A top United Kingdom wheat producer involved with the original Yield Enhancement Network will share his experience with high-yielding wheat across the world as just one of the presentations at the Michigan Wheat Program’s 14th Annual Winter Grower Meeting, which is set for Feb. 25 at the Michigan State University Saginaw Valley Research & Extension Center in Frankenmuth.

With the goal to help growers in the Great Lakes state do even better with their wheat crop, the meeting opens at 8:15 a.m. with registration check-in, a continental breakfast and an opportunity to visit industry exhibits. Presentations begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 3:30 p.m. Restricted-use pesticide and certified crop adviser credits are pending.

“We have put a strong focus on improving wheat yields, a preview of our own Great Lakes YEN data and new wheat varieties coming on line, among other topics,” says Jeffery Krohn, chairman of MWP and an Owendale wheat producer.

Jody Pollok-Newsom, executive director of the Michigan Wheat Program adds, “Michigan has among the best production yields in the U.S., and still we’re seeing a substantial upside for growers to improve their yields in the immediate future. This program definitely captures that energy and reflects our focus.”

The MWP annual meeting will include the awarding of the Michigan Wheat Yield Contest winners, an update on MWP and the wheat and milling industries from a miller’s perspective, along with key and emerging ag policy topics — and an industry trade show and production tips to keep in mind for the 2025 spring green-up.

The meeting agenda includes:

8:15 to 9 a.m. Registration and continental breakfast

8:15 to 9 a.m. Industry trade show displays

9 a.m. Welcome and introductions, Jeffery Krohn, Michigan Wheat Program chairman

9:10 a.m. New varieties, Eric Olson, MSU wheat breeder

9:40 a.m. High-yielding wheat: Advances across the world, Mark Stubbs, United Kingdom Yield Enhancement Network grower participant

10:45 a.m. Break — industry displays

11:10 a.m. Hot issues facing wheat growers and the Michigan agriculture industry, Chuck Lippstreu, Michigan Agri-Business Association

11:45 a.m. 2024 Michigan Wheat Yield Contest winners, Dennis Pennington, MSU wheat specialist

Noon. Industry displays and lunch

1 p.m. The milling and wheat industries — a miller’s perspective, Jim Doyle, King Milling

2 p.m. Michigan Wheat Program update, Jody Pollok-Newsom, Michigan Wheat Program executive director

2:45 p.m. Four is forever for the Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network, Dennis Pennington and Mark Stubbs

3:20 p.m. Production thoughts and reminders as you hit the field in 2025, Dennis Pennington

3:30 p.m. Adjourn, Jeffery Krohn

Meeting attendance is free to wheat growers and stakeholders. Registration is requested to ensure adequate food, seating and handout materials. Register now by visiting miwheat.org under “Action Needed” on the homepage. Registration is also accepted by calling Jody Pollok-Newsom, Michigan Wheat Program executive director, at 1-888-WHEAT01.

The Michigan Wheat Program is funded by nearly 8,000 farmers who grow wheat in 50 of Michigan’s 83 counties. The Michigan Wheat Program board seeks to promote the state’s wheat industry by funding and supporting the strategic priorities of wheat farmers, working with input from suppliers, seed producers, millers, end users and consumers.

Research on wheat production practices and grower education has been a continued focus for the organization.

Source: Michigan Wheat Program