Feb 22, 2022

Online MI Ag Ideas to Grow With Conference planned for Feb. 28-March 31

Michigan State University (MSU) Extension is offering the 2022 MI Ag Ideas to Grow With conference, held virtually, Feb. 28-March 31.

This event was created in 2021 to provide an opportunity for education in lieu of three MSU Extension events Ag Action Day, Branch County Farmers Day, and Southwest Michigan Horticulture Days) that were not able to be held due to the pandemic. Based on attendee feedback, the event will be held for a second year, encompassing many aspects of the agricultural industry and offering a full array of educational sessions for farmers, homeowners, gardeners and others interested in food production and those considering agricultural endeavors. 

This month-long educational experience features a variety of tracks focused on livestock production, fruit and vegetable production, precision technology, field crops, irrigation, solar, community food systems, and farm business management, in addition to horticulture and home gardening. A track is also offered for youth participants. 

Registrants can attend as many sessions as they would like and are also able to jump around between tracks. RUP and CCA credits will be offered for several of the sessions.

Fruit-related sessions include the following:

TREE FRUIT AND SMALL FRUIT VARIETIES IN MICHIGAN

MARCH 3, 2022 12:00PM – 1:00PM VIRTUAL VIA ZOOM

Bill Shane and Cheyenne Sloan will discuss the varieties of tree fruit and small fruit best suited for growing in Michigan.

WHAT IS IPM AND HOW DO YOU DO IT?

MARCH 21, 2022 12:00PM – 1:00PM VIRTUAL VIA ZOOM

Learn more about integrated pest management and how to implement IPM practices on your farm.

KEY INSECT PESTS AND DISEASES OF TREE FRUITS

MARCH 22, 2022 12:00PM – 1:00PM VIRTUAL VIA ZOOM

Diseases, and pests can show up quickly to ruin fruit crops. This session will help you learn the basics, including management strategies, for important tree fruit diseases and pests common in our region.

KEY INSECT PESTS AND DISEASES OF SMALL FRUITS

MARCH 23, 2022 12:00PM – 1:00PM VIRTUAL VIA ZOOM

Diseases and pests can show up quickly to ruin fruit crops. This session will help you learn the basics, including management strategies, for important small fruit diseases and pests common in our region.

More information can be found here.