May 21, 2019

Viticulture Field Day in Michigan slated for June 13

Michigan State University’s Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, Michigan Grape Society, and with additional sponsorship provided by Lake Michigan College Wine and Viticulture Technology Program and Certis USA will host the 2019 Viticulture Field Day on Thursday, June 13.

The event will be held at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center, SWMREC, 1791 Hillandale Road, Benton Harbor, MI  49022.  Workshops begin at 9:00 a.m.  For further information, please call 269-944-1477 ext. 201.  For more information on MSU research center, visit http://agbioresearch.msu.edu/centers.

This year’s Viticulture Field Day is filled with talks from world-renowned researchers such as Richard Smart, Wayne Wilcox and MSU’s very own, Paolo Sabbatini. Some of the new faces at MSU include Timothy and Laura Miles and Thomas Todaro, as well as other great researchers at MSU working hard to provide us with the most current and relevant viticulture research.

Some of the workshop topics will include:  gravevine trunk diseases, biopesticides, methods of vineyard recovery following severe cold damage in winegrapes, as well as several other interesting and relevant topics.  There will also be a trade show which will showcase some of the newest and best precision viticulture equipment. The day will continue with the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Showcase, as well as a steak cookout for dinner.

Persons with disabilities may request accommodations by calling 269-944-1477 ext. 201, by June 4, to ensure sufficient time to make arrangements.  Requests received after this date will be met when possible.

Online registration is available at https://2019viticulturefielddays.simpletix.com/.  Contact Renee Tinkey at 269-944-1477 ext. 201 to receive registration form by mail.  The $75.00/person early bird registration deadline is May 24.  After May 24, registration will be $90.00/person and at the door.

Special lodging rates are available at the Hilton Garden Inn (1300 Cinema Way, Benton Harbor, MI  49022; ph: 926-5000, website:  www.hilton.com/en/hilton-garden-inn).

Please mention “Michigan Grape Society” when calling to reserve a room or go online and enter “MGS” in the group code box when making your reservation to receive your reduced rate.  Keep up to date on any changes by following the Michigan Grape Society on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MichiganGrapeSociety/.