MSU Extension Beginning Farmer

Organic Agriculture

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for September 10, 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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  New to Agriculture? We’ve got a guide for you!

  Published on September 10, 2026
  The Beginning Farmer Resource and Decision-Making Guide is now available from Michigan State University Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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  Dig in! MSU Organic Farmer Training expands to Flint in 2027

  Published on September 9, 2026
  Aspiring farmers can apply now to gain hands-on experience, visit more than 20 farms and build a farm plan through learning sites in Flint, Detroit, East Lansing and Grand Rapids.

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for September 3, 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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  Agricultural producers can share their input in the Midwest Farm Conservation Survey

  Published on September 2, 2026
  Help improve the value of conservation programs for Midwestern farmers by taking a survey.

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  Watering smarter: Join MSU Extension for a hands-on nursery irrigation field day

  Published on August 28, 2026
  Gain insights into creating more uniform, efficient, and environmentally responsible irrigation systems.

• Irrigation Investment Economics

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Lyndon Kelley, MSU/Purdue Extension Water Management and Irrigation Educator, discussing irrigation investment economics.

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for August 27, 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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  New pesticide decision website for apple and peach growers

  Published on August 26, 2026
  The free “MI Fruit Decision” website now contains decision making tools for peach and apple growers to improve pest management programs using data from many years of MSU pesticide efficacy trials.

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  Announcing the Michigan First-Generation Farm Mentorship Program

  Published on August 21, 2026
  Learn from experienced farm mentors through this new opportunity.

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for August 20, 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.

• Best Management Practices for Establishing New Hay Fields

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Kim Cassida, MSU Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, discussing best management practices for establishing new hay fields.

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  The Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day returns to Michigan

  Published on August 18, 2026
  A full day tradeshow, weeding tool discussions and in-field demonstrations for managing weeds in row crops, vegetables and tree fruit with steep registration discounts for organic and organic-curious growers from Michigan, Illinois and Indiana.

• Nematode Management in Field Crops

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Marisol Quintanilla, MSU Assistant Professor and Extension Nematologist, discussing nematode management in field crops.

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for August 13, 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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  Producing a Value-Added Product on the Farm Series

  Published on August 12, 2026
  Producing a value-added product on your farm can be a great way to generate additional revenue. The information on this sheet may help you decide if adding a product is right for your farm business and take you through the major steps involved.

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for August 6, 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.

• Hot Topics in Field Crop Agriculture

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Hot Topics in Agriculture, where participants can ask field crops educators and specialists questions about the 2026 season.

• How Producers Weigh the Cost-Benefit of Organic Certification - 7-30-26 - TOPP Educator Webinar

  Join fellow farm educators and ag professionals for this TOPP webinar on how farmers evaluate the return on investment of organic certification. This is the final webinar of Michigan TOPP, before the national program wraps up in September of 2026.

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for July 30, 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.