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Articles by Jack Falinski
Michigan State University research explores new use for northern Michigan’s storm-damaged timber
EAST LANSING, Mich. — A Michigan State University (MSU) researcher has been awarded a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA) to explore a new use for timber damaged by recent ice storms in northern Michigan.
Without M-AAA, Michigan Ag Industries Would Be ‘More Desperate’ Searching for Research and Education
By Jack Falinski For over a decade, Michigan State University (MSU) AgBioResearch and MSU Extension have helped to administer the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture (M-AAA), a state-funded partnership among MSU, Michigan’s animal ag and allied industries, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). The initiative’s aim is to advance and find solutions for key sectors of Michigan agriculture — a $125.8 billion industry for the state, according to MDARD.
Michigan Pork Industry Gains Competitive Edge Through MSU Research, Outreach
By Jack Falinski Research from Michigan State University is helping shape the future and success of Michigan’s pork industry, starting with how pigs are housed. Recent adaptations made to Michigan law require farms to house pregnant sows (female pigs) in ways that allow free movement and avoid confinement, favoring group housing systems. However, because pigs can be territorial, leaders in the industry have raised questions on how this can be enacted effectively.
MSU AgBioResearch, MSU Extension Announce 2026 Field Days Across Michigan
By Jack Falinski Presented in partnership with many of the state’s agricultural and natural resources commodity organizations and industry groups, the events will highlight the latest MSU research that producers and landowners can apply in their operations. Attendees will also have opportunities to connect with MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension faculty and staff, as well as other industry professionals.
MSU AgBioResearch, MSU Extension announce 2026 field days across Michigan
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.
Discoveries advance dairy-cow fertility
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Advancing Dairy Cow Fertility and Farm Success
By Jack Falinski Research from Michigan State University Professor J. Richard Pursley is trailblazing an area within dairy cattle management that Wendell Van Gunst says is essential to keep farms profitable. “I think almost every dairy farmer would agree that nothing is as critical to the success of a dairy farm than the reproductive success of cows on a farm,” said Van Gunst, owner of Country Dairy, a fourth-generation, 1,200-cow dairy farm in West Michigan.
M-AAA Collaboration, MSU Research Fuel Michigan’s High Oleic Soybean Momentum
By Jack Falinski 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for high oleic soybean production in Michigan, with research from Michigan State University helping to identify the ways in which these buzzworthy beans can grow in the ag market. Over the past couple years, much attention has been given to high oleic soybeans and how they can support the dairy industry.
M-AAA collaboration, MSU research fuel Michigan’s high oleic soybean momentum
*This story is part of a series highlighting the impact of MSU AgBioResearch’s work with Michigan agriculture and natural resources told through our stakeholders' perspectives. Through partnerships with the State of Michigan and industries, MSU AgBioResearch is finding solutions to some of the timeliest problems facing our state. To view the entire series, visitagbioresearch.msu.edu. EAST LANSING, Mich.
M-AAA Investment Powers MSU Discoveries Advancing Dairy Cow Fertility and Farm Success
By Jack Falinski Research from Michigan State University Professor J. Richard Pursley is trailblazing an area within dairy cattle management that Wendell Van Gunst says is essential to keep farms profitable. “I think almost every dairy farmer would agree that nothing is as critical to the success of a dairy farm than the reproductive success of cows on a farm,” said Van Gunst, owner of Country Dairy, a fourth-generation, 1,200-cow dairy farm in West Michigan.
M-AAA investment powers MSU discoveries advancing dairy cow fertility and farm success
EAST LANSING — Research from MSU Professor J. Richard Pursley is trailblazing an area within dairy cattle management that Wendell Van Gunst says is essential to keep farms profitable. “I think almost every dairy farmer would agree that nothing is as critical to the success of a dairy farm than the reproductive success of cows on a farm,” said Van Gunst, owner of Country Dairy, a fourth-generation, 1,200-cow dairy farm in West Michigan. Reproduction is the key driver of lactation for dairy cows.
