Lansing, Mich. (Jan. 9, 2023) – The Michigan Wheat Program has released a major next-generation revision of its website including a mobile-friendly platform, many new research reports, more page-one focus on events and activities, and significant wheat linkages to Michigan State University and other partners.
“While the old format of miwheat.org served us well, it was not only time for a technology update to support mobile devices, but also a fresh, clean look and the addition of a wealth of grower-funded wheat research content,” said Jody Pollok-Newsom, Executive Director of Michigan Wheat Program.
“The website is now organized with grower content in the main navigation bar, and sections for researchers, industry and consumers along the smaller top navigation bar,” Pollok-Newsom said. The home page will contain more timely content, including a regular feature article and dedicated space to register for upcoming events and feature articles.
Some key features of the revised website (miwheat.org) include:
- The Research tab was re-organized into 16 areas of research (e.g., Weeds, Nutrient Management) that house 58 final or interim research reports, some with PowerPoints, submitted by Michigan Wheat-funded researchers from 2012-2021. More are on the way from 2022 projects!
- The popular What’s Hot feature was divided into the “Action Now: Sign Up for These Activities” section and a “News and Announcements” Both moved midway down the home page.
- This allows for a top-of-page Featured Story that rotates on a periodic basis. The first story features the Yield Enhancement Network winners for 2022.
- Grower Resources linking to key activities is also broken out on the home page for more convenient access.
- A Publications section near the bottom of the home page is a hot-link to Wheat 101 and A Decade of Dedication both new MI Wheat publications, and the ever-popular “Facts about Gluten” sheet.
- At the very bottom of the home page are links to partners, social media (“Follow Us”) and a sign-up for the free monthly Wheat Wisdom e-newsletter, as well as traditional contact information.
- The multi-media Previous Events tab that has a hyper-linked meeting agenda to presenters’ videos, PowerPoints and handouts for most Winter Annual Meetings and Summer Field Days since 2013.
- The Newsroom tab archives all previous Wheat Wisdom e-newsletters, and may be used to review news releases.
- org is fully searchable by keywords, and is now on a mobile-friendly platform making it more accessible to cell and tablet users.
“Of course, a website is a constantly changing information resource,” said Pollok-Newsom. “Check back often to find what other improvements and information have come your way.”
The Michigan Wheat Program is funded by nearly 8,000 farmers who grow wheat in 50 of Michigan’s 83 counties. MWP’s board seeks to promote the state’s wheat industry by funding and supporting the strategic priorities of wheat farmers working with input suppliers, seed producers, millers, end users and consumers. Research on wheat production practices and grower education has been an early priority for the organization.
Information about Michigan’s wheat industry is found at www.miwheat.org, or by calling 888-WHEAT01 (888-943-2801).