Field Crops

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  Recognizing water stress and critical growth stages in corn and soybeans

  Published on July 28, 2025
  When water stops, your crops speak up. From leaf rolling and flipping to flower drop, recognizing stress signs early can help you make timely decisions.

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  Reducing heat stress in the field

  Published on July 21, 2025
  Heat stress can be an issue for you and your employees, even in a northern state like Michigan.

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  Irrigation and herbicides: Benefits and challenges

  Published on April 21, 2025
  Applying irrigation water can bring many benefits to growers, but it also has environmental risks to watch out for.

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  Early season weed control discussion at MSU Extension Virtual Breakfast

  Published on March 21, 2025
  The 2025 Virtual Breakfast Series kicks off the series on March 27 with a discussion on early season weed control with MSU professor and specialist Christy Sprague.

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  2025 MSU Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series to begin on March 27

  Published on March 4, 2025
  The 2025 MSU Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast series will kick off the growing season series on March 27. The series runs every Thursday from 7 a.m. – 8 a.m. ET, through September 18.

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  Compost can increase the water holding capacity in droughty soils

  Published on November 13, 2024
  Compost has the ability to increase water holding capacity of soils and can be a beneficial soil amendment in agricultural applications.

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  Pricing standing corn silage

  Published on August 23, 2024
  How to find a starting point for negotiations between buyer and seller.

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  New climate resiliency program to address long-term plant agriculture challenges in Michigan

  Published on February 1, 2024
  The Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program is a partnership among MSU, the Plant Coalition, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

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  Corn growth and maturity response to variable weather conditions

  Published on September 12, 2023
  Uneven emergence and early season drought can prolong corn vegetative phase, delay maturity, and might impact grain yield and in-field moisture drydown.

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  Making the most of low hay yields

  Published on August 7, 2023
  In need of more hay? Protect what you have first.

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  July weather results in peak water use for most field crops

  Published on July 12, 2023
  Be prepared if rain falls short.

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  MSU researchers receive $750K grant to study soil health amid changing rainfall patterns

  Published on July 11, 2023
  The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

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  Dealing with drought-stressed forages

  Published on July 6, 2023
  Do you have a plan for your drought-stressed forage fields?

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  What’s that black mold on my wheat?

  Published on July 6, 2023
  Sooty mold and black point are appearing on wheat.

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  Thrips, aphids and mites: Piercing-sucking pests that thrive in dry weather

  Published on July 5, 2023
  Due to the warm, dry nature of this summer, concerns of insect problems are on the horizon for field crops.

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  Fire plans prevent harvest season from going up in smoke

  Published on June 29, 2023
  With most of Michigan in a drought, preventing fires during harvest time is critical.

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  Revising your grain marketing strategies during a drought

  Published on June 27, 2023
  Have you reviewed your market strategies and are they keeping up with changes in the market environment?

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  Pricing standing forage

  Published on June 27, 2023
  How to determine forage prices - finding a starting point for short-term sales.

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  Helping your farm manage drought concerns and pesticide costs

  Published on June 21, 2023
  MSU Extension adds new decision tool to help consider costs of pesticide strategies.

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  June crop water needs

  Published on June 15, 2023
  If soils are depleted of moisture beneath the developing plants, irrigators need to supply enough water to help establishing roots grow down into natural soil moisture.