MSU Extension Beginning Farmer

Farm Business

• Postemergence Weed Control Options

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features weed science specialist Erin Burns on postemergence weed control options and entomologist Chris DiFonzo with a special update on ticks.

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for May 14, 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.

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for May 7, 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.

• Disease Management in Wheat: Head Scab and Fungicide Timing

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Marty Chilvers, MSU associate professor and field crop pathologist, discussing disease management in wheat, including head scab and fungicide timing.

• Early Season Pest Control: Seed Corn Maggot and More

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Anders Huseth, assistant professor in the MSU Department of Entomology, discussing early season pest control of seed corn maggot and more.

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for April 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.

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for April 23, 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.

• Optimizing Alfalfa Harvesting Schedules

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Kim Cassida, MSU associate professor and Extension specialist in forages and cover crops, discussing optimizing alfalfa harvesting schedules.

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  The future of farming may be shaded

  Published on April 20, 2026
  Researchers find solar panels can reduce crop stress while maintaining yields in commercial vegetable systems.

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  Weathering the worst: Essential disaster prep for livestock and the farmers who protect them

  Published on April 16, 2026
  Simple, effective preparedness strategies that help farms stay resilient through storms, wildfires and rising waters.

• Soil Fertility Considerations in a Down Market

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Kurt Steinke, MSU professor and Extension specialist in soil fertility and nutrient management, discussing soil fertility considerations in a down market.

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for April 16, 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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  Grass-Fed Freezer Beef Pricing Worksheet

  Published on April 13, 2026
  This worksheet provides examples and calculations for pricing grass-fed freezer beef.

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  How to price freezer beef

  Published on April 13, 2026
  Spreadsheet tools help beef and dairy producers set prices when selling grain-fed and grass-fed beef carcasses.

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  Grain-Fed Freezer Beef Pricing Worksheet

  Published on April 13, 2026
  This worksheet breaks down each of the variables and provides examples on pricing.

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  Corn cost of production projection tool for 2026 now available

  Published on April 13, 2026
  New cost of production Excel-based tool for non-irrigated and irrigated corn now available from MSU Extension.

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  2026 Corn Projected Cost of Production

  Published on April 10, 2026
  The MSU Extension 2026 Projected Cost of Production for corn tool is intended to serve as a starting point for discussions on both expected income and expenses for individual farms.

• Corn and Soybean Planting Considerations

  The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series features Manni Singh, MSU Cropping Systems Agronomist, discussing corn and soybean planting considerations.

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  Farmers invited to join national study on farming practices and soil health

  Published on April 9, 2026
  Farmers and ranchers are invited to participate in a free soil health evaluation and contribute to research supporting profitable, resilient and sustainable agriculture.

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  Taming farm fuel costs using farm level planning

  Published on April 9, 2026
  Adjusting 2026 farm budgets with rising diesel prices.