Midwest

Specialty Crop Block Grant opportunity announced in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced Jan. 7 a request for proposals through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural... more »

Looking at ways to improve irrigation management in 2021

A new resource is available from the University of Minnesota to provide some guidance about improving irrigation management. Over my two seasons as a vegetable crops educator in Minnesota, I've been surprised by the number... more »

Michigan Food and Farming Systems to host virtual SARE farmer forum

Several organizations, including Michigan Food and Farming Systems, will hold a virtual farmer forum on Jan. 13 Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS), North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program (NCR SARE) and Michigan State University Extension are... more »

Pesticide applicator credentials in Michigan extended until June

A new emergency rule filed on Dec. 30 by Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Gary McDowell extended pesticide applicator credential expiration dates as part of the state’s continued COVID-19 response. Applicators... more »

Increasing samurai wasp for biological control of brown marmorated stink bug

A tiny wasp, about as big as a sesame seed, that lays its eggs into the eggs of stink bugs is the most promising biological control agent against the brown marmorated stink bug. Originating from the... more »

In-person learning for beginning farmers returns to MSU Organic Farm

After a year hiatus in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MSU Organic Farmer Training Program is returning in 2021 to offer safe beginning farmer training. A signature program of the Michigan State University (MSU) Student Organic Farm... more »

Jan. 19-20 set for virtual Iowa Specialty Producers Conference

The Iowa Specialty Producers Conference is scheduled for Jan. 19-20. This second joint gathering of the Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and the Iowa Wine Growers Association will take place entirely online. Keynote speaker... more »

New online decision tool supports Midwest specialty crop producers

Sam Wortman, associate professor of horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Ali Loker, Doctor of Plant Health graduate student, have launched a new decision support tool for specialty crop producers and gardeners: the Vegetable Variety Navigator.... more »