M-AAA investment powers MSU discoveries advancing dairy cow fertility and farm success
*This story is part of a series highlighting the impact of MSU AgBioResearch’s work with Michigan agriculture and natural resources told through our stakeholders' perspectives. Through partnerships with the State of Michigan and industries, MSU AgBioResearch is finding solutions to some of the timeliest problems facing our state. To view the entire series, visitagbioresearch.msu.edu.
MSU AgBioResearch launches Enviroweather Mobile app to support Michigan growers
Download Enviroweather Mobile for free on the Apple App Store or Google Play. EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State University AgBioResearch, in partnership with the Michigan State Horticultural Society (MSHS), is proud to announce the launch of Enviroweather Mobile, the mobile app for MSU’s weather-based information system supporting farmers and growers throughout Michigan.
Investigating maple for rehydration
Mar 28, 2026 A blue full moon rises behind the leaves of a Trident Maple Tree in Lawrence, Kan., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) People tour the woods at the Michigan State University Extension Forestry Innovation Center in Hyde, Mich., during “Maple Weekend” in April 2025. The 2026 event is going on now. Jesse Randall, director of this same location, is working with researchers across the country to study the health benefits of maple sap. (R. R.
MSU, Glanbia Collaboration Advances Environmental Sustainability at Michigan Dairy Processing Facility
March 26, 2026 | 4 min to read Submit release Save for later Share Shares Share on Facebook Share on Linkedin Share on X Share via Email MSU researchers teamed up with engineers at MWC in St. Johns to assist with issues related to the state-of-the-art dairy processing facility's wastewater treatment system. (L-R): MSU Professor Wei Liao, MWC Site Director Matt Vanic, Glanbia Maintenance Director David Holmberg Jr., and MSU Grad Student Carter Monson. Photo Credit: MSU ST. JOHNS, Mich.
MSU, Glanbia collaboration advances environmental sustainability at Michigan dairy processing facility
*This story is part of a series highlighting the impact of MSU AgBioResearch’s work with Michigan agriculture and natural resources told through our stakeholders' perspectives. Through partnerships with the State of Michigan and industries, MSU AgBioResearch is finding solutions to some of the timeliest problems facing our state. To view the entire series, visitagbioresearch.msu.edu.
How MSU, M-AAA helped build a national model for laying hen research
*This story is part of a series highlighting the impact of MSU AgBioResearch’s work with Michigan agriculture and natural resources told through our stakeholders' perspectives. Through partnerships with the State of Michigan and industries, MSU AgBioResearch is finding solutions to some of the timeliest problems facing our state. To view the entire series, visitagbioresearch.msu.edu.
Exercise Rider-Turned-Researcher Helping To Make A Difference For Racehorses Original
Brian Nielsen has completed several interesting studies designed to improve racehorse welfare. Brian Nielsen Key Points Nielsen’s research helps to improve racehorse welfare, focusing on bone strength and joint health. His research is based on his history as an exercise rider - "He’s been on the backs of these horses galloping." Findings show sprinting enhances bone strength; joint supplements showed no significant benefit in trials.
'It's not the cow. It's the how,'
Jack Falinski Michigan State University “We’re standing on the solution in Michigan to protect our state for decades ahead when it comes to economics, when it comes to food security and when it comes to our environment and biodiversity.” kAm(92E’D E96 D@=FE:@? y2D@? #@H?EC66 :D C676CC:?8 E@nk^Am kAmxE’D 2 36=:67 E96 r]$] |@EE !C@76DD@C @7 $FDE2:?23=6 p8C:4F=EFC6 :? |:49:82?
MSU researcher drives equine safety, welfare forward through M-AAA-backed studies
*This story is part of a series highlighting the impact of MSU AgBioResearch’s work with Michigan agriculture and natural resources told through our stakeholders' perspectives. Through partnerships with the State of Michigan and industries, MSU AgBioResearch is finding solutions to some of the timeliest problems facing our state. To view the entire series, visitagbioresearch.msu.edu. EAST LANSING, Mich.
