Cranberry Innovation Center

06/02/2026

Our resident cranes, Sandy and Pete, had their first known set of offspring this Spring!

Today was the first day they took them on an adventure out into the cranberry beds!

04/30/2026

04/28/2026

Weather views from the marsh today with a tornado warning!

04/10/2026

Our Spring Mini Clinic is in the books!

This annual kickoff is an important opportunity for growers to reconnect as the season begins, learn about the latest research and industry updates, and collaborate with fellow growers. A strong start, and even stronger community, sets the tone for a successful growing season ahead.

As always, it takes a team! We had presentations from USDA ARS researchers, UW-Madison CALS researchers and extension employees, the national organization leading cranberry research, Cranberry Institute, and of course input from our very own growers here in Wisconsin!

03/23/2026

Wisconet continues to expand its reach, including a monitoring station (pictured here) located at the Cranberry Innovation Center, further strengthening the network and providing even more region-specific data to support Wisconsin’s cranberry industry.

Wisconet is a statewide network of advanced weather and soil monitoring stations located across Wisconsin, designed to collect real-time, highly localized environmental data. These stations track conditions like temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, and soil moisture, providing valuable insights for agriculture, research, and natural resource management.

Read more about the value here: https://energy.wisc.edu/news/smart-farming-wisconet

Today is World Day, highlighting the importance of observing and climate to protect our future.

For Wisconsin cranberry growers, weather data isn’t just information, it’s a tool that helps protect the crop and ensure the best possible yield. With support from the Wisconsin Cranberry Board’s annual weather monitoring grant, our growers access advanced forecasting through the Great Lakes Weather Service, while marshes across the state contribute real-time data via Wisconet.

This network helps growers:
• Make timely management decisions
• Apply nutrients and other inputs at the optimal time
• Protect crops from frost or other weather-related risks

Observing today helps protect tomorrow—for growers, the crop, and the future of Wisconsin agriculture.

Head to the comments for more information!

03/19/2026

It's , and growers aren’t the only ones keeping Wisconsin Cranberries thriving!

Behind the scenes, dedicated researchers from USDA and UW-Madison are exploring the science of cranberry plants and modern growing practices. Much of this field research happens at the Cranberry Innovation Center, where scientists study plant growth, soil health, plant diseases and many other topics in real growing environments.

Their work helps growers make smart, informed decisions -- balancing high-quality cranberry production with sustainable land, water, and wildlife management.

03/12/2026

Meet two of our most important and beloved staff members, Sandy and Pete Stevens!

Sandy and Pete spend their winters on vacation down south but recently returned to resume their very important duties: lounging around and eating bugs in the cranberry beds at the Cranberry Innovation Center. A Wisconsin cranberry marsh isn’t quite complete without its resident sandhill cranes, and we’re grateful these two return to their posts every year.

Check the comments for a video of them complaining about the weather this morning.

03/10/2026

It’s National Bubblegum Week — and cranberry innovation is popping in Wisconsin!

While there is now a national goal of artificial food dyes being phased out by 2027, researchers at UW–Madison have been developing natural alternatives using cranberries. Professor Bradley Bolling and his team have created a patented process to extract vibrant red pigments.

The goal? Not just vibrant natural color, but the possibility of delivering health-promoting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of cranberries in new formats. They have added it to chewing gum and are investigating how cranberry compounds are released and absorbed in a human study.

It’s a great reminder of the versatility of Wisconsin cranberries — from the marsh to cutting-edge food innovation.

Learn more and view the full story in the comments!

03/09/2026

Meet our marsh technician, Max!

Max has been part of the CIC crew since its founding. He brings extensive experience in the cranberry industry, having spent many years as a reliable member of harvest crews in the state! At the CIC, Max plays an important role in keeping things running smoothly. He helps ensure research projects have what they need to succeed while also taking care of essential marsh maintenance tasks that help protect and support our crop.

03/02/2026

Meet our marsh manager, Justin Jessop!

Justin joined the Cranberry Innovation Center in April 2025. He brought a strong background in welding, manufacturing, and team leadership. Since becoming part of the CIC crew, he has taken the lead on repairing equipment, improving maintenance schedules, supporting researchers’ needs, and keeping the marsh looking immaculate. With guidance from the Farm Management Committee, he has also been quickly expanding his knowledge of cranberry management. Justin is looking forward to another successful and productive growing season in 2026!