Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Michelle Sweeten
Upper Pensinsula farm hosts successful Soil Health Academy
On Sept. 10-12, 2024, 44 farmers converged with soil health and grazing experts Gabe Brown, Allen Williams and Jeremy Sweeten on Sweeten Farms near Dafter, Michigan. Spending much of the three days outside in the beautiful fall Upper Peninsula weather, participants learned and participated in adaptive grazing techniques. Lunches were provided by local farmer and caterer Dan Jere of Jere Farms and showcased both local and regeneratively raised vegetables and proteins.
The comeback of the European corn borer?
European corn borer wreaked havoc for decades in cornfields across North America before the adoption of transgenic traits (Bt) in the late 1990s effectively punched out the pest. However, in 2018, Jocelyn Smith, a research scientist at the University of Guelph, discovered signs of resistance to these traits. She will discuss this issue and possible solutions during the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series on June 27.
Michigan Farms Host Soil Health Academies
By Michelle Sweeten Soil health and regenerative agriculture are hot buzzwords in farming. This past summer, JNelson Farms in Hope, Michigan, hosted a Soil Health Academy to train farmers, researchers, food advocates and educators on soil health and regenerative agriculture principles focusing on adaptive grazing.
Michigan farms host Soil Health Academies
Soil health and regenerative agriculture are hot buzzwords in farming. This past summer, JNelson Farms in Hope, Michigan, hosted a Soil Health Academy to train farmers, researchers, food advocates and educators on soil health and regenerative agriculture principles focusing on adaptive grazing.
A look at agriculture in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series continues with corn and nitrogen management after waterlogging
According to Alex Lindsey, PhD, from Ohio State University, flooding is becoming more prevalent in crop fields in the spring due to changing precipitation patterns and increasing storm intensity. One major question that has arisen due to the role water plays in nitrogen cycling and causing environmental losses is how nitrogen should be managed in corn systems when we anticipate flooding is going to occur.
Stay in the Same Field With Grazing Terms
By Michelle Sweeten and Kable Thurlow Do you want to improve your grazing practices but get lost in the back 40 of grazing terms? As research and practices have improved pasture management practices, so has grazing terminology. As grazing methods change and improve, knowing what practices make sense in each situation is important. Simple changes such as adding a single field division can reduce weeds, improve animal performance and improve forages with no other inputs.
Stay in the same field with grazing terms
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
The 2024 Field Crops Webinar Series kicks off with a discussion on wildlife damage in field crops
The 2024 Field Crops Webinar Series kicks off with a discussion on wildlife damage in field crops James DeDecker, MSU Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center director, and Monica Jean, MSU Extension field crops educator, discuss Repellant and Palatability trial results. Thinking about the 2024 growing season? Join Michigan State University Extension for the 2024 Field Crops Webinar Series on Feb.
Making the most of low hay yields
Updated from an original article written by Jerry Lindquist. The dry weather has left most livestock producers in the Midwest scrambling for more hay. First cutting hay yields were down in many areas of Michigan, and if the dry weather continues, total hay yields for the year could be less than 50 % of normal production. To feed ruminant animals such as beef cattle, sheep and others through the winter season, many livestock farmers are looking for ways to stretch their feed resources.
Monitoring Nematode Resistance in Soybeans
By Michelle Sweeten The soybean cyst nematode causes more yield loss than any other soybean disease in North America. In Michigan alone, soybean cyst nematode causes more than $40 million in economic losses per year, which makes it the most destructive soybean pathogen. Soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) is a sedentary endoparasite that was first detected in Michigan in 1987 and has since spread. Join Michigan State University Extension on Sept.
Monitoring nematode resistance in soybeans
The soybean cyst nematode causes more yield loss than any other soybean disease in North America. In Michigan alone, soybean cyst nematode causes more than $40 million in economic losses per year, which makes it the most destructive soybean pathogen. Soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) is a sedentary endoparasite that was first detected in Michigan in 1987 and has since spread. Join Michigan State University Extension on Sept.
Making the most of low hay yields
The dry weather has left most livestock producers in the Midwest scrambling for more hay. First cutting hay yields were down in many areas of Michigan, and if the dry weather continues, total hay yields for the year could be less than 50 % of normal production. To feed ruminant animals such as beef cattle, sheep and others through the winter season, many livestock farmers are looking for ways to stretch their feed resources.
Michigan State University hosts 2023 Beginner Grazing School
By Michelle Sweeten According to the National Agriculture Statistics Service, Michigan farmland contains over 523,905 acres of pastureland. Often these acres are marginal ground that is minimally managed. The Michigan State University Extension Beginner Grazing School is designed to provide participants with the latest livestock and forage research on grazing management.
