Protect your oak trees; prune before spring

Protect your oak trees; prune before spring

by | Nov 13, 2024 | Agriculture

 
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News Release
November 13, 2024
Contact: Cheryl Nelson, 231-287-1714 or Joanne Foreman, 517-284-5814

Protect your oak trees; prune before spring

Trees across Michigan are just wrapping up an incredible show of fall color, with the reds, oranges and yellows of oak trees often taking center stage. That annual autumn colorfest may be at risk, though, because oak trees across areas of the Lower Peninsula, as well as in Dickinson, Iron, Marquette and Menominee counties in the Upper Peninsula, are dying from oak wilt.

One of the best ways to help prevent oak wilt from infecting trees on your property is to avoid wounding them during the high-risk infection period, April 15 to July 15. The safest time to prune oak trees is the winter season.

What is oak wilt?

A gray and black oak wilt fungal pad found underneath the bark of an infected oak tree.Caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum, oak wilt is fatal to oak trees, especially those in the red oak family, which includes black oak, northern red oak and northern pin oak – all identifiable by their pointed leaf tips.

Once a tree is infected, the fungus may fruit, creating distinct gray to black fungal pads under the tree’s bark. Fungal spores can be picked up by sap-feeding nitidulid beetles attracted by the pads’ yeasty odor. Sap beetles spread oak wilt when they visit other pruned or damaged oaks to feed on their exposed sap.

Oak wilt often is first identified when green leaves turn yellow or brown on the edges and begin to drop during the summer.

Infected oaks can spread the disease to other oaks through underground root connections or grafts, creating an expanding circle of dead trees.

Avoid the high-risk period

April 15 through July 15 is considered the high-risk period for oak wilt spread because that is when nitidulid beetles are most active and more fresh spore mats are available. During this time, pruning or damaging oak trees should be avoided.

In a recent NotMISpecies webinar, “Getting Down to the Nitty Gritty: Oak Wilt Spread and Vector Behavior Research in Michigan,” Dr. Tara Bal and Katie Bershing of Michigan Technological University’s College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science shared ongoing research in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Canada indicating that sap beetles become interested in oak sap just after buds begin to open, a period called “leaf out,” and continue visiting wounded oaks through mid-summer. Further analysis is necessary to determine if this is true farther south.

Oak wilt infection seen in a cluster of four oak leaves that are brown on the outer edges but still green in the center.“Winter is considered low risk, but we’re dealing with nature, and winter weather is sometimes warm,” said Bal. “Overland spread of oak wilt requires beetles to carry viable spores flying to fresh wounds at a time when trees are vulnerable. Research indicates this is unlikely to occur during winter months.”

“The designated dates for the oak wilt high-risk infection period consider variations in spring weather patterns, which can change the leaf-out date year to year and region by region within the state,” said Simeon Wright, forest health specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Landscaping and construction projects that can damage oaks also should avoid the high-risk period. When possible, choosing to postpone land clearing or use of heavy equipment around oak trees until the winter avoids a potential risk of infection that can persist into late summer.

Can other trees get oak wilt?

White oaks, those with rounded leaves, are susceptible to oak wilt but may survive for several years or succumb more slowly before dying.

Researchers from Michigan State University detected the oak wilt fungus in an orchard of dying Colossal chestnut trees in 2022, suggesting that chestnut trees, part of the same family as oaks (Fagaceae), also can be infected.

Where is oak wilt in Michigan?

The DNR maintains an interactive online map for viewing verified, reported and treated locations of oak wilt across the state. The tool also can be used to report suspected oak wilt infections.

What can be done?

  • If oak trees need pruning, trimming or removal, plan these activities for winter months when possible.
  • If construction or removal of other trees may damage nearby oaks, perform these activities outside of the high-risk period, April 15 to July 15.
  • If oaks are damaged during the high-risk period, immediately cover wounds with tree wound paint or a latex-based paint.
  • Don’t move firewood, especially if it comes from oak wilt-killed trees, as it can harbor and spread the fungus.

To learn more about oak wilt, visit Michigan.gov/ForestHealth or MichiganOakWilt.org.

Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

Oak wilt fungus: A gray and black oak wilt fungal pad found under the bark of an infected oak tree.

Oak wilt leaves: Oak leaves that turn yellow or brown on the edges during the summer may be a sign of oak wilt infection. Photo courtesy of D. W. French, University of Minnesota, Bugwood.org.

