By Andi Anderson
Michigan State University’s Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (SWMREC) plays a vital role in advancing agricultural research and supporting farmers across the state. Located near Benton Harbor, the 350-acre facility is known for its exceptional crop diversity and its ability to test new farming practices, crop varieties, and technologies under real-world conditions.
Southwest Michigan is often compared to California because of its ability to produce a wide variety of specialty crops. The region’s proximity to Lake Michigan creates a unique climate that helps regulate temperatures, reducing the risk of spring frost damage and extending the growing season into the fall. These favorable conditions allow farmers to grow apples, peaches, pears, plums, grapes, blueberries, raspberries, chestnuts, and numerous vegetable crops.
“We are like the little California of Michigan,” said Mike de Schaaf, farm manager at MSU’s Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center.
The research center serves as a testing ground where scientists can study new crop varieties, disease management strategies, and agricultural innovations before they are introduced to commercial farms. Researchers evaluate how different crops perform in local conditions and provide growers with reliable information to support investment and management decisions.
“A lot of people are like, ‘Not in my backyard’ about it,” he said. “But this is the backyard where you can do that and then everyone can benefit from the results.”
One important area of research focuses on blueberries. SWMREC has tested approximately 40 blueberry varieties from breeding programs across the country to determine how they perform under Michigan’s climate and soil conditions.
“What we do is to determine what a grower can expect if they try to plant that here,” de Schaaf said.
The center is also recognized for its work with pickling cucumbers. Michigan leads the nation in cucumber production for pickling, making research on this crop especially important. Ben Phillips, station coordinator and vegetable specialist at SWMREC, studies cucumber varieties and plant diseases to help improve productivity and efficiency.
Researchers are examining parthenocarpic cucumber varieties that can produce fruit without bee pollination. These varieties offer growers greater flexibility during challenging weather conditions and harvest periods.
Beyond crop research, SWMREC is exploring advanced technologies that could shape the future of agriculture. Projects include drone-based crop spraying, autonomous field equipment, and laser weed-control systems. These technologies are evaluated to determine whether they can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and support sustainable farming practices.
“It’s lasers on turrets,” he said. “And it just sees a weed and pew, pew, pew, pew — destroys the weeds. It’s essentially weed warfare.”
The research center also collaborates with industry partners to evaluate new products and farming systems. These partnerships help ensure that innovations meet both grower and processor needs while maintaining profitability and crop quality.
According to Ben Smith, executive director of the Michigan State Horticultural Society and co-manager of Hinkelman Farms, research conducted at facilities like SWMREC helps growers better understand new technologies and management practices before adopting them on their own farms.
“It is helpful for growers to see the research being done so they understand the process and know they can trust the results,” Smith said.
Through crop testing, disease research, and technology evaluation, SWMREC continues to provide valuable knowledge that supports Michigan agriculture. The center’s work helps farmers reduce risk, improve productivity, and remain competitive in a constantly evolving agricultural industry.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, Education