Michigan State University hosts 2023 Beginner Grazing School
According to the National Agriculture Statistics Service, Michigan farmland contains over 523,905 acres of pastureland. Often these acres are marginal ground that is minimally managed. The Michigan State University Extension Beginner Grazing School is designed to provide participants with the latest livestock and forage research on grazing management. The Beginner Grazing School is for individuals new to farming as well as established farmers looking to improve their grazing skills.
Dealing with drought-stressed forages
Dealing with drought-stressed forages Michelle Sweeten and Kable Thurlow, Michigan State University Extension - July 06, 2023 Do you have a plan for your drought-stressed forage fields? Throughout Michigan, farmers are watching the skies and wondering when the Great Lakes are going to send measurable rain showers. With dry forecasts, producers need to make plans to ensure their fields' longevity and health allow for future grazing or hay cuttings.
Cover crops after wheat topic of July 13 Virtual Breakfast Series
Brook Wilke, associate director for science and agronomy at the Michigan State University W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, will chat about cover crops following wheat on July 13, 2023, during the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series. Key topics he will cover include: Termination strategies for managing cover crop moisture use in the spring. Terminate early to avoid too much moisture removal in dry years and terminate later to add moisture removal in wet years.
Managing your hay needs in a drought year
Managing your hay needs in a drought year Jonathan LaPorte, Michelle Sweeten, Kable Thurlow and Christine Charles - June 30, 2023 Dry conditions present concerns of a smaller hay supply and higher prices. Lack of rainfall this season has begun to create concerns about a reduced hay harvest. First-cutting yields have been lower than normal in drier areas and in fields with light-textured soils. If dry conditions continue into July, second cutting hay may see similar yield reductions.
New York Ag Connection
New York Ag News Headlines Webinar Series to Focus on Health Soils, Heavy Tillage, Compaction By: Michelle Sweeten, Michigan State University Extension - 02/10/2023 Ever wonder why water sometimes ponds in the low area of a field and sometimes doesn't?
Field Crops Webinar Series on March 13 discusses integrated wildlife damage in Michigan field crops
The Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Webinar Series on March 16, 2023, will focus on wildlife and mitigating the damage they can cause to our crops. Michigan is home to abundant wildlife that creates valuable opportunities for recreation and sport. Yet, when wild animals make use of farms for food and shelter, the damage they cause can be frustrating and costly.
Why farm in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula?
Michelle Sweeten and James DeDecker, Michigan State University Extension - May 02, 2023 Updated from an original article written by James Isleib. Low cost land and a laidback lifestyle may seem appealing, but the basics of successful farming in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are the same as everywhere else: careful planning, efficient use of resources, adaptability, commitment and good luck. Farms in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula often face many challenges.
Alfalfa planting recommendations featured on upcoming Field Crops Virtual Breakfast
Alfalfa is the cornerstone forage for perennial haylage and hay production. Establishing a new stand takes careful attention to detail to ensure success. Join the Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series on Thursday, April 13, 2023, to learn how site preparation, timing, seeding methods and variety selection can help improve the odds of getting a successful and persistent stand.
Field Crop Webinar Series Session #2 Healthy Soils and the Scourge of Heavy Tillage and Compaction
Michelle Sweeten, Michigan State University Extension - February 07, 2023 Finding Soil Health Solutions that work on your farm. Ever wonder why water sometimes ponds in the low area of a field and sometimes doesn't? Anna Cates, University of Minnesota Extension state soil health specialist, and Holly Hatlewick, Renville Soil and Water Conservation District administrator, will discuss how management changes soil structure and function during the Field Crops Webinar Series on Feb. 13, 2023.
Funds available for Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) participants
Michelle Sweeten, Chippewa/Luce/Mackinac Conservation District The Chippewa/Luce/Mackinac Conservation District is pleased to announce funds for MAEAP participants to cover the cost of items required for verification. MAEAP was developed by Michigan farmers in the 1990's. Farms can be verified in the Farmstead, Cropping (includes hay/pasture/market gardens), Livestock, and Forest, Wetlands and Habitat systems.
MAEAP verifies forest, wetland, and habitat properties for landowners
Michelle Sweeten, CLMCD MAEAP Technician By Michelle Sweeten CLMCD MAEAP Technician (MAEAP) is offering verification for landowners in Forest, Wetland, and Habitat (FWH). MAEAP is a proactive, voluntary, and free environmental assurance program. FWH aids landowners in creating and carrying out an environmental plan that targets forest, wetlands, and wildlife habitat. This ensures that the landowner takes on cost effective practices and are meeting state and federal environmental regulations.
Hay it or graze it?
Michelle Sweeten, MAEAP Technician, Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District The Eastern Upper Peninsula (EUP) grows great grass, hay, and other forages. For each farm the question eventually arises, “Do I graze or hay it?” There are benefits and downfalls to both options. Haying a field can be a simple operation involving one good cutting, and requires one tractor and minimal raking and baling equipment.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Michelle
Contact Michelle, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack