MSU Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center field day upcoming

Upper Peninsula agriculture research will be highlight at the Field Day on July 29.

The Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center is hosting a field day to highlight its various research initiatives on Saturday, July 29.
The Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center is hosting a field day to highlight its various research initiatives on Saturday, July 29.

Michigan State University has a long history of agricultural research in the Upper Peninsula, spearheaded by the staff at the Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center (UPREC).  That tradition continues, and the research portfolio at the farm is as diverse as ever!  Please join local and statewide University experts for an informative day in the field learning about the exciting research that is ongoing at the station.  The event will start at 9:30 a.m. with registration at the South Farm, located at E3774 University Drive, just south of Chatham on Highway M-94.  The morning program will highlight the University’s work in the field of soil health, followed by a free lunch, sponsored by the local Hiawathaland Farm Bureau chapter.  In the afternoon, participants will have the choice to attend sessions at either the South or North Farm.  The South Farm will highlight the grass-finished beef operation along with ongoing work in small grains and forages.  The North Farm will showcase its work in organic small grains, perennial berry crops and equipment and tools for the small scale vegetable grower.  The Field Day will conclude at 3 p.m. with optional farm tours. 

UPREC Field Day Agenda – Saturday, July 29

  • 9:30 a.m. - Check-in/registration at South Farm
  • 10 a.m. - Welcome – Introduction to Soil Health Indicator Assessment – Ashley McFarland & Monica Jean
  • 10:30 a.m. - Utilizing soil health indicators in the field (field activity) – Monica Jean
  • 11:15 a.m. - Closing the nutrient loop – utilizing composted manure to maximize soil health – Paul Naasz
  • Noon - Lunch – Sponsored by the Hiawathaland Farm Bureau
  • 1 p.m. - Travel to afternoon track (attendees have options at both the South and North Farms)
  • 1:15 p.m. - North Farm Track
    • Organic Small Grains – Collin Thompson
    • Perennial Berry Crops – Collin Thompson
    • Equipment and tools for the small scale vegetable grower – Collin Thompson
    • Seed saving garden – Abbey Palmer
  • -South Farm Track
    • UPREC grass-finished beef update – Dr. Jason Rowntree & Paul Naasz
    • 3-year mixed pasture/winter annual grazing study – Dr. Jason Rowntree
    • Crop update (forages, pea and oat, heritage malting barley) – Christian Kapp
  • 3 p.m.   Field Day concludes – optional farm tours available

Registration is not required, but strongly encouraged:  https://events.anr.msu.edu/UPRECFieldDay17/.    

If you are interested in agricultural research in the Upper Peninsula or have any questions about the field day, contact Ashley McFarland at 906-439-5176 or ashleymc@anr.msu.edu.  McFarland is the Coordinator of the Michigan State University Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center in Chatham, Michigan.  She is also a community food system educator for MSU Extension.  

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