New Synergies Spark Msu Agbioresearch’s Vision for a Smarter, More Sustainable Dairy System
By Jack Falinski There’s no question Michigan State University’s new $75-million state-of-the-art Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center is impressive to the eye. Over 650 cows housed in a 165,000-square-foot barn interacting with cutting-edge technology like automatic milking robots and advanced feed systems — while also being supported by MSU’s Anaerobic Digestion Research and Extension Center (ADREC) where organic waste is transformed into a public asset — makes this a world-class facility.
New synergies spark MSU AgBioResearch’s vision for a smarter, more sustainable dairy system
Listen to the article: EAST LANSING, Mich. — There’s no question Michigan State University’s new $75-million state-of-the-art Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center is impressive to the eye.
‘It isn’t the cow. It’s the how.’: How MSU research advances regenerative ag in grazing systems
*This story is part of a series highlighting the impact of MSU AgBioResearch’s work with Michigan agriculture and natural resources told through our stakeholders' perspectives. Through partnerships with the State of Michigan and industries, MSU AgBioResearch is finding solutions to some of the timeliest problems facing our state. To view the entire series, visitagbioresearch.msu.edu. EAST LANSING, Mich.
Center explores maple sap through health lens
Jack Falinski Michigan State University A forester, psychologist and microbiologist meet with each other in the woods of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. kAm}@[ E92E :D?’E E96 DE2CE @7 2 D2AAJ ;@<6] w@H6G6C E96 DE@CJ 23@FE E@ 36 E@=5 :D D2AAJ]k^Am kAmy6DD6 #2?52==[ 5:C64E@C @7 E96 |:49:82? $E2E6 &?:G6CD:EJ u@C6DECJ x??@G2E:@?
From Drones to Data: MSU’s Basso Lab Driving Next Era of Regenerative Agriculture
By Jack Falinski When Jeff Sandborn first started working with Dr. Bruno Basso over 10 years ago, he didn’t know his collaboration with the John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University would lead to him and his Portland, Michigan farm being featured in a story published by the New York Times. But that’s what happened in 2025. On display in the Sept.
From drones to data: MSU’s Basso Lab driving next era of regenerative agriculture
*This story is part of a series highlighting the impact of MSU AgBioResearch’s work with Michigan agriculture and natural resources told through our stakeholders' perspectives. Through partnerships with the State of Michigan and industries, MSU AgBioResearch is finding solutions to some of the timeliest problems facing our state. To view the entire series, visitagbioresearch.msu.edu. EAST LANSING, Mich.
Research helps safeguard Great Lakes
Jack Falinski Michigan State University Research from Michigan State University is protecting the Great Lakes from a dangerous threat looming specifically in and around Lake Erie. kAmu@C 23@FE 2 564256[ |:49:82? $E2E6 &?:G6CD:EJ D4:6?E:DED 92G6 366? DEF5J:?8 8C2DD 42CA[ @?6 @7 7@FC 42CA DA64:6D :?G2D:G6 E@ &]$] 7C6D9H2E6C 64@DJDE6>D[ H:E9 3:89625 42CA[ D:=G6C 42CA 2?5 3=24< 42CA 36:?8 E96 @E96C E9C66]k^Am kAmp== 7@FC DA64:6D D92C6 D:>:=2C:E:6D E92E 42?
MSU Forestry Innovation Center explores maple sap through a One Health lens
This story is part of a series highlighting MSU AgBioResearch’s work related to One Health, the concept that the health of humans, animals, plants and the environment is deeply related. MSU has created an initiative called One Team, One Health to promote university-wide efforts in this space. To view the full series, visit agbioresearch.msu.edu. Listen to the article: ESCANABA, Mich. — A forester, psychologist and microbiologist meet with each other in the woods of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Swine center earns accolades
Jack Falinski Michigan State University Michigan State University’s Swine Teaching and Research Center has recently been recognized for a third year in a row by the National Swine Registry as the fourth-best Yorkshire recorder in the country, and the best among all land-grant universities, with 138 litters. kAmu@C 564256D[ |:49:82? $E2E6 &?:G6CD:EJ 92D 366? 3C665:?8 *@C<D9:C6D[ E96 >@DE C64@C565 3C665 @7 DH:?6 :? E96 &?:E65 $E2E6D 2?5 r2?252] *@C<D9:C6D[ 2=D@ <?@H?
