Midwest
Michigan’s Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm has new owner, uncertain future
There may be new life for a well-known southwest Michigan fruit farm. Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm has a new owner and he lives just down the road. According to a report by WSBT-TV in South Bend,... more »
Twig blossom blights in Michigan blueberries need attention
We are three weeks past the May 9, 2020, freeze that hit southwest Michigan. Growers have been evaluating flowers for freeze injury. Besides damage to blossoms, we see dead shoot tips and damage to the tips of... more »
Michigan executive order set to protect migrant workers living in congregate housing
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on June 1 signed Executive Order 2020-111, which provides additional requirements and procedures to keep agricultural workers and the food supply safe from the effects of COVID-19. “It’s critical for Michiganders... more »
ITC to track foreign cherry imports at urging of Michigan senators
Democratic U.S. Senators from Michigan Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters announced May 29 the U.S. International Trade Commission will begin tracking foreign imports in order to accurately measure the impact of trade on Michigan’s tart... more »
Blueberry growers need to focus on anthracnose fruit rot as bloom ends
Early in the season, blueberry growers focus on controlling mummy berry shoot blight. During early bloom, the focus shifts to controlling the blossom infection phase of mummy berry. Mummy berry blossom sprays target blooms soon after they open to... more »
GreenStone donates $20,000 to back communities impacted by COVID-19
GreenStone Farm Credit Services has announced the 2020 Member Grown Outreach program and its impact on local organizations that touch the lives of thousands of families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through the contribution of $20,000. According to a news release,... more »
Hot weather causing rapid blueberry bloom in Michigan
The Memorial Day weekend was hot across Michigan, with temperatures up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This hot weather will continue for the next week, making this blueberry bloom season unusually warm. Extreme spring weather is... more »
Produce farms provided COVID-19 disinfecting guidelines
New FDA food safety guidelines require local farmers to review and adapt their current food safety practices. "There has never been a more important time to review food contact surfaces and high touch surface cleaning, sanitization,... more »
