Michigan State University Chestnut News

08/17/2026

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/michigan-chestnut-crop-report-august-13-2026

Crop report available for the week of August 13, 2026

08/14/2026

August 13 Chestnut Chat--featuring info on ambrosia beetle and chestnut weevil.

Deep dive on Ambrosia beetle and chestnut weevil.

07/17/2026

CANCELLED DUE TO LOW REGISTRATION!

Midwest Chestnut Producers Council Harvest Picnic!
REGISTER TODAY!

Erica Burke and Paul Thelen have graciously agreed to host the 2026 Midwest Chestnut Producers Council Harvest Potluck at their farm (Hillside Orchards) in Berrien Springs, MI on August 23 from 10-2.

As always, the event will feature a farm tour from the owners and plenty of time to network and socialize. The Council will provide lunch, place settings and beverages. Please bring a dish to pass, a folding chair and any additional preferred beverages.

This event is free for Midwest Chestnut Producer Council members in good standing, $50 for nonmembers payable (cash or check) at the event. Membership forms and dues may also be handled at the event for those wishing to join.

Registration is required and is open through August 16th. Register at https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9B846gRql2cVP3E

This event will be held outside, so please plan accordingly. Additional details will be provided to registrants as the date approaches.

07/16/2026

Chestnut Chat 7/16/26 is now available

07/16/2026

Dear Growers:

I am worried about anyone working outside under these conditions--please note the info below.

-Erin

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has issued a statewide Air Quality Alert for Wednesday, July 15, that is expected to continue through the weekend. This specific alert is a result of the smoke from Canadian wildfires that is moving across Michigan. At the same time, the National Weather Service is forecasting a major heat risk across most of the Lower Peninsula, creating a unique combination of hazards.

Be sure to monitor the heat and air quality indexes as you’re making decisions regarding outdoor activities this summer. Do your best to keep your indoor air quality good by keeping windows and exterior doors closed as much as possible, using HVAC systems with MERV013 filters and/or portable air cleaners if possible. Reduce indoor heat by closing blinds/shades if air conditioning is limited.

In the absence of air conditioning, most communities offer cooling locations such as local public libraries, schools and community centers. Contact Michigan 211 for the location of cooling centers in your community. Michigan State University Extension encourages you to stay hydrated, apply sunscreen often, check up on friends and neighbors and stay safe this summer.

Read more at the linked article./

06/18/2026

https://mediaspace.msu.edu/media/Chestnut+Chat+June+18%2C+2026/1_f5lk7hgj

Discussion focused on Asian Chestnut Gall Wasp and brown rot. 

06/04/2026

June 4 2026 Chestnut Chat recording available now.

Discussions include chestnut diseases, weather and insect pests. Growers discuss irrigation. 

05/26/2026

Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program
The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program helps beginning farmers and ranchers in the United States and its territories enter and/or improve their successes in farming, ranching, and management of nonindustrial private forest lands, through support for projects that provide education, outreach, and technical assistance to give beginning farmers and ranchers the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to make informed decisions for their operations and enhance their sustainability.

To learn more, click here https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/us.list-manage.com/rP4_nIfjuos?e=34a6482dff&c2id=207ba13ab7c092711056edf0a64d8968__;!!HXCxUKc!1VbRDy2YWW8kVtSaGoSbKPz9fxzFv_V53T3yWncrYfgh9gGWm5CIHgysV8GMeojZeAzBMzZa8UCaWUtmmQN8RkqXMkUirRZ9vzlipP8$

05/26/2026

Recording of the May 21, 2026 Chestnut Chat is available now at https://mediaspace.msu.edu/media/MSU+Extension+Chestnut+Chat+May+21+2026/1_wsa7adc7

To join us live, visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/register-for-the-msu-chestnut-chat-summer-series to register. It's free.

05/21/2026

Starting this week--register now!

2026 Chestnut Chats
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Michigan State University Extension will again be hosting a series of 7 interactive online meetings this season to allow easy communication between producers and MSU faculty. These informal sessions will include crop and pest updates from Dr. Rob Sirrine and Erin Lizotte as well as deep dives by university specialists with topics ranging from disease management to irrigation and nutrient management. In addition, MSU faculty and veteran growers will drop in to address timely issues and provide research project updates. Bring your field notes too! We want to hear what’s going on in your orchard.
These Thursday sessions will begin on May 21st and run every-other-week through September 3rd from 1:30-2:30 PM EST. Registration is free but required. Sign up now at https://pears.io/events/msuext/6265/
Mark your calendar for the following meeting dates: May 14, May 28, June 11, July 9, July 23, August 6, and August 20.
For management information and upcoming events information, sign up to receive MSU Extension’s Fruit & Nuts Production Newsletter. For general information, visit www.chestnuts.msu.edu. For questions, email Erin Lizotte at [email protected].
This work is supported by the Crop Protection and Pest Management Program [grant no 2024-70006-43569] from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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