Swine center earns accolades
Michigan State University’s Swine Teaching and Research Center has recently been recognized for a third year in a row by the National Swine Registry as the fourth-best Yorkshire recorder in the country, and the best among all land-grant universities, with 138 litters. For decades, Michigan State University has been breeding Yorkshires, the most recorded breed of swine in the United States and Canada.
MSU Swine Center Ranked Fourth Nationally, First Among Land-Grants for Yorkshire Breeding
By Jack Falinski Michigan State University’s Swine Teaching and Research Center has been recognized for a third year in a row by the National Swine Registry as the fourth highest Yorkshire recorder in the country, and the highest among all land-grant universities, with 138 litters. For decades, MSU has been breeding Yorkshires, the most recorded breed of swine in the U.S. and Canada. Yorkshires, also known as the “Mother Breed,” provide a maternal line that most commercial hogs stem from today.
MSU swine center ranked fourth nationally, first among land-grants for Yorkshire breeding
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State University’s Swine Teaching and Research Center has been recognized for a third year in a row by the National Swine Registry as the fourth highest Yorkshire recorder in the country, and the highest among all land-grant universities, with 138 litters. For decades, MSU has been breeding Yorkshires, the most recorded breed of swine in the U.S. and Canada.
MSU-led research helps safeguard the Great Lakes from invasive grass carp through science-driven management
Key Points: Invasive grass carp pose a serious ecological and economic threat to the Great Lakes, capable of disrupting fisheries, habitats and regional economies. MSU research is providing the science-based information agencies need to detect, capture and limit the spread of this destructive species. Proactive, research-informed management strategies reduce long-term control costs and safeguard the environmental and economic integrity of Michigan’s water resources. EAST LANSING, Mich.
M-AAA Backs MSU Research on High Oleic Soybeans, Driving ‘Once-in-a-Generation’ Gains for Michigan Dairy Farmers
By Jack Falinski Since its inception nearly a decade ago, the Michigan Alliance for Animal Agriculture (M-AAA) has bridged a powerful connection between Michigan animal ag industries and Michigan State University faculty, creating pathways industries can use to communicate research needs and granting opportunities faculty can take advantage of to deliver results.
M-AAA backs MSU research on high oleic soybeans, driving ‘once-in-a-generation’ gains for Michigan dairy farmers
This story is part of a series highlighting the impact of MSU AgBioResearch’s work with Michigan agriculture and natural resources told through our stakeholders' perspectives. Through partnerships with the State of Michigan and industries, MSU AgBioResearch is finding solutions to some of the timeliest problems facing our state. To view the entire series, visit agbioresearch.msu.edu. EAST LANSING, Mich.
MSU Hosts Tour of New Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center
By Justin Whitmore and Jack Falinski Michigan State University opened the doors of its new $75-million Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center on July 17 to more than 250 guests excited to view the modern technology and expanded capacity of the MSU dairy farm. The tour of the new farm on MSU’s south campus served as a preview of the university’s expanded operations and commitment to the state’s dairy and agricultural industries.
MSU hosts tour of new Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State University opened the doors of its new $75-million Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center on July 17 to more than 250 guests excited to view the modern technology and expanded capacity of the MSU dairy farm. The tour of the new farm on MSU’s south campus served as a preview of the university’s expanded operations and commitment to the state’s dairy and agricultural industries.
Transform waste into public asset
Jack Falinski Michigan State University As conversations continue to build among policymakers and industry leaders on how to best address nutrient runoff, energy transition and sustainable waste management in the Great Lakes region, Michigan State University scientists are pioneering solutions that transform organic waste into a public asset.
Count of Lake Michigan’s declining lake whitefish in process
Earlier this year, fisheries biologists up north sounded alarms about an ominous trend threatening one of the Great Lakes’ most foundational and key fish species: lake whitefish. Though not commonly caught by Illinois anglers, lake whitefish are native to Lake Michigan, and therefore Illinois. The species swims in schools and hunts for food near the bottom of the lake, eating plankton, crustaceans, mollusks, and insect larvae. This content is restricted to subscribers of OutdoorNews.com.
