Michigan Wheat Program Field Day & 10 Year Celebration set for June 16 in Frankenmuth
Lansing, Mich. (May 23, 2022) – The Michigan Wheat Program’s 2022 Summer Field Day is set for Thursday, June 16! A special edition to this year’s field day is the incorporation of a celebration of the 10 years of the Michigan Wheat Program. Both of these events will be held at the MSU Saginaw Valley Research & Extension Center, 3775 S. Reese Rd. in Frankenmuth.
On-site check-in and a continental breakfast begin at 8:15 a.m., and wagons pull out for the plot tour presentations at 9 a.m. At the conclusion of the plot stops, the group will have lunch and the afternoon program will focus on the development of, the progress of and future of the Michigan Wheat Program. Those who have helped the organization get up and running and along the way are invited to attend and share in the celebration.
“Every year nearly 200 of the state’s wheat farmers take time out of our fields to view research results firsthand and talk with researchers about what they see and how we can apply their results on our farms,” said Jeff Krohn, chairman of the nine-member Michigan Wheat Program board and a wheat farmer from Owendale.
“The board sees the Summer Field Day as one of the ways we report back to the growers,” Krohn said. “Those who attend can see the results for themselves, ask questions and share ‘best practices’ with other farmers and the researchers. It is a very worthwhile event.”
Morning wagon tours on June 16 feature the following topics and presenters, who are funded in part by the Michigan Wheat Program:
- Wheat Variety ReIease Work – MSU wheat breeder Dr. Eric Olson
- Weed Control Research – Dr. Christy Sprague
- Seed Treatment & Disease Management – MSU wheat specialist Dennis Pennington & retired MSU wheat educator Martin Nagelkirk
- Canopy Cover – Dr. Manni Singh
- Spring Cereal Crops Highlighting Spring Wheat/Oats – MSU wheat specialist Dennis Pennington
- Wheat Planting (Equipment) Trial – Dr. Manni Singh & Patrick Copeland
Dr. Jan Byrne of the MSU Plant Diagnostics Center will be evaluating and accepting any ailing wheat specimens brought in by growers for either on site diagnostics or to be taken back to the University for further evaluation. The diagnostics service cost continues to be covered through the Michigan Wheat Program.
An after-lunch highlight is the 10 Year Celebration of the Michigan Wheat Program, the Great Lakes State’s wheat check-off. Many people spent many years working to get a check-off program for Michigan Wheat Farmers. Twenty years ago the efforts for a check-off program were unsuccessful. Much work was done through the wheat 2000 program that highlighted the need for on-farm research. Through the years as issues arose, it became apparent that growers needed more information and research and thus the next attempt at a wheat check-off program in 2011 was successful.
Those who were helpful in getting the program established will be recognized and thanked for their vision and stick to itness to get this done. Bob Boehm, retired from Michigan Farm Bureau will provide an overview of how the program got established. Michigan Wheat Program executive director Jody Pollok-Newsom will provide an overview of accomplishments to date, Dennis Pennington will provide a research update and also an update on a new program. The day will close at 2:30 p.m.
The Michigan Wheat Program has received 6 RUP credits and has applied for CCA credits combined in the areas of Nutrient Management, Integrated Pest Management, Crop Management and Professional Development.
There is no cost to attend the Michigan Wheat Program’s Summer Field Day or 10 Year Celebration thanks to state’s wheat farmers through the Michigan Wheat Program. To ensure an accurate count for lunch, wagon seating and celebration materials, please RSVP at www.miwheat.org under the “What’s Hot” tab on the left side. Or register by calling 1-888-WHEAT01 (888-943-2801).
The MWP is a check-off organization funded by the state’s wheat farmers who grow wheat in 50 of Michigan’s 83 counties. The Michigan Wheat Program promotes the state’s wheat industry by funding and supporting the strategic priorities of wheat farmers by working with input suppliers, seed producers, millers, end users and consumers. Research and grower education are top priorities for the organization.