 
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MDARD Encourages Owners to Keep Pets Safe this Halloween

MDARD Encourages Owners to Keep Pets Safe this Halloween

by | Oct 29, 2024 | Agriculture

 

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For immediate release: October 29, 2024
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724

MDARD Encourages Owners to Help Keep Animals Safe this Halloween

Have a fab-boo-lous holiday without causing more scares or stress for animals

LANSING, Mich. – As Michiganders put the final touches on costumes, decorative displays, and plans for trick-or-treating, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) would like to remind owners of some of the best ways to keep their animals healthy and safe this Halloween.

“Considering the needs of our animals is important when making plans for Halloween to ensure they won’t have any unpleasant scares or additional stress,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “From keeping them away from the candy bowl to ensuring they have up-to-date identification, there are many precautions owners can take to keep their animals safe this Halloween.”

Keep animals safe this holiday by following these five easy tips:

  • Unsafe Eats: Give Halloween candy to trick-or-treaters—not your animals.

Unfortunately, animals cannot enjoy all of the same treats and food we do. Be sure to keep candy or other sweets containing chocolate, raisins, and/or xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many candies and gum) away from animals as these ingredients can be hazardous.

  • Search No More: Make sure animals have proper identification.

With opening the door for all the trick-or-treaters, it can be easy for animals to sneak out and get lost. Make sure animals have identification tags and/or up to date microchips with current contact information to improve the chances they are returned home.

  • Destress and Decompress: Have a quiet space for your animals.

Having a constant stream of visitors can be overly stimulating for animals. It is important to have a quiet space set aside for them to go if they are getting too stressed. Also, have the room stocked with their food, water, litter pan, etc. in case they would like to maintain their distance for an extended period of time.

  • Avoid Temptations: Keep Halloween decorations and wires out of reach.

Spooky decorations and lights not only make for a frightful display but also catch the eye of our animals. As these items can cause injury, be sure they are kept out of an animal’s reach, along with candles with an open flame, glow sticks, and potpourri.

  • Cautious Costumes: Be thoughtful when selecting a costume.

Our animals might not share the same enthusiasm for costumes we do. It is possible your animals cannot recognize you or others they may know because of your costumes, causing unexpected reactions and additional stress. Consider wearing pieces of your costume around your animal before Halloween to better acclimate them to the sight.

If your animals are the ones wearing the costumes, make sure they are comfortable in their outfit. The costume should not restrict their movement or breathing, block their sight, cause them to get overheated, or have small pieces that can be chewed off and become a choking hazard. Also, don’t leave a costumed pet unsupervised.

Following these tips can help keep your animals safe and healthy through the spooky season. If there are any concerns about your animals’ health either now or throughout the year, please talk to your veterinarian.

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Infographic of Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

Disaster Declaration Helps Cherry Farmers in Eight Counties

Disaster Declaration Helps Cherry Farmers in Eight Counties

by | Oct 15, 2024 | Agriculture

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Correction: The previous release had the incorrect total number of counties. The total number of counties covered under the disaster declaration is eleven.

For immediate release: October 15, 2024
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, APR, 517-284-5724

MDARD Director Tim Boring Thanks USDA for Disaster Declaration Helping Michigan’s Sweet Cherry Farmers in Eleven Counties

Declaration provides needed emergency resources for farmers hit by climate events, diseases

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan is known as the “Cherry Capitol of the World,” but severe weather events continue to threaten the viability of the industry. This year, the state’s sweet cherry farmers lost upwards to 75 percent of their crops after a mild winter and warm, wet early season conditions led to significant insect and disease damage.

In August, Governor Gretchen Whitmer requested a Declaration of Disaster from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make available much needed emergency resources for northern Michigan’s cherry producers. Yesterday, USDA issued disaster declarations for Antrim, Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties. In addition to the three primary counties USDA designated eight contiguous counties under the disaster declarations which are Benzie, Crawford, Manistee, Otsego, Charlevoix, Kalkaska, Missaukee, and Wexford.

“I was proud to stand with Governor Whitmer as we urged the USDA to recognize the impact of these disasters on Michigan’s sweet cherry harvest, and glad to see our farmers receive access to critical federal assistance,” said Boring. “Receiving a USDA disaster declaration is key to ensuring producers can access the resources they need. I appreciate USDA Secretary Vilsack for his commitment to Michigan’s sweet cherry farming families.”