Leadership transition announced for Project GREEEN
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Project GREEEN, Michigan’s plant agriculture initiative based at Michigan State University and supported by the Michigan Plant Coalition, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension, is undergoing a leadership change. Effective July 1, 2025, Cornelius Barry, an associate professor in the MSU Department of Horticulture, will take over as coordinator for Jim Kells, who’s led the program since 2019.
Extreme weather, economic behavior affects agriculture
Jack Falinski Michigan State University Michigan’s sweet cherry industry lost about 75 percent of its crop in 2024 due to variable and extreme weather conditions. A mild winter followed by a warm and wet early growing season were ideal conditions for fungal diseases that are problematic in sweet cherries, such as American brown rot, a fast-growing pathogen that can become epidemic with warm and wet weather.
MSU researcher leads innovative effort to protect lake whitefish using genetic markers
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Earlier this year, Jason Smith, a fisheries biologist with the Bay Mills Indian Community in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, spoke with Interlochen Public Radio (IPR) about an ominous trend threatening one of the Great Lakes’ most foundational and key fish species: lake whitefish. “Even if we bring (commercial fishing) harvest to zero, the lakes are still headed toward extirpation,” Smith told IPR in January about the species.
Transforming waste into a public asset: Michigan State University leads next-generation anaerobic digestion innovation
East Lansing, Mich. — As conversations continue to build among policymakers and industry leaders on how to best address nutrient runoff, energy transition and sustainable waste management in the Great Lakes region, Michigan State University scientists are pioneering solutions that transform organic waste into a public asset.
Alizadeh joining MSU to help Michigan agriculture, water resources confront extreme weather
EAST LANSING, Mich. — To promote research that safeguards Michigan’s access to freshwater resources for agricultural systems amid variable weather patterns and extreme weather events, the Agricultural Resiliency Program was launched in 2024 by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Michigan Plant Coalition, Michigan State University AgBioResearch, and MSU Extension.
Tolhurst examining economic behavior changes, impacts caused by extreme weather events on agriculture
Tor Tolhurst, an assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, joined MSU in fall 2024 by way of the Agricultural Resiliency Program. Michigan’s sweet cherry industry lost roughly 75% of its crop in 2024 due to variable and extreme weather conditions.
MSU AgBioResearch, MSU Extension announce 2025 field days
Kurt Steinke, professor and MSU Extension specialist in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, presenting at the 2023 potato field day at the Montcalm Research Center. Michigan State University AgBioResearch and MSU Extension, in partnership with many of Michigan’s agricultural commodity organizations, will host several field days across Michigan in 2025 from May through September.
Updates to MSU greenhouse facility renovations: New headhouse, greenhouses built; capacity at existing greenhouses strengthened
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Just over a year ago, Michigan State University leaders broke ground on transformative renovations taking place at the MSU Plant Science Research Greenhouse Facility located at the corner of Farm Lane and Wilson Road. As work continues to be done at the facility, its progress is clear and evident when passing by.
Optimize health qualities of beef
Jack Falinski Michigan State University Instead of answering, “Where’s the beef?” Michigan State University scientists are gaining a deeper understanding of what’s in the beef. A paper recently published by two Michigan State University researchers highlights new data on how the nutrient composition and healthfulness of beef is impacted by what beef cattle feed on.
Kang Xia named MSU AgBioResearch associate director
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Kang Xia has been named associate director of Michigan State University AgBioResearch. Her appointment begins April 14. Xia, who most recently served as associate director of the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station (VAES) at Virginia Tech, joins MSU AgBioResearch director George Smith and associate director James Averill in leading MSU’s long-standing research unit dedicated to discovering dynamic solutions for food systems and the environment.
Newly published research from MSU scientist unlocks contributors to male fertility
EAST LANSING, Mich. — The mitochondrion has long been dubbed as the “powerhouse of the cell,” but there’s still much to learn about its inner workings during development and disease formation. Research recently published by a Michigan State University scientist adds to the understanding of how mitochondria function during spermatogenesis, the process by which sperm cells are produced.
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