CHATHAM — The 2019 U.P. Crop Production Field Day schedule has ben announced. Two MDARD recertification credits have been requested for the corn, soybean, dry bean and potato field days (eight credits total). To RSVP for the events contact Monica Jean a minimum of five days before the field day by calling 906-786-3032 ext. 106 or emailing at atkinmon@msu.edu .

UPREC Field Day

Aug. 10, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. ET at the Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center, E3774 University Drive, Chatham, MI 49816.

The UPREC field day will highlight a wide range of research and education projects conducted at the center including a beef cattle feeding study, alfalfa, malting barley and industrial hemp variety trials, season extension in organic vegetables, climate resilience in organic dry beans and efforts to support K-12 agri-science education and beginning farmer development in the U.P. Lunch will be provided free of charge by the Hiawathaland Farm Bureau. RSVP: Call (906) 439-5114 or email colema98@msu.edu by Aug. 5th.

Dry Bean Field Day

Aug. 6, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET at Collins (14101 11th Rd. Garden, MI 49835) and Robere Farms (45.992587, -86.426400)

The Upper Peninsula on-farm dry bean variety plots are conducted in cooperation with the MSU Dry Bean Breading program. Dark Red Kidney varieties will be highlighted at the first stop on Ron Collin’s Farm: From Garden, MI take Hwy 183 (II Rd) south 10 miles to 11th Rd. Turn left (east) down 11th, plots are one mile on the left side (north). Look for signs. The second stop will highlight a deer repellent trial testing DeerPro and Plantskydd in soybean, with applicability in dry beans also. The plots are located at Dave Robere’s Farm: From Cooks, MI take Hwy 13 four miles to Thunder lake Rd, turn left. Drive three miles to Miller Rd, run right. Drive one mile to Peterson Rd, turn right. The plots will be less than half a mile down Peterson Rd. on the left hand side (east).

Lunch will be included free, sponsored by DeerPro and Plantsydd. Two MDARD pesticide recertification credits have been requested.

Corn Field Day

Aug. 27, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. CT at Pleasant View Farms (45.415401, -87.518264)

The Upper Peninsula corn hybrid trial is part of the Michigan Corn Performance Trials program, funded by Project GREEEN and Michigan State University Extension. We collaborated with the University of Wisconsin’s Corn Hybrid Trials to include 80-97 day corn hybrids commonly grown in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The Corn Marketing Program of Michigan has provided funding to hold a field day including a complimentary lunch. We will be discussing corn hybrid selection and wildlife damage, as well as touring the plots with MSU agronomist Maninder Singh. The field day also qualifies as a MAEAP Phase 1 event and two MDARD pesticide recertification credits have been requested. Meet at the Pleasant View Farms field on J-2 Road in Stephenson, Michigan, between County Road G 12 and Wery Road. Look for signs.

Potato Field Day

Aug. 28, 4 – 7 p.m. ET at VanDamme Potato Farm (2371 St. Nicholas Rd. Rock, MI 49880)

The Upper Peninsula potato variety trial and field day at VanDamme Farms is funded by the Michigan Potato Industry Commission to evaluate varieties and educate potato farmers on new management practices. Two MDARD pesticide recertification credits have been requested. The event includes a free dinner sponsored by Nutrien Ag Solutions of Gladstone, Michigan. VanDamme Farms is located at 2371 St. Nicholas Rd. Rock, MI 49880.

Soybean Field Day

Sept. 4, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET at MSU Forestry Biomass Innovation Center

The Upper Peninsula soybean variety trial is funded by the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee to evaluate varieties ranging from RM 0.06 – 1.8. This year, we are also studying deer soybean variety preferences. We will be touring the plots at the MSU Forestry Biomass Innovation Center and discussing deer damage in soybeans. Lunch is included and two MDARD pesticide recertification credits have been requested. The MSU Forestry Biomass Innovation Center is located at 6005 J Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829.