Lansing, Mich. (January 28, 2024) – The Michigan Wheat Program is pleased to announce its 12th Annual Winter Grower Meeting! The event will be held February 21, 2024, with check-in at 8:15 a.m. and the program beginning at 9. The event will wrap up at 3:30 p.m. at the Eagle Eye Conference Center, 15500 Chandler Rd., in Bath.
“Our agenda this year is a crowd-pleaser, especially as we welcome back ‘Wheat Pete,’ Mr. Peter Johnson from Ontario,” said Jody Pollok-Newsom, Executive Director of the Michigan Wheat Program. “Peter has been very popular with our growers in the past, and this year we’ve asked him to make two presentations – the second of which we’re calling ‘Wheat Pete and the Pennington Production Palooza’! It will focus on open discussion and dialogue with growers about wheat production recommendations and include learnings from the Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network.”
The Michigan Wheat Program’s Annual Winter Grower Meeting opens at 8:15 a.m. on February 21st with check-in, on-site registration, a traditional continental breakfast and an opportunity to visit industry exhibits in the tradeshow. Presentations begin at 9 a.m. and the day concludes at 3:30 p.m. with the awarding of 1 nutrient management and 3.5 crop management CCA credits or RUP credits (applied for).
“Our 2024 Annual Grower Meeting is particularly focused on new varieties, higher yields and how the Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network is driving production,” said Jeff Krohn, chairman of the Michigan Wheat Program Board and a wheat producer from Owendale. “We believe growers will really appreciate the time set aside for discussion and debate on what works best in their field. Our hope is that what they hear in February, they can put into practice in the 2024 growing season.”
The Michigan Wheat Program Annual Winter Meeting has the following tentative agenda:
New Varieties
Dr. Eric Olson, Michigan State University (MSU) Wheat Breeder
High Yielding Wheat: Setting the Stage
Peter Johnson, Ontario Wheat Consultant
BREAK – Industry Displays
MI Wheat Program Update
Jody Pollok-Newsom, Executive Director
What’s Happening at the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development?
Dr. Tim Boring, Director
2023 Michigan Wheat Yield Contest Winners
Dennis Pennington, MSU Wheat Specialist
Industry Displays & Lunch
Three’s a Charm for Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN)
Dennis Pennington
Wheat Pete and Pennington Production Palooza
Peter Johnson, Dennis Pennington
Parting Thoughts: Tips and Reminders as You Hit the Field in 2024
Dennis Pennington
“The February meeting time has proven very convenient to our growers and researchers,” Krohn said. “The price is the same this year: Free to all Michigan wheat growers and stakeholders! It’s quite a bargain and a great use of a winter day.”
Growers should mark their calendars now and head to the Michigan Wheat Program website at www.miwheat.org and scroll down to the action needed section to register. While attendance and lunch are free, pre-registration is requested to ensure adequate food, seating and handout materials.
Any ag business interested in supporting the organization and reaching wheat farmers, may want to sign up as a vendor for the tradeshow. Spots are limited and on a first come, first served basis. Contact Jody Pollok-Newsom at jody@miwheat.org for more information.
The Michigan Wheat Program is funded by nearly 8,000 farmers who grow wheat in 50 of Michigan’s 83 counties. The Michigan Wheat Program board seeks to promote the state’s wheat industry by funding and supporting the strategic priorities of wheat farmers working with input from suppliers, seed producers, millers, end users and consumers. Research on wheat production practices and grower education has been a continued focus for the organization.