Midwest

What can fruit growers do if a freeze is coming?

Spring freezes are feared by all fruit growers. The risk of losing all or part of your crop focuses their attention every spring. As plants start to grow in the spring, they become susceptible to... more »

Chicago chef Bruce Sherman helps launch CSA featuring small-scale women farmers

A prominent Chicago, Illinois-area chef is helping out some regional produce growers during this unique period in history. The following story was published May 4 in the Chicago Tribune. The last time we heard from... more »

Specialty crop irrigation: A video alternative to educational meetings

Southwest Michigan and northwest Indiana share over a million acres of irrigated land that are mostly used for field crops and processing vegetable production. Irrigation for 20 acres or less of specialty crops or vegetable... more »

Time for replanting old, disease and blueberry stem gall wasp infested blueberry fields

After several years of declining productivity and market uncertainties, some Michigan growers are taking action to turn their business around to improve farm profitability and maintain employment. One action already having an impact in west... more »

Michigan’s food, agricultrue businesses answer call for food donations

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on April 23 recognized several Michigan food and agriculture businesses for their donations to the Food Bank Council of Michigan and other non-profits as part of the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Initiative... more »

Mummy berry has returned and new products are available for control

Michigan blueberries are at green tip. These shoots are very susceptible mummy berry infections. Mummy berry apothecia, also known as trumpets or mushrooms, have been found in west Michigan in Ottawa County, and are probably... more »

2020 Michigan Grape Kickoff Webinar scheduled for April 23

The 2020 kickoff to grape season in Michigan is represented with the 2020 Grape Kickoff meeting. The 2020 Grape Kickoff meeting will be held online via Zoom on Thursday, April 23, 2020, from 1-4 p.m. Michigan State University Extension experts will... more »

Frost grips grapes in southern Ohio; prospects for year remain good

Southern Ohio vineyards took a hit last week when frost killed off early emerging buds, and northern Ohio grape growers are bracing for the potential in their area as well. “Some grape varieties like Chardonnay... more »