2024 Montcalm County Field Day
Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024
Check-in is 8-8:30 a.m.
Montcalm Research Center - located at 4629 W McBride Rd., Lakeview, MI 48850
Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan Potato Industry Commission would like to invite all producers, agribusinesses, and community members to join us for a day on the Montcalm Research Farm! Please register prior to attending the event.
This year’s field day will first feature a topic of water stewardship and irrigation efficiencies. This session will showcase the modernizing of well heads to include Midwest Water Stewards discussing the benefits of irrigation improvements and stream gauge monitoring. MSU Extension irrigation experts will also be on site with the MiWATT tool and will discuss how irrigation improvements can create efficiencies in production systems.
Harvest and post-harvest handling of potatoes will also be featured. A demonstration of proper handling techniques will be showcased to improve quality and storability of potatoes.
Fumigation and early-die management will also be discussed through the compost demonstration trial.
Lunch is provided after field day around 12 p.m.! The field day will conclude following lunch. The MPIC research meeting will take place at the Douglas Township Hall in Entrican, MI immediately following the field day. We hope to see you there!
Tentative Agenda:8-8:30 - Check-in: Please register prior to attending the event!
8:45-9 - Introduction & move to irrigation demonstration site
9-10 - Water Stewardship & Irrigation Efficiencies featuring:
- Well upgrade and maintenance demonstration & discussion
- Todd Feenstra of Midwest Water Stewards discussing irrigation & stream gauge monitoring
- Dr. Younsuk Dong (MSU Irrigation Specialist) discussing irrigation efficiencies and ways to improve irrigation systems
- Lyndon Kelley discussing MiWATT tool for individual farms
10-10:15 - Transition to next session
10:15-10:45 - Compost Trial demonstration: Discussion of composting in potato systems for improved disease control and yield; Early-die management and fumigation
10:45-11 - Transition to next session
11-11:45 - Harvest and Post-harvest handling of potatoes demonstration: Showcase proper handling techniques, equipment for proper storage, safe field handling techniques, commercial pathogen maintenance, season conditions and effect on plant physiology and more!
Lunch is provided after field day, around noon! The field day will conclude following lunch. The MPIC research meeting will take place at the Douglas Township Hall in Entrican, MI immediately following the field day.
Cost: FREE
Registration for 2024 Montcalm County Field Day is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on August 4, 2024.
Accommodations
Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.