LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Wheat Program (MWP) is inviting farmers to sign up for MWP’s Summer Field Day scheduled for June 17. It will be from 8:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Michigan State University’s Plant Pathology Research Center in Lansing.

This will include presentations on most aspects of wheat production. "The summer field day offers growers the chance to talk with researchers and see their plots firsthand," said David Milligan, chair of the nine-member wheat board and a wheat farmer from Cass City. "MSU researchers who have projects funded by the Michigan Wheat Program will talk about their most recent findings, while growers have the chance to walk their plots.

"At this point, three years from the date we began collecting checkoff assessments, the Michigan Wheat Program has funded more than $1 million in research. Many studies are in progress and some of the results of those grower investments will be part of the presentations at the Summer Field Day," he added.

There will be plot presentations via wagon tour, including "Wheat Scab Nursery," presented by MSU researchers Frances Trail and Beth Brisco; "Wheat Diseases," presented by researchers Marty Chilvers and Martin Nagelkirk; and "Breeding High Performance Wheat" by wheat breeder Eric Olson.

MSU extension specialist and researcher Christy Sprague will give a presentation on wheat and red clover tolerance to fall and spring herbicide applications. "We’re looking at other methods of weed control, such as fall applications of herbicides," she said. "We’re also looking at some of the benefits of the newer herbicides, comparing the benefits of fall versus spring applications." Red clover is a good cover for wheat and also helps put some nitrogen back into the soil and also other organic matter.

Other presentations during the wagon tour will be "Achieving Winning Nitrogen Combinations" by MSU researchers Kurt Steinke and Chris Bauer and "Nutrient Management Strategies and Technologies," presented by Steinke and researcher Mike Swoish. During the morning check-in, researcher Jan Byrne will collect wheat samples from farmers who have questions about disease, damage or other symptoms. MWP has arranged for free evaluation of samples for the state’s wheat farmers through MSU’s diagnostic lab throughout the growing season.

After lunch Bruce Sutherland of Michigan Agricultural Commodities will provide a market outlook; MWP Executive Director Jody Pollok-Newsom will talk about changes in crop insurance through the USDA’s Risk Management Agency; and Martin Nagelkirk will look ahead to the 2015 harvest.

Six RUP and 3.5 CCA credits will be available for attendees. At the conclusion of the presentations, attendees will have the option to drive to the MSU wheat variety trial sites at the Mason-area farm, which will be hosted by Eric Olson.

There’s no cost to attend the MWP Summer Field Day, which is being sponsored by MWP, Michigan Crop Improvement Assoc. and extension. Although there is no registration deadline, Pollok-Newsom is asking that those planning to attend please RSVP as soon as possible, either at www.miwheat.org under "What’s Hot," or by calling 888-943-2801. The event will be at MSU’s Plant Pathology Research Center, 3735 N. College Rd., Lansing, south of the main campus.