Workshops, technology featured at 2017 Viticulture Field Day

Heads up grape growers, winemakers, vineyard workers, industry and academic partners and whoever else is serious about viticulture in Michigan.

The 28th Annual Viticulture Field Day and Steak Cookout is coming up. As usual, it will be the last Wednesday in July, the 26th. This well-attended educational and social event, hosted jointly by the Michigan Grape Society and Michigan State University Extension, is at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center.

There will be workshops and discussion in the field: on bugs and diseases, trellising, rootstocks and the ever-popular topic of the influence of crop level on wine quality.  We’ll have equipment demonstrations in the vineyard, including an update on the present status of vineyard drone technology. At the end of the day is the Wine Showcase of some of the area’s best and a steak cook-out.

The Field Day attendees inspect experimental own-rooted vinifera.

So bring your sunscreen, your best hat, your appetite, your curiosity, and your knowledge. Registration is by mail – you can print out the attached form, or call Renee Tinkey at 269-944-1477 ext. 201. Registration is $35 per person before July 14, or $45 per person after July 14. This includes access to all workshops, lunch, wine and dinner. We hope to see you there.

Also note: Berrien County’s Clean Sweep Pesticide Disposal will also be held nearby on the same day. This event is for anyone with pesticide material that is expired, no longer registered, of unknown content, or otherwise needs disposal. They are going to open early so Viticulture Field Day attendees can take advantage of this opportunity. Their Clean Sweep registration form is available on their Berrien County Clean Sweep Pesticide Disposal website, or you can call Jill Adams at 269-983-7111 ext. 8234.

– Brad Baughman, Michigan State University Extension

Source: Michigan State University Extension