The Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center is located in Berrien County, and growing several types of fruit and conducting variety evaluations of numerous fruits and vegetables are just part of the work done at the 350-acre site.

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. 

Enviro-Weather Report

News

  • Michigan vegetable crop report – August 19, 2026

    Published on August 20, 2026
    Disease pressure is increasing in some crops. Whitefly and spider mites pressure remains high while corn earworm pressure was also high in west-central locations.

  • 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.

  • Michigan vegetable crop report – August 12, 2026

    Published on August 13, 2026
    Melon, watermelon and sweet corn harvests are in full swing, with processing tomatoes close behind. Dry conditions are increasing pest pressure, while cucurbit downy mildew nears Michigan and vegetable diseases remain a concern.

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