Growing Wisconsin Conference - Member public profile

January 18-20, 2026 | Wisconsin Dells, WI

Back

Michigan State University Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center (UPREC) Michigan State University

Member profile details

First name

James

Last name

DeDecker

Company / Farm

Michigan State University Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center (UPREC) Michigan State University

Title

Director of Michigan State University’s Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center (UPREC)

Profile Picture

About Me

James DeDecker, PhD
Director, Michigan State University Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center (UPREC)
Michigan State University
Dr. James DeDecker is the Director of Michigan State University’s Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center (UPREC) in Chatham, Michigan, and one of the leading voices for agriculture in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Since taking the helm in 2018, James has transformed the 1,400-acre UPREC into the go-to hub for cold-climate crop and livestock research. His applied research and Extension programs focus on:

Beef cattle grazing systems and winter feeding strategies
Forage production and soil health in short-season environments
Small fruit (especially cold-hardy grapes and berries)
Industrial hemp (former statewide lead)
Cover crops, reduced tillage, and climate-resilient farming above the 45th parallel

A Yooper at heart (raised in Escanaba and a graduate of Rudyard High School), James earned his B.S. in Crop and Soil Sciences and M.S. in Sustainable Agriculture from Michigan State University, followed by a Ph.D. in Horticulture from MSU in 2015, where he studied cover crops and soil quality in vegetable systems.
Before returning north, he served as Extension Educator in Oneida and Vilas Counties (2013–2018), building a reputation for practical, grower-first outreach. Today, he’s a regular speaker at the U.P. Ag & Food Conference, Great Lakes Fruit & Vegetable EXPO, and grazing schools across the region.
James is known for his no-nonsense, “let’s get it done in the snow” style and for driving projects that help U.P. farmers stay profitable in one of the toughest climates in the Lower 48.

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/uprec/

The Growing Wisconsin Conference is run by the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association. For more information please contact us. Thank you for your interest in the Growing Wisconsin Conference!

Call Us: 262-206-8442
Email Us:

melissaonbb@gmail.com

Address:
28520 7th Street

Burlington WI 53105