Great Lakes salmon and trout ID tips for spring fishing
April 19, 2021
Mixed-bag catches are common in nearshore waters, but you might need to look closely to correctly identify your catch.
The caudal fin of a 10.5-inch Chinook salmon (left above) has no spots, while the 11.75-inch Chinook salmon (left below) is beginning to develop dark spots and lose its fork. Note that the shape of the anal fin is different than coho salmon (right) even in small fish.
April offers some fantastic fishing for salmon and trout. Pier, small boat, and surf fishing can be especially productive at this time of year since the shallows warm more quickly than offshore waters. Brown trout are a popular target at many northern and central Lake Michigan ports, while coho salmon are a big draw farther south. On Lake Huron, Atlantic salmon are becoming a popular target following the expansion of stocking efforts in recent years.
Gypsy moth populations are high: What conifer growers need to know
April 16, 2021
There were extremely high populations of gypsy moth during 2020 and we anticipate elevated populations this year. Scout and treat spruce, fir and Douglas fir for gypsy moths.
Photo 1. Gypsy moth aerial survey performed during 2020 showed up to one million acres were defoliated in 2020. Photo from Michigan Forest Health Highlights 2020 Report.
Gypsy moth populations are expected to be very high again this year. According to the Department of Natural Resource’s report, “Michigan Forest Health Highlights 2020,” Michigan’s Lower Peninsula had nearly one million acres that were defoliated by gypsy moth. According to a map of gypsy moth defoliation provided in the report, the heaviest defoliation was in Montmorency, Alpena, Oscoda and Alcona counties in eastern Michigan and Manistee, Lake and Newaygo counties in western Michigan (Photo 1). Other Michigan State University Extension educators report
What are my options when renewing my pesticide certification?
Pesticide applicators can now take their certification exam remotely.
According to a recent news release from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), pesticide applicators can now take their certification exams remotely through the Metro Institute. An emergency rule extended pesticide applicator credential whose license expired Dec. 31, 2019, or Dec. 31, 2020, to June 30, 2021. In addition to extending the expiration date, the rule gives applicators six additional months to renew their credential via continuing education courses.
Brian Verhougstraete, MDARD s pesticide section manager, said Between online and in-person exams at Metro Institute s testing centers, there is currently a lot of availability. However, as the June 30 deadline approaches, we expect exam availability to tighten up. We are strongly encouraging applicators to schedule their exams now.
When the grass starts greening, the urge to get livestock on pasture is strong. However, patience and a little planning will pay off because management of the spring flush of forage availability is key to setting the tone for the entire grazing season.
Negotiating reasonable land rent in times of high market prices
As commodity market prices go up, landowners may want to increase rental payments.
Rising commodity prices offer the potential for higher revenues and greater profits. It may also bring increasing costs if prices remain at a high level. This is common with inputs like fertilizer or fuel, which are closely tied to farm production. However, another major cost is the rent payment made on farmland.
As commodity market prices go up, there is a strong likelihood that landowners may want to increase the rental payment they are receiving. This is often based on a perception that high market prices lead to higher revenues and automatically greater profits. If farm profits appear better, then landowners may perceive the value of farmland to be better as well.