Michigan
Water access essential to Michigan’s fruit industry
The letter said the irrigation well permit application was denied because water wasn’t available. I shook my head and looked at my Fitbit. Yep, it was 2023. I was in Michigan and not in western... more »
Engelsma family claims 7th cider contest win
Engelsma’s Apple Barn of Walker, Michigan, won first place at the 24th annual Michigan Apple Cider Contest, marking their seventh first place win in the contest. The competition was on Dec. 7 at DeVos Convention... more »
Distinguished: Michigan apple grower, Extension specialist lauded
The Michigan State Horticultural Society has chosen a fifth-generation apple grower and a Michigan State University (MSU) senior Extension tree fruit specialist for its annual award recipients. Steve Thome, who operates Thome Orchards near Comstock... 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 »
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 »
High tunnel grapes thrive in tough locations
Researchers are pursuing a project initiated during a 2018 Michigan State Ag Innovations Day to evaluate the potential for high tunnel warm-season winegrape cultivar plantings. The goal is to confirm that winegrape quality and yield... more »
Powdery mildew presses high tunnel winegrapes
Michigan State University researchers have found that grapes protected by high tunnels produce phenomenal yields compared to unprotected vines, but growers must be vigilant for powdery mildew. Greg Lang, an MSU tree fruit specialist, told... more »
Michigan warns of Kuntry Garden’s use of human waste on crops
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is advising consumers not to eat produce grown at a farm in Homer, Michigan, because it may be contaminated by raw, untreated human waste. MDARD is... more »
Michigan Apple Committee: ‘Almost Crunch Time!’
The Michigan Apple Committee aims to continue focus on social media with online engagement programs that seek to increase awareness and consumption of Michigan apples. Specialty Crop Block Grant funding has allowed MAC to develop... more »
Robot weeding demonstrations, expo, offered at field day
The Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day, the nation’s largest field day focused on mechanical weed control, is returning to an in-person event. The field day, which includes an expo and demonstrations, is Sept. 14,... more »