Field Crops

Recognizing water stress and critical growth stages in corn and soybeans

Published on July 28, 2025
When water stops, your crops speak up. From leaf rolling and flipping to flower drop, recognizing stress signs early can help you make timely decisions.
Reducing heat stress in the field

Published on July 21, 2025
Heat stress can be an issue for you and your employees, even in a northern state like Michigan.
Irrigation and herbicides: Benefits and challenges

Published on April 21, 2025
Applying irrigation water can bring many benefits to growers, but it also has environmental risks to watch out for.
Early season weed control discussion at MSU Extension Virtual Breakfast

Published on March 21, 2025
The 2025 Virtual Breakfast Series kicks off the series on March 27 with a discussion on early season weed control with MSU professor and specialist Christy Sprague.
2025 MSU Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series to begin on March 27

Published on March 4, 2025
The 2025 MSU Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast series will kick off the growing season series on March 27. The series runs every Thursday from 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. ET, through September 18.
Compost can increase the water holding capacity in droughty soils

Published on November 13, 2024
Compost has the ability to increase water holding capacity of soils and can be a beneficial soil amendment in agricultural applications.
Pricing standing corn silage

Published on August 23, 2024
How to find a starting point for negotiations between buyer and seller.
New climate resiliency program to address long-term plant agriculture challenges in Michigan

Published on February 1, 2024
The Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program is a partnership among MSU, the Plant Coalition, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Corn growth and maturity response to variable weather conditions

Published on September 12, 2023
Uneven emergence and early season drought can prolong corn vegetative phase, delay maturity, and might impact grain yield and in-field moisture drydown.
Making the most of low hay yields

Published on August 7, 2023
In need of more hay? Protect what you have first.
July weather results in peak water use for most field crops

Published on July 12, 2023
Be prepared if rain falls short.
MSU researchers receive $750K grant to study soil health amid changing rainfall patterns

Published on July 11, 2023
The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Dealing with drought-stressed forages

Published on July 6, 2023
Do you have a plan for your drought-stressed forage fields?
What’s that black mold on my wheat?

Published on July 6, 2023
Sooty mold and black point are appearing on wheat.
Thrips, aphids and mites: Piercing-sucking pests that thrive in dry weather

Published on July 5, 2023
Due to the warm, dry nature of this summer, concerns of insect problems are on the horizon for field crops.
Fire plans prevent harvest season from going up in smoke

Published on June 29, 2023
With most of Michigan in a drought, preventing fires during harvest time is critical.
Revising your grain marketing strategies during a drought

Published on June 27, 2023
Have you reviewed your market strategies and are they keeping up with changes in the market environment?
Pricing standing forage

Published on June 27, 2023
How to determine forage prices - finding a starting point for short-term sales.
Helping your farm manage drought concerns and pesticide costs

Published on June 21, 2023
MSU Extension adds new decision tool to help consider costs of pesticide strategies.
June crop water needs

Published on June 15, 2023
If soils are depleted of moisture beneath the developing plants, irrigators need to supply enough water to help establishing roots grow down into natural soil moisture.