The Asian long-horned beetle — which poses a serious threat to maple, birch, elm and other native trees — was recently found in a rail yard in Port Huron, Mich. It is the first detection in the state.
The Asian long-horned beetle is a large, wood-boring beetle native to China and other Asian countries. It had not been found in Michigan until now, but populations of this beetle are established in New York and Chicago. The beetle is on Michigan's Invasive Species Watch List and is prohibited.
The beetle is a large, glossy black insect with white spots, and adults range from 0.75 to 1.25 inches in length, not including the long black and white antennae.
USDA confirmed the detection and is launching an investigation. “We’re working closely with local and state officials to determine the extent of the infestation and prevent its spread,” USDA spokesperson Mike Watson says.
The beetle has caused millions in damage in other states.
Potato producers approve program change
Michigan potato producers voted to approve an amendment to the Michigan Potato Industry Commission, boosting an assessment cap to 9.5 cents per cwt (currently the cap is maxed at 5.5 cents per cwt) on potatoes grown in the state.
This change affects growers only, not shippers, and the assessments are paid by the potato growers themselves to support their industry.
MPIC was created to promote Michigan’s potato industry through research, promotion, advertising, market development and expansion of the state’s potato industry.
Michigan potato producers had an opportunity to vote on the proposed amendment during a referendum in February.
For more information about MPIC, contact Executive Director Kelly Turner at 517-253-7370 or kelly@mipotato.com.
Manager named at MSU plant research centers
Lance Forsberg has been named farm manager at the Michigan State University Entomology and Plant Pathology Research Centers located on south campus. The farms are managed by MSU AgBioResearch and provide a space for scientists to conduct research on a variety of plant agriculture-related challenges.
The Entomology and Plant Pathology Research Centers consist of 167 acres of fruit trees, small fruits, vegetables and other specialty crops.
Forsberg, who started in March, is responsible for daily operations and administrative tasks. This includes managing center staff, maintenance on research infrastructure and equipment, maintaining the fruit and vegetable plots to ensure high-quality research, and working with researchers and MSU Extension educators on coordination of activities at the centers.
Before becoming farm manager, Forsberg held various positions at MSU since 2011. Most recently, he served as a research technician and laboratory manager for Marisol Quintanilla, an applied nematologist, assistant professor and MSU Extension specialist in the Department of Entomology.
At MSU, Forsberg has also held positions as pesticide coordinator for numerous facilities, in addition to being a field research and laboratory technician in the potato breeding and potato pathology laboratories.
MMPA celebrates success during annual meeting
Michigan Milk Producers Association members and guests gathered March 19 in Novi for MMPA’s 109th annual meeting.
In addition to recognizing partners, the annual meeting proceedings involved recognizing the cooperative’s success last year and honoring several MMPA members — including MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators; members achieving 35 and 50 years of membership; the MMPA member farm that achieved the best quality milk in 2024 of all MMPA farms, Koppenol Dairy Farm of Coopersville; and the first Food Bank Council of Michigan Legacy Award recipient, Larsen Farms of Scottville, recognized for its work with its local food bank.
The meeting proceedings also included recognition of a trifecta of success among MMPA’s leadership. MMPA Board Chairman Doug Chapin was named the 2024 Farmer Communicator of the Year by the National Milk Producers Federation, recognizing his efforts for sharing dairy’s story to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by dairy farmers.
MMPA Board Vice Chairman Tony Jandernoa was named the 2025 Dairy Farmer of the Year by the Michigan State University Department of Animal Science.
Rounding out the success, MMPA President and CEO Joe Diglio was recently named the 2025 Robert B. Engel Farmer Co-op Manager of the Year by the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives for his outstanding achievement and commitment to cooperative principles.
In the board reorganizational meeting held at the conclusion of the meeting, the following officers were reelected: Doug Chapin as board chairman, Tony Jandernoa as board vice chairman and Eric Frahm as treasurer.