News

Early bloom in blueberries brings combined frost and thrips risks in west central Michigan

Published on May 13, 2026
Blueberry fields are entering early bloom. A mild winter followed by early spring temperatures accelerated plant development and insect activity, creating a combination of abiotic (frost) and biotic (thrips) risks for growers.
Updated Michigan Chestnut Management Guide now available

Published on May 12, 2026
The Michigan Chestnut Management Guide offers important information at your fingertips and is available for free.
Protecting the farm: Medicaid and what farmers should know

Published on May 12, 2026
Join MSU Extension for a lunchtime webinar to learn more about Medicaid planning within farm estates.
Dirt to Glass 2026: A two-day conference for better decisions and better wines

Published on May 12, 2026
Dirt to Glass has grown into Michigan’s statewide platform connecting growers, winemakers, researchers and industry leaders to drive measurable improvements from vineyard to glass. Registration is open for the Aug. 20–21, 2026 conference in Traverse City.
Southeast Michigan fruit update – May 12, 2026

Published on May 12, 2026
Tree fruit are at petal fall and blueberries are in bloom.
West central Michigan tree fruit update – May 12, 2026

Published on May 12, 2026
Cool and dry conditions continued over the past week. Apple blooms are slowly opening, and bee hives have been placed in the orchards for pollination.
Northwest Michigan fruit update – May 12, 2026

Published on May 12, 2026
Cold weather continues across the region. Crop development is slow. Sweet cherry bloom is beginning, but honey bee activity to pollinate the cherries is minimal with the cool conditions.
Michigan hop crop report – week of May 11, 2026

Published on May 11, 2026
Cool weather over the last week should give way to warmer weather and improved growing conditions.
Lamb prices start off strong in 2026

Published on May 11, 2026
In April 2026, national negotiated live slaughter lamb prices averaged $262.40/cwt., up 53% from the same period in 2025.
New eastern tent caterpillar video from MSU Extension

Published on May 8, 2026
Learn how to stop the tents before they start.