MSU Extension Beginning Farmer

Soil Fertility & Health

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  Four NCR-SARE grant opportunities to fund farmers, educators and researchers are open for applications

  Published on October 5, 2026
  Apply by December 3 for Farmer Rancher, Youth Educator, Partnership and Research and Education grants.

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  Earn RUP and CCA credits through 2026-2027 MSU Pesticide Safety Webinar Series: The RUP/CCA Credit Clinic

  Published on October 5, 2026
  The series includes 10 webinars covering pesticide safety and application topics. Pesticide and education credits are available for participants in Michigan and participating New England states. Registration is now open.

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  Quick response critical to reducing impacts of manure spills

  Published on September 22, 2026
  Manure spills can happen despite the best prevention efforts. Understanding response procedures and reporting requirements can help safeguard water quality and reduce liability.

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for September 17, 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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  Cracked solar panel raises questions, but what does the science say?

  Published on September 10, 2026
  Fact sheet examines how modern solar panels are built and why studies show damaged panels pose little risk to soil and groundwater.

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  New to Agriculture? We’ve got a guide for you!

  Published on September 10, 2026
  The Beginning Farmer Resource and Decision-Making Guide is now available from Michigan State University Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for September 10, 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 September 3, 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 August 27, 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 August 20, 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 August 13, 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 August 6, 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 July 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 July 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.

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for July 9, 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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  Planting for profit and diversity: Can growing native plant seed be a new cropping option?

  Published on July 6, 2026
  While regenerative practices aim to improve soil, water, nutrient cycling and biodiversity—and strengthen farmer and community well-being—they also come with challenges. Learn key insights on how to navigate and implement these different principles.

• Agricultural Weather Outlook for June 25, 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 June 18, 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 June 11, 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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  Innovative agronomy tools and resources: Weather

  Published on June 9, 2026
  Innovation and adaptability are important for farm success. Explore these free tools and resources on weather forecasting and crop management.