West Central Michigan Research and Extension Center to host field day.

West Central Michigan Research and Extension Center to host field day.

By Justin Whitmore, Michigan State University Extension.

New AgBioResearch center will host a field day to discuss future and ongoing research Oct. 19.

WEARE TOWNSHIP — The new West Central Michigan Research and Extension Center will host an AgBioResearch and MSU Extension Field Day from noon to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 19.

The field day will allow the West Central Michigan Research and Extension Center to showcase its new facilities, ongoing research projects related to tree fruit, and future planting and research plans.

In August of 2021, MSU and West Central Michigan Horticultural Research Inc., a nonprofit organization created to develop a research center to support the agricultural systems in Oceana, Mason and Newaygo counties, opened the research and extension center focused on tree fruit agriculture in Hart.

Attendees of the field day are eligible to earn four Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Certified Pesticide Applicator credits and three Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) credits.

The field day will provide the first opportunity for guests to learn more about the research being done at the center as well as the many benefits the center will provide for the residents of the region.

The MSU AgBioResearch and Extension Field Day will feature:
* A lunch featuring a vendor showcase
* Event introduction by AgBioResearch Director Doug Buhler
* A meet and greet with new Tree Fruit Extension Educator Emily Lavely
* Field-site overview and peach thinning demonstration presented by John Bakker, Interim On-site Manager
* Foliar and Trunk Injection Delivery of Biopesticides for Control of Pear Psylla presented by John C. Wise, a professor in the MSU Department of Entomology, and Research and Extension Coordinator of the MSU Trevor Nichols Research Center
* A Vision for the West Central Tree Fruit Industry: Navigating the Future Together presented by Lavely
* Cherry leaf spot control with protectant fungicides presented by George Sundin, a University Distinguished Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at MSU
* A Detailed Look at Nematodes, Tree Growth and Replant Challenges presented by Marisol Quintanilla, an Applied Nematologist at MSU
* Enviroweather Station to Provide Critical Data for Tree Fruit Management presented by Keith Mason, an Enviroweather Coordinator in the Department of Geography, Environment and Spatial Sciences at MSU

The field day is open to the public and is free of charge. Preregistration is encouraged but not required.

For more information, contact ANR Event Services at events@anr.msu.edu or 517-353- 3175 or Kathy Walicki at 231-873-2129 or walicki@msu.edu.

The research and extension center is situated on 68 acres of farmland located at 5185 N. Oceana Dr. The center currently has the capacity to study peaches, tart cherries, pears, and tart cherries with plans to expand with new plantings of sweet cherries and apples in 2022.

Lunch sponsors and vendors include:
* AgroFresh
* Alpers Tree Sales
* Applewood Fresh
* Cherry Marketing Institute
* Food Bank Council of Michigan
* Gillison’s Variety Fabrication, Inc.
* GoGo Squeez
* GreenStone Farm Credit Services
* MAEAP
* Michigan On-Farm Produce Safety
* Oceana Conservation District
* Raymer Water Supply Contractors
* Resister’s Grower Services, LLC
* Shelby State Bank
* Spring Brook Supply
* WESCO