News

Drone use in field crops

Published on August 5, 2025
A new tool is available that is revolutionizing the way we think about modern agriculture. Spray drones are changing how we custom apply agrochemicals. Learn more at the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series on August 7.
Michigan canola harvest 2025 wraps up

Published on August 4, 2025
Updates from the field on canola crop progress, insect pests and crop disease.
Southwest Michigan field crops update – July 31, 2025

Published on July 31, 2025
Seed development started in soybeans, and corn is at early kernel development. Upcoming cool temperatures will be conducive for disease progression, so keep an eye out for tar spot in corn and late blight in potatoes.
Southwest Michigan field crops update – July 24, 2025

Published on July 24, 2025
Hot and dry conditions hit crops hard in areas of southwest Michigan. Potato harvest began, and wheat harvest is wrapping up.
Insect friend or foe, and how can I know?

Published on July 23, 2025
Avoid insect damage and unnecessary insecticide applications by learning the basics of field crops insect identification at the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series on July 31.
Find out five reliable options for cover cropping after wheat with MSU Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series

Published on July 17, 2025
Managing cover crops carefully to avoid unintended consequences that can affect the next crop in the rotation.
Southwest Michigan field crops update – July 17, 2025

Published on July 17, 2025
Corn is in early reproductive stages, and detasseling in seed corn is in earnest. High temperatures and little precipitation have resulted in spider mite infestations in soybeans.
White mold and tar spot: Are your fields at risk?

Published on July 10, 2025
The Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series continues on July 17 with Marty Chilvers discussing tar spot and white mold management considerations.
Southwest Michigan field crops update – July 10, 2025

Published on July 10, 2025
Tar spot was confirmed in Cass County. With corn starting to tassel, scout for tar spot and western bean cutworm. Wheat reached physiological maturity, and harvest began.
MSU Extension and Newaygo County Conservation District partner to host Farm Field Day

Published on July 8, 2025
Attend the Newaygo County Farm Field Day on Aug. 19 to learn about pest management and scouting, irrigation, grazing management, and updates on NRCS funding opportunities and programs. RUP and CCA credits are available.
Southwest Michigan field crops update – July 3, 2025

Published on July 3, 2025
Soybeans are in late vegetative to early reproductive stages. As wheat ripens, consider options for planting a robust cover crop or soybeans after harvest.
Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series first hot topic session of the season

Published on July 2, 2025
MSU Extension’s Virtual Breakfast Series will hold its first hot topic session on July 10, so come with your questions!
Southwest Michigan field crops update – June 26, 2025

Published on June 26, 2025
Corn and soybean growth accelerated with the heat. Wheat continued to ripen, and second cuttings of alfalfa started late last week.
Current insect pressure and trends discussed on July 3 Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series

Published on June 24, 2025
Join MSU Extension for the July 3 installment of the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series to listen to Chris DiFonzo discuss what insect pressures and patterns she is seeing across the state.
Southwest Michigan field crops update – June 19, 2025

Published on June 19, 2025
Sidedress nitrogen applications went out on corn. Early soybeans are starting to flower. Scout for potato leafhopper in potatoes and alfalfa.
Getting the most from every drop: Irrigation management with MSU Extension Virtual Breakfast

Published on June 18, 2025
The Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series continues June 26 with irrigation management insights from MSU specialist Younsuk Dong.
MSU-led research team receives $500K grant to combat herbicide-resistant weeds in soybeans

Published on June 16, 2025
The grant is funded by the United Soybean Board.
Legacy phosphorus and water quality with MSU Extension Virtual Breakfast

Published on June 13, 2025
The Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series continues June 19 with a discussion on water quality and phosphorus loss through tile lines with MSU specialist Ehsan Ghane.
Southwest Michigan field crops update – June 12, 2025

Published on June 12, 2025
Potato leafhopper is present—watch for it in potatoes and alfalfa. Wheat is done flowering and starting kernel fill.
Southwest Michigan field crops update – June 5, 2025

Published on June 5, 2025
Wheat is ending pollination and starting kernel development. Corn and soybeans reached early vegetative stages, but cool weather slowed development. Dry, windy conditions allowed lots of field work, including forage raking and baling.