MSU Extension Beginning Farmer

Organic Agriculture

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  New pesticide decision website for apple growers

  Published on April 17, 2026
  The free “MI Fruit Decision” website contains decision making tools for apple growers to improve pest management programs using data from many years of MSU pesticide efficacy trials.

• Soil Fertility Considerations in a Down Market

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Kurt Steinke, MSU professor and Extension specialist in soil fertility and nutrient management, discussing soil fertility considerations in a down market.

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for April 16, 2026

  Presented as part of the MSU Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast, Jeff Andresen reviews recent weather events and totals, and provides short-, medium- and long-term outlooks using NOAA forecasts to assess impacts on field crops.

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  Submit your ideas for 2026 GLEXPO sessions or speakers

  Published on April 14, 2026
  Great Lakes Expo (GLEXPO) organizers have created an online submission form to gather new ideas for sessions and speakers from attendees and industry members.

• TOPP Webinar: Soil Health - Reduced Tillage for Organic Farmers - 4-9-26

  This webinar recording covers research related to reduced‑tillage systems that build soil health, improve weed management, and strengthen climate resilience on organic farms.

• TOPP Webinar - Organic System Plans: The Stepping Stone to Organic Certification 4-2-26

  This webinar recording offers practical guidance from an experienced farmer on one of the first steps in organic certification - filling out your Organic System Plan.

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  Farmers invited to join national study on farming practices and soil health

  Published on April 9, 2026
  Farmers and ranchers are invited to participate in a free soil health evaluation and contribute to research supporting profitable, resilient and sustainable agriculture.

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for April 9, 2026

  Presented as part of the MSU Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast, Jeff Andresen reviews recent weather events and totals, and provides short-, medium- and long-term outlooks using NOAA forecasts to assess impacts on field crops.

• Corn and Soybean Planting Considerations

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Manni Singh, MSU Cropping Systems Agronomist, discussing corn and soybean planting considerations.

• Early Season Weed Control

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Christy Sprague, MSU Extension Weeds Specialist and Professor, discussing early season weed control.

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for April 2, 2026

  Presented as part of the MSU Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast, Jeff Andresen reviews recent weather events and totals, and provides short-, medium- and long-term outlooks using NOAA forecasts to assess impacts on field crops.

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  Blending production and conservation: How a market vegetable farm integrated native plants

  Published on March 30, 2026
  This project highlights the potential for integrating native plants into existing vegetable farms.

• Succession Planning for Organic Farmers - TOPP Farmer Webinar

  Succession Planning for Organic Farmers - TOPP Farmer Webinar 3-26-26 We'll hear from Jill Dohner of MI FarmLink about ways to connect landowners and land seekers. Corey Clark of MSU Extension will share resources on planning for farmland succession. The webinar will also feature several organic farmers' experiences with land succession, including a video with Bruce Michael Wilson of Groundswell Farm and Katie Brandt of MSU Extension.

• Spring Field Management

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Anna Cates, Associate Extension Professor at the University of Minnesota, discussing spring field management and if better soil management can get you in the fields earlier.

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for March 26, 2026

  Presented as part of the MSU Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast, Jeff Andresen reviews recent weather events and totals, and provides short-, medium- and long-term outlooks using NOAA forecasts to assess impacts on field crops.

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  From hayfield to vegetable production: A year one case study

  Published on March 16, 2026
  The importance of the first year in farming: Insights from a beginning grower.

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  Field days, workshops and webinars for farmers transitioning to organic

  Published on March 16, 2026
  Sign up now to learn from organic farmers.

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  SARE professional development and graduate student grants now open

  Published on March 3, 2026
  Professional development grants up to $120,000 for train-the-trainer projects and $20,000 graduate student grants both fund sustainable and regenerative agriculture in Michigan and the North Central U.S.

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  MSU Extension to host farm succession planning seminar in West Branch

  Published on March 2, 2026
  A practical seminar to help farm families move forward with clarity and confidence.

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  Registration is open for the 2026 Market Garden & Small Vegetable Farm Day

  Published on February 25, 2026
  Participants will learn about topics for market garden and small vegetable farm production from MSU Extension specialists and educators.