New Webinar Series on Major Pest Problems for Nursery Crops

Aug 22, 2025

By Heidi Lindberg

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) inspects an abundance of plant material every year during their routine plant inspections to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Michigan State University Extension and its partners are hosting a Major Pest Problems in Nursery Crops Webinar Series to discuss the top 35 pest problems seen in nurseries over the past four years. The webinars will be held Wednesdays on Sept. 17, 24 and Oct. 1 from 12:30-2 p.m. There is no cost to attend, however registration is required. All webinars will be recorded and sent to the attendee list throughout the series.

This webinar series is intended for nursery growers, Christmas tree growers, landscapers and other commercial industry representatives.

Source : msu.edu

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.