Midwest

Michigan apple growers to harvest 31 million bushels in 2024

This year’s Michigan apple harvest is expected to be smaller than last year’s, but still ahead of the typical crop. Michigan is forecast to harvest 30.5 million bushels, which equates to 1.3 billion pounds, of... more »

MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics names new director

Jan Byrne has been promoted to lead Michigan State University’s (MSU) Plant & Pest Diagnostics department. She succeeds Ray Hammerschmidt, who plans to retire. Byrne, who holds a doctoral degree, has worked at MSU as... more »

Grants for farmers: Part 1: Grant listings

Are there grants for farmers? Yes! Read on to see several directories of the grant programs that farmers can apply for. Each listing has links for numerous grants as well as details on how and... more »

Ohio State University hosts Berry Field Night for experienced and novice growers

Ohio State University South Centers will host the Ohio Berry Field Night on Aug. 28 from 5 to 9 p.m. The event, to be held at 1864 Shyville Road, aims to provide both novice and... more »

Grand Rapids tree fruit update from MSU

Cooler temperatures in the Grand Rapids region this week are aiding fruit reddening, with nighttime lows dipping into the 50s and 60s. While Tuesday morning brought rain and potential thunderstorms, the rest of the week... more »

Michigan Apple hosts 2nd “Handpicked” social media summit

The Wolverine State recently hosted its second annual Handpicked Social Media Summit. The Michigan Apple Committee-sponsored event was July 30 in Sparta, Michigan. The summit brought together seven leaders in the Michigan apple industry to... more »

Wisconsin Cherry Board election results released

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has certified the 2024 Wisconsin Cherry Board election results. These cherry growers began their terms on the board on July 1: Barry Peterson of Green... more »

Central State University to recruit farmers for $5M USDA Climate-Smart Initiative

Central State University is seeking 20 farmers from Ohio and southeastern Michigan to join its USDA-funded Climate-Smart Commodities Program. The initiative, backed by a $5 million grant, will support farmers in adopting sustainable agricultural practices... more »