Crop Protection
How to respond to hail and severe storms
Strong storms are not uncommon in Michigan. These storms often have high winds, heavy rains and in some cases hail. Severe storms, especially accompanied by hail, have the potential to promote and spread serious diseases... more »
USDA-NASS survey focuses on Illinois production practices
On July 1, the Heartland Regional Field Office of the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS) began mailing out surveys asking Illinois farmers about the techniques they utilize in accordance with the state's Nutrient Loss Reduction... more »
Bird management options for fruit growers
Many birds eat fruit to help meet their water requirements in addition to their energy requirements. In dry years like 2016, when other water sources are limited, birds depend on fruit to a greater extent... more »
Five things to know about the future of agriculture
1. Apps are critical to ag. Farmers use mobile technology for many things, including turning irrigation and other equipment on or off, maintaining pest counts from field scouting, identifying bugs, checking field records, reviewing soil types,... more »
Insecticide recommendations for managing SWD during harvest
As discussed in an earlier post, we anticipated that 2016 would be a challenging year for spotted wing drosophila (SWD) management due to mild winter conditions and infestation in neighboring states. Because of this prediction,... more »
Computer-based testing now available for Michigan pesticide certification
A collaboration between the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Metro Institute is offering pesticide applicators computer-based pesticide applicator certification exams at locations throughout Michigan. Metro Institute partners with colleges and universities to utilize their... more »
Stockton, Syngenta sign distribution deal for biofungicide tech
The Stockton Group (STK) has signed a major agreement with Syngenta as the exclusive global distributor of a new biofungicide technology based on tea tree oil for the control of several diseases in ornamental crops.... more »
Pathologist hits back against fire blight
Fire blight and apple scab are the two biggest disease problems for Michigan’s commercial apple orchards. Scab hits annually, with damage to fruit the main concern. Fire blight is more sporadic – but when it... more »
Current Issue
Big apple: Large 2025-26 apple crop forecast
IFTA summer tour shows Canadian tree fruit methods
Shifting labor landscape: Actions spark optimism for long-term reform
Strong connections and innovation at the 2025 Great Lakes EXPO
Hanulcik Farm Market & Orchard’s central Michigan fruit heritage
Farm Market & Agritourism: What to do when market fluctuation affects prices
Ag Labor Review: H-2A wages: market vs. mandate
see all current issue »
