Established 1989
The Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (SWMREC) is located in Berrien County, which is centered in the most horticulturally diverse region of the state. The Center supports these diverse agricultural communities by conducting variety evaluations of numerous fruits and vegetables at the 350-acre site. Additionally, research at the Center focuses on evaluating production practices, including the use of high tunnels for fruits and vegetables, innovative irrigation systems for annual cropping systems, and new training systems for several fruit crops. Woody ornamental, Christmas tree, and field crop projects add to the diversity of this Center’s research program. Recently, SWMREC has become MSU's epicenter for evaluation of cutting-edge sprayer technologies for fruit cropping systems, including smart sprayers, autonomous sprayers, and application drones.
News
-
Michigan grape scouting report – May 20, 2026
Published on May 20, 2026
Concise, research-based updates on weather trends, vine development, pest pressure and disease risk. Use these timely insights to guide informed, proactive vineyard management decisions and optimize vine health and productivity. -
Southwest Michigan fruit update – May 19, 2026
Published on May 20, 2026
Warm days mean things are moving quickly. -
Michigan vegetable crop report – May 20, 2026
Published on May 20, 2026
The current cool period will soon be behind us and more supportive weather for growth is ahead.