freeland, and is a student at Kent City High School. She is the... more »

Peterson Farms buys Fresh Innovations California

Apple processor Peterson Farms Inc. has purchased Fresh Innovations California. Fresh Innovations California, LLC, based in Stockton, California, specializes in organic and conventional fresh-cut apple slices. It ships under the brand Prize Slice, supplying schools... more »

Group recognizes highly-cited MSU entomology professor

Rufus Isaacs, a professor of entomology at Michigan State University, has been recognized by Clarivate Analytics through its Highly Cited Researchers List for 2022. The honor identifies individuals across the globe who have demonstrated significant... more »

Michigan Apple Committee wins specialty crop promotional grants

The Michigan Apple Committee (MAC) has received grants to help that state’s apple growers improve marketing to shoppers and grocery retailers. The 2022 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBG) grants provide MAC $200,000 dedicated... more »

Ag consultancy firm adds Farm Bureau vet

Mace Thornton, a veteran ag strategic communications professional, has joined Stratovation Group, an ag consultancy concern, as partner and chief operating officer. With a career spanning more than 30 years as a strategic communications professional... more »

Tart cherry industry seeks brand protections

The U.S. tart cherry industry has seen significant changes in its marketing landscape in the past decade, with imports overshadowing the domestic supplies some years in the wake of weather events that limited production. Now... more »

New small fruit specialist joins MSU

Josh VanderWeide is a new small fruit horticulture specialist with Michigan State University (MSU), with a concentration on blueberry physiology and production. Introduced at the first annual MSU Blueberry Field Day in August, the assistant... more »

Michigan blueberry growers absorb latest tips

Production strategies were in focus at Michigan State University’s (MSU) first annual Blueberry Field Day in August at the Trevor Nichols Research Center near Fennville, Michigan. The educational sessions included a presentation by MSU small... more »

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