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.
News
-
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. -
Michigan grape scouting report – August 12, 2026
Published on August 12, 2026
Concise, research-based updates on weather trends, vine development, pest pressure and disease risk. -
Michigan vegetable crop report – August 5, 2026
Published on August 6, 2026
Warm, dry weather continues as summer harvest expands.