Michigan State University Seeks Support For Enviro-Weather Stations

Launched in 2005, Michigan State University’s (MSU) Enviro-weather station network has grown to 64 weather stations throughout the state. The stations provide Michigan growers with up-to-date weather information year round. Enviro-weather is specifically designed to assist growers in making timely crop management decisions, providing growers with pest and crop management models and irrigation schedules, alerting them to specific pest and disease problems, explaining how to deal with untimely frost, and providing links to articles from MSU Extension specialists.

“Enviro-weather information is useful for most every crop grown in the state,” says Beth Bishop, MSU Enviro-weather coordinator. “We’ve been adding features and updated the website, and continue to look for ways to improve our services for growers. Unfortunately, because of state funding cuts that have affected the university as well, we are also facing cuts in funding. We are looking to our many users for support to keep generating the data that fuels growers’ decisions.”

Bishop says there are numerous tax-deductible options for anyone wanting to contribute. “Maintenance of a weather station is about $1,200 per year,” she notes. “Station sponsors are acknowledged for their support on a plaque at the station and on the enviro-weather website.”

There is also the option of sponsoring a page on the Enviro-weather website. Each sponsored page will feature the business or organization’s logo and link to its website.

To contribute, go to www.givingto.msu.edu and select “enviro-weather fund,” or click here.

Checks payable to Michigan State University and designated for the Enviro-weather fund can be sent to:

University Development – MSU
300 Spartan Way
E. Lansing, MI 48824-1005