“From farmers to producers to retailers, so many in our community rely on the success of crops like cherries,” said State Rep. Betsy Coffia (D-Traverse City). “I am glad to see the USDA make this decision to bring some relief for the devastating sweet cherry crop loss and I will continue to seek ways to do more to support our farmers weathering this latest challenge to their livelihoods.”

The counties designated by USDA as natural disaster or contiguous disaster areas means qualified farm operators are eligible for low interest emergency loans from USDA’s Farm Services Agency (USDA-FSA) provided eligibility requirements are met.

Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for loans to help cover part of their actual losses. USDA-FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. USDA-FSA has a variety of programs, in addition to the emergency loan program, to help eligible farmers recover from adversity.

For Michigan to receive federal disaster status, the original crop loss estimates must be verified from harvest yield data.  If losses of 30 percent or more are confirmed, and the disaster request is granted, eligible state producers will have access to USDA-FSA’s low-interest emergency loan program for up to 100 percent of their weather-related agriculture production losses. USDA-FSA is the agency responsible for compiling the official crop loss statistics and administering the federal emergency farm loan programs.

For more information on the federal emergency farm loan programs, please visit the USDA-FSA website.
MDARD Announces Grant Opportunity

MDARD Announces Grant Opportunity

by | Oct 14, 2024 | Agriculture

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For immediate release: October 14, 2024
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724
Program contact: Andria McCubbin, 517-599-5748

MDARD Announces Grant Opportunity to Support Michigan’s Horticulture Research

Proposals must be received via email no later than November 22, 2024

LANSING –Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring announced today MDARD is accepting grant proposals for the 2025 Horticulture Fund, an initiative designed to support Michigan’s nursery and ornamental horticulture businesses. With a maximum grant award of $20,000, this funding provides a valuable opportunity for innovation within the industry. Proposals must be submitted by Friday, November 22, 2024.

All faculty and staff members of universities and colleges in Michigan are eligible to receive funding, as well as teams of university/college investigators and private individuals. University or college personnel must be the Principal Investigator of the proposal.

Eligible projects for grant consideration can be new initiatives or ongoing efforts, but all proposals must fall under one of three funding categories:

  • Applied Research: Crop management systems that enhance industry profitability while being environmentally and socially responsible and provide long-term benefits to Michigan’s nursery and ornamental horticulture industry.
  • Basic Research: Research generating knowledge that can be used to address contemporary problems and/or enable the future development and implementation of improved techniques or processes.
  • Outreach/Training/Demonstration: Activities focused on assisting Michigan’s nursery and ornamental horticultural industries.

Proposals must be  submitted via email at [email protected] no later than Friday, November 22, 2024. Applications and grant guidelines are available online. Proposals will be reviewed by the Horticulture Fund Advisory Committee, which are appointed by MDARD’s Director. Grant recipients plan to be announced in May 2025.

For additional information about MDARD’s Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division, visit www.michigan.gov/mdard/plant-pest.
MDARD Announces Grant Opportunity

MDARD Announces Grant Opportunity for Rural Areas

by | Oct 10, 2024 | Agriculture

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For immediate release: October 10, 2024
Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724
Program contact: Tracey Barnes, 517-388-4540

MDARD Announces Grant Opportunity for Rural Areas

Proposals due by 5 p.m. (EST) on December 5, 2024

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring today announced the department is offering a competitive grant program to promote the sustainability of land-based industries and support infrastructure benefiting rural communities in Michigan.

“Our rural communities are a fundamental part of Michigan’s food and agriculture industry. Governor Whitmer and I are committed to providing the support and resources to help increase resiliency and success in those communities,” said Boring. “The Rural Development Grant prioritizes sustainability for land-based industries and provides the crucial infrastructure needed for our rural areas to grow and thrive for years to come.”

The Rural Development Fund grants are available for projects addressing expansion and sustainability of land-based industries; worker training related to land-based industries; and energy, transportation, housing, communications, water, and wastewater infrastructure to benefit rural communities and micropolitan statistical areas.

Land-based industries include food and agriculture, forestry, mining, oil and gas production, and tourism. Eligible counties include those with a population no greater than 70,000 residents or micropolitan statistical areas. For a complete list of eligible counties, visit www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants.

