Midwest

Michigan agriculture department to honor exporters

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is accepting applications for the 2024 Michigan Ag Exporter of the Year award. The Lansing, Michigan, MDARD annually recognizes a food, agriculture, or forestry exporting business... more »

FirstFruit Farms acquires Applewood Fresh Growers

FirstFruits Farms, Prescott, Washington, has acquired Michigan’s Applewood Orchards and Applewood Fresh Growers. This development marks a significant milestone in FirstFruits’ continuous pursuit of excellence and expansion, according to a news release. Working jointly, FirstFruits... more »

Strawberry options: Plasticulture, matted-row production

When I started my job as an Extension specialist at Purdue eight years ago, strawberries were mainly grown as a perennial crop in a matted-row production system in orchards and u-pick farms. Despite strawberries being... more »

SW Michigan Horticultural Days set for February

The 2024 Southwest Michigan Horticultural Days will feature sessions on sustainability, soil management, pest and disease management and more. The event will be Feb. 7-8, 2024 at Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center in Benton Harbor, Michigan. ... more »

Bill Erwin, Greg Lang honored for Michigan fruit legacies

Two Michigan fruit industry notables who’ve spent the better part of their lives in orchards, Bill Erwin and Greg Lang, have been honored by the Michigan State Horticultural Society (MSHS). Erwin and his wife, Linda,... more »

MSU professor receives $4 million grant to study blueberry disease

A scientist at Michigan State University has received a $3.95 million grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to develop strategies for implementing and maintaining effective management practices for blueberry fruit... more »

Hill Brothers Orchards earns Michigan’s top cider award

The 25th winner of the Michigan Apple Cider Contest, Hill Brothers Orchards, has earned the recognition six times. The Grand Rapids company placed first in 1997 and 1998, the first two years of the program... more »

Michigan crowns Kelley Chase apple queen

Kelley Chase is the 2024 Michigan Apple Queen. Chase, a Michigan State University (MSU) student, was crowned Dec. 5 during the Michigan Apple Committee's 20th Annual Growers Luncheon at the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable &... more »