Commercial fruit production in the northern part of the west central region (Oceana, Mason and Manistee Counties) accounts for more than 21,000 acres of fruit land. Though well diversified in fruit crops, the area is best known for tart cherries (10,750 acres), apples (6,050 acres) and peaches (2.380 acres). With some 17% of the total acreage under the fruit in Michigan, this district has a significant economic impact on the makeup of the region and the fruit industry as a whole. Growers, consultants, packers, shippers and processors alike are faced with many challenges regarding our ever-changing world of rules and regulations, their implementation and compliance. Training and informational programs such as Integrated Crop and/or Pest Management practices, pesticide resistance management, drift management, nutrient management, water quality and ground water pollution issues, labor problems and regulatory restrictions, government incentive programs, that are offered through Michigan State University Extension Office are design to help people overcome some of those challenges. Commercial fruit production questions maybe directed to the District #5 MSU Extension Office at 1-877-643-9883.

At this time the MSU Extension Fruit Code-a-Phone Messages have been suspended until further notice.  We are currently working  on a notification system and once all the details are finalized we will publish the information needed to access the most current growing season information.  In the mean time, any commercial fruit production questions maybe directed to the District #5 MSU Extension Office at 1-877-643-9883.  Thank you for your time and  understanding.

You can access the Fruit Code-a-Phone  ran by Amy Irish-Brown, MSU Extension Educator- Production Tree Fruit, at 616-451-8065.