New farm manager named at MSU Entomology, Plant Pathology Research Centers
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EmailLance Forsberg has been named farm manager. He has held positions at MSU since 2011.
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Lance Forsberg has been named farm manager at the Michigan State University Entomology and Plant Pathology Research Centers located on south campus. The farms are managed by MSU AgBioResearch and provide a space for scientists to conduct research on a variety of plant agriculture-related challenges.
The Entomology and Plant Pathology Research Centers consist of 167 acres of fruit trees, small fruits, vegetables and other specialty crops.
Forsberg, who started in early March, is responsible for daily operations and administrative tasks. This includes managing center staff, maintenance on research infrastructure and equipment, maintaining the fruit and vegetable plots to ensure high-quality research, and working with researchers and MSU Extension educators on coordination of activities at the centers.
Administrative tasks such as budget development, capital improvement plans, purchasing of supplies and equipment, and enforcing safety protocols will also be central to the role.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to grow professionally and stay engaged with relevant issues that impact farmers globally,” Forsberg said. “I find pests and pathogens fascinating, and being able to see the direct impact they have on food crops shows the importance of the research being conducted here. I’m grateful to be a part of it.”
Prior to becoming farm manager, Forsberg has held various positions at MSU since 2011. Most recently, he served as a research technician and laboratory manager for Marisol Quintanilla, an applied nematologist, assistant professor and MSU Extension specialist in the Department of Entomology.
While some nematodes are beneficial to soil, the laboratory’s members study the effects of parasitic nematodes, microscopic worm-like organisms that cause harm to many of Michigan’s field, fruit, ornamental and vegetable crops.
Forsberg designed and maintained several research projects at the Entomology Research Center, as well as partner farms throughout Michigan. He participated in grant writing, public presentations on research findings, equipment and supply purchases, and hiring undergraduate researchers.
“Lance’s vast experience working with MSU researchers and managing large-scale research projects will be invaluable as he transitions into the farm manager role,” said James Averill, associate director of MSU AgBioResearch who oversees research centers across the state. “I look forward to working with Lance to ensure the Entomology and Plant Pathology Research Centers provide a first-class environment to perform important research and outreach.”
At MSU, Forsberg has also held positions as pesticide coordinator for numerous facilities, in addition to being a field research and laboratory technician in the potato breeding and potato pathology laboratories.
“Working in different plant research labs as a technician gave me insight into the amount of work it takes to have a successful program and the amount of planning and preparation needed to see a project to fruition,” Forsberg said. “This also allowed me the opportunity to network with farmers all over Michigan and hear from them directly about the issues that impact them most.
“In this new role, I want to ensure that researchers have the necessary tools and resources needed to continue providing farmers and industry with forward-thinking solutions when combatting pests and disease. We are at a unique point in history where technology continues to close the gap between the research lab and the research field. I want to make sure as research continues to evolve so does our farm.”
Forsberg earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Hope College and has completed graduate degree coursework in the MSU Department of Entomology.
Michigan State University AgBioResearch scientists discover dynamic solutions for food systems and the environment. More than 300 MSU faculty conduct leading-edge research on a variety of topics, from health and climate to agriculture and natural resources. Originally formed in 1888 as the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, MSU AgBioResearch oversees numerous on-campus research facilities, as well as 15 outlying centers throughout Michigan. To learn more, visit agbioresearch.msu.edu.