The total amount of funding available during this grant cycle is $2 million. The maximum limit that can be requested for a project grant $100,000 with all proposals requiring a minimum 30 percent cash match of the grant amount being requested. Applicants for grant funds must describe how the project will impact and produce measurable outcomes for rural communities around land-based industries. The proposals will be evaluated through a competitive process.

Those interested in applying for the grant program should visit www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants to view the program details. All applications must be submitted through the MiAgGrants system. All applicants are required to submit three letters of support.

MDARD will host an informational webinar on this grant opportunity on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 10 a.m. (EST). More information on the webinar is located on the website.

Any additional communications concerning this Request for Proposal should be sent to [email protected]. Proposals must be received online through the MiAgGrants system no later than 5 p.m. (EST) on December 5, 2024.  Proposals received after 5 p.m. (EST) will not be considered.

The Rural Development Fund grants are funded by the Nonferrous Metallic Minerals Extraction Severance Tax. The Rural Development Fund was created under PA 411 of 2012. Revenue from the severance tax is in accordance with PA 410 of 2012.

For more information on the MDARD Grants Program and how we can help you, visit www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants or email us at [email protected].
Protect Your Animals in an Emergency

Protect Your Animals in an Emergency

by | Sep 25, 2024 | Agriculture

 

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For immediate release: September 25, 2024

Media contact: Jennifer Holton, 517-284-5724

Protect Your Animals in an Emergency: MDARD Recognizes National Preparedness Month

Taking time to plan and prepare now can help keep your animals healthy, happy, and safe during an emergency

LANSING, MI – If there was a flood, fire, tornado, or other disaster affecting your community, what would you do to protect yourself and your animals? This September, in honor of National Preparedness Month, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) encourages owners to take steps to ensure their animals are protected during an emergency. Taking time to plan and gather supplies now can help animals stay safe and healthy throughout any crisis.

“At MDARD, we know being able to respond quickly and effectively is essential to mitigating the impact of any hazardous event,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. “While it is important to have transportation, food, medications, and other supplies ready for ourselves, it is just as crucial to have these resources for our animals. Emergencies affect everyone.”

Be ready to protect your animals by taking these five easy steps:

  • Bag it: Have a go-kit ready for your animals.

If there is a need to evacuate, make sure there is a go-kit ready with all the supplies your animals would need to be comfortable for a few days. Consider including a few days’ supply of food, water, and medications as well as leashes/harnesses, food scoops/can openers, bowls, litter pans/waste bags, grooming tools, and any beds or bedding needed. You could also include one of their favorite toys to help reduce their stress and keep them calm.

  • Practice it: Make sure your animals are comfortable with their crates, carriers, or trailers.

An emergency should not be the first time you are corralling your animals and getting them into their carriers or trailers for travel. To reduce any stress or fear, place open carriers or trailers in areas where the animals can see and explore them, give them treats near or after they have gone into these items, and practice closing them in.

  • Arrange it: Know where you can go with your animals.

While service animals are usually welcome at a shelter or evacuation center for people, pets or other animals most often are not. Be sure to make arrangements with trusted family members or friends, find pet-friendly hotels, or locate kennels or other types of boarding facilities that could take your animals.

  • Tag it: Make sure animals have proper identification.

Emergencies are stressful and chaotic. Animals can easily sneak away, become lost, or get separated from you. Make sure they have identification tags and/or microchips that are up to date with your current contact information, ensuring a better chance they can be returned home.

Also, having current pictures of yourself with your animals and being able to describe them in detail (breed, age, sex, color/markings, and distinctive behaviors) can help with reunification.

  • Document it: Keep animals up to date on routine vaccinations and have a copy of their medical records.

During an emergency, you never know what your animals may be exposed to. Vaccinations can protect them against common diseases, such as rabies and distemper. Contact your veterinarian to ensure your animals’ vaccinations are complete and/or to schedule an appointment.

Maintain a copy of their vaccine and testing records as well as any other information related to their medical conditions. These documents can help if animals need to move out of state or if someone else is in charge of their care.

Taking these proactive steps can help keep your animals healthy, happy, and safe throughout any natural or man-made disaster. For more information on how to ensure your animals are ready for an emergency, please talk to your veterinarian and visit MIReady or Ready.gov.