LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Wheat Program’s 7th Annual Winter Grower Meeting is coming up Wednesday, March 20! Research results, new varieties slated for release, Fusarium head blight discoveries, new weed challenges, national wheat issues and an update on the Michigan Wheat Program will all be presented at the meeting. The meeting also has a tradeshow featuring ag businesses that support Michigan wheat farmers and their needs.
The Annual Winter Grower meeting takes place from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the MSU Saginaw Valley Research & Extension Farm, 3775 S. Reese Rd., in Frankenmuth. A hotel room block is being held at the Fairfield Inn in Frankenmuth.
Online registration is now live by visiting miwheat.org at the top of the “What’s Hot” column on the left edge of the page. You can register by phone by calling 1-888-WHEAT-01. Meeting attendance is free to wheat growers and stakeholders, but pre-registration is requested to ensure adequate food, seating and handout materials.
The Annual Winter Grower Meeting opens at 8:15 a.m. with registration, a traditional continental breakfast and the tradeshow. Presentations begin at 9 a.m. Attendees receive 8 RUP and 5 CCA credits.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Pierce Paul, professor and extension specialist with The Ohio State University Department of Plant Pathology. Paul was born in Guyana, South America, and educated in Brazil, Iowa and Ohio. He has been with OSU for 13 years and is currently part of a team researching the epidemiology of Fusarium head blight of wheat in a multi-state cooperative project funded by the US Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative.
“We value our high-quality researchers at Michigan State, yet the Michigan Wheat Program always wants to bring in speakers from other northern wheat-growing states and regions to discuss what has and has not worked in their area in regard to wheat production,” said David Milligan, chairman of the
Michigan Wheat Program and a Cass City farmer. “Fusarium has confounded wheat growers the world-over, yet there are gains being made including some as a result of the US Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative. Dr. Paul’s work in that area will be a highlight of the meeting.”
“Delivering a quality educational program for Michigan wheat growers and sharing where check-off funds are utilized is a job our board takes very seriously as we push for higher yields and higher quality in Michigan wheat,” Milligan said.
Other presentations at the winter meeting include:
- Announcement: New Variety Releases!
Dr. Eric Olson, Michigan State University wheat breeder (MSU) - National Wheat Issues
Chandler Goule, CEO, National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), Washington, DC - What’s Up with the MI Wheat Program
Jody Pollok-Newsom, Executive Director - Controlling the Roughstalk Bluegrass Blues
Dr. Christy Sprague, MSU
LUNCH – Industry Displays
- Keynote Presentation: Dr. Pierce Paul
Bringing knowledge of Fusarium rain dispersal and ag in South and North America, and his 13 years of Fusarium work at The Ohio State University - MSU Production Roundtable
Dr. Marty Chilvers, Dr. Olson, Dr. Manni Singh, Dr. Kurt Steinke, Dr. Sprague, Dr. Paul, Martin Nagelkirk and Dennis Pennington - 2019 Resources-8 RUP/5 CCA Grower Credits
Martin Nagelkirk, MSU Extension educator
Dennis Pennington, MSU wheat specialist
The registration brochure and related information are located at miwheat.org at the top of the “What’s Hot” column on the left edge. Farmers may also register by phone by calling: 888-WHEAT01 (888-943-2801). Vendors wishing to join the trade show should email Michigan Wheat Program executive director Jody Pollok-Newsom at jody@miwheat.org or call 888-943-2801.
The Michigan Wheat Program is funded by nearly 6,500 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 suppliers, seed producers, millers, end users and consumers. Research on wheat production practices and grower education has been a continued focus for the organization.
— The Michigan Wheat Program
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