A Century at the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station
The
Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station at Michigan State University was
created on February 26, 1888, after the passage of the 1887 Hatch Act, which
created a nationwide network of agricultural experiment stations. These stations
were charged with conducting research and development projects on behalf of
farmers. In 1925, the Purnell Act added agricultural economics, rural sociology
and home economics to the experiment stations' mission.
Today, the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station sees its mission as generating knowledge through research to help agriculture and natural resources and rural communities and families in Michigan. A profile of the state's adolescent population, projects developing new varieties of beans and potatoes, a study on the marketing of Michigan apples in Great Britain, research on leadership development, a project to control scab in wheat and a database of pesticides at risk are just a few examples of the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station's commitment to offering research results that are useful to all segments of the state's population.
1890s 1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s
| 1890s |
First Sugar Beets
Robert Kedzie imported sugar beet seed from Germany and worked with farmers to develop production methods.
| 1900s |
Hog Cholera
Charles E. Marshall was the first in the state to produce hog cholera serum .
| 1910s |
Frozen Food
Harry Eustace developed methods for commercially freezing fruits and vegetables.
| 1920s |
Beehives in the Orchards
In 1929, R.E. Marshall and S. Johnston were the first to demonstrate the need for beehives in orchards during the blossoming season, even though fruits such as red tart cherries and peaches are self-fertile.Hydrometer
George Bouyoucos invented the hydrometer, the simplest, most widely used method to determine soil moisture content.
| 1930s |
Father of Homogenized Milk
MAES scientist G. Malcom Trout was among the pioneers who built the modern U.S. dairy industry after World War I his research showed the effects of homogenization on chemical and physical properties of milk. He helped popularize the process, which, along with pasteurization, modernized the milk industry.
Birth of Blueberry Industry
In the 1930s, horticulturist Stanley Johnston established the first successful cultivated blueberry plantings in the world.
Pasture Mixture
C.M. Harrison and H.C. Rather were the first in America to combine bromegrass and alfalfa into a pasture mixture. It is still the most popular pasture mixture today.
| 1940s |
Just Peachy
Red Haven, the world's most widely grown peach variety, was released in 1940 by MAES horticulturist Stanley Johnston. Johnston developed eight freestone Haven varieties, which have extended the peach harvest period from 3 weeks to 7 weeks.
Pop!-Pop!-Pop!
In 1946, MAES crop scientist Steven Dexter revolutionized the popcorn industry by discovering a way to maintain proper moisture content in popcorn so it would pop better.
| 1950s |
Tomato Harvester
S.K. Ries and B.A. Stout hold the first patent on a harvester for once-over tomato harvesting.
Social Significance of Clothing
MAES sociologists did the first comprehensive study of the social significance of clothing in urban and rural areas. The study showed that white-collar workers valued clothes for their potential to impress others, while blue-collar workers were more concerned with the durability and usefulness of clothes in work performance.
| 1960s |
Pecks of Pickles
Horticulturist C.E. Peterson developed the first hybrid pickling cucumber in 1960. Also, campus agricultural engineers invented the first mechanical harvester for pickling cucumbers in the early 1960s.
Greenhouse Gas
S.H. Wittwer and Wm. Robb were the first in America to demonstrate that carbon dioxide is a factor in the growth of greenhouse vegetables.
Sex-Role Identification by Preschool Children
Clothing was found to be an important factor in children's early stages of socialization into their appropriate sex roles.
Monitoring Pesticide Residues
Michigan State University pioneered pest control monitoring. This allows the farmer to secure satisfactory pest control, while providing safer, high quality food products.
| 1970s |
Poultry Cancer Vaccine
USDA poultry researchers, in cooperation with MAES scientists, developed the firstcancer vaccine in 1970 for Marek's disease.
Self-Blanching Cauliflower
Shigemi Honma developed the self-blanching cauliflower. The developing head wraps in leaves so it stays white.
| 1980s |
Air Curtain Sprayer
MAES agricultural engineers designed a sprayer that sandwiches a curtain of chemicals between two high-speed air streams, reducing the drift of chemicals into non-target areas.
Michigan Tourism
The Travel, Tourism and Recreation Resource Center was established to aid in developing the economic potential of Michigan tourism.Toxic Waste Cleanup
An MAES researcher discovered that secretions from the white rot fungus could break down toxic waste into harmless chemicals.Fat Kid Myth
MAES researchers found little relationship between obesity in children and their diets.
| 1990s |
Sand/Manure Separator
The sand/manure separator allows farmers to separate sand (used for dairy cow bedding) from manure (used for fertilizer) without causing excess wear on farm machinery.Lower Cholesterol Egg Yolks
MAES researchers are able to produce a low cholesterol egg while keeping its original flavor.Wheat 2000
MAES scientists and MSU Extension agents have joined with farmers and wheat-related industries to improve Michigan wheat yields through proper management practices.Cherry Cracks
Cracking is one of the most serious problems facing cherry growers in Michigan. MAES researchers are testing methods that will significantly reduce cracking in cherries.Raspberry Packaging
MAES packaging engineer Paul Singh has developed a new raspberry container that will improve the quality of berries that reach the market.Cleaning Up Underground
Stephen Boyd, MAES crop and soil sciences researcher, has developed a method of treating contaminated groundwater using clay.Salt Substitute
Kris Berglund developed a sodium free salt substitute that looks and tastes like real salt.Fruit Brandy
Through establishing distillation research and development capabilities at MSU, a fruit brandy industry has been established in Michigan.
