Lansing, Mich. (May 16, 2023) – Registration is now open for the Michigan Wheat Program’s 2023 Summer Field Day set for Wednesday, June 14! This year’s event will be held at the MSU Plant Pathology Research Center, 3735 College Rd., in Lansing, MI.
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. In-field stops feature presentations by MSU professors and research staff on weed and disease control, high-management wheat production, disease resistant varieties and wheat agronomy. New this year, is an afternoon guided walking tour at the Mason Research Farm, which has many research plots and variety trials. The Mason Research Farm is located at 1614 Okemos Rd., Mason.
Prior to the wagons leaving and during the lunch hour, Dr. Jan Byrne of the MSU Plant Diagnostics Center will accept and evaluate ailing wheat specimens brought in by growers. The diagnostic evaluations are covered by the Michigan Wheat Program again this year as part of the check-off’s “farmer perks.” MSU wheat systems specialist Denis Pennington will present on the current crop, which looks very good at this point. Both RUP and CCA credits will be awarded for the program, at its conclusion.
“The Michigan Wheat Program’s 11th annual Summer Field Day is a unique opportunity for Michigan wheat farmers to visit research plots while the research team describes the treatments and their results,” said Jeffery Krohn, chairman of the nine-member Michigan Wheat Program board and a wheat farmer from Owendale. “We have the opportunity to ask questions and see research results with our own eyes, while sharing our experiences with other growers and researchers. You never know what conversation will spur the idea for the next research proposal.”
Morning wagon tours on June 14 feature the following topics and presenters, who are funded in part by the Michigan Wheat Program:
- Status Update: Wheat Disease – Dr. Marty Chilvers
- Managing Fusarium Head Blight with Resistant Varieties – Dr. Eric Olson
- Expectations for the 2023 Harvest – Dennis Pennington
- Weed Control – Dr. Christy Sprague
- Soil Fertility: More Inputs or the Right Inputs, –Dr. Kurt Steinke and Lane Suplito
- Wheat Agronomy – Dr. Manni Singh and Patrick Copeland
The new feature this year is an after-lunch walking tour of wheat plots on the Mason Research Farm located at 1614 Okemos Rd., Mason. Those interested in this optional tour (1-3 p.m.) will drive their vehicles to the farm; site maps will be distributed in the morning to those interested in the walking tour.
The afternoon walk will feature:
- It’s a Cover Up: Wheat Canopy Closure – Manni Singh and Palo Aries
- New Wheat Variety Releases – Dr. Eric Olson
- State Yield Trials – Dennis Pennington, Dr. Eric Olson
There is no cost to attend the Michigan Wheat Program’s Summer Field Day. To ensure an accurate count for lunch, seating and handout materials, please RSVP at www.miwheat.org under the “Action Needed: Sign Up” section on the home page or you 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.