Branch County Farmers Day
Feb. 16, 2026
8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Branch Area Careers Center, 366 Morse St., Coldwater, MI 49036
The Branch County Farmers Day has been held for more than 50 years and continues to provide a valuable opportunity for learning, networking, and discussion around current crop production challenges. This event brings together growers, agribusiness professionals, Michigan State University Extension educators and specialists, and other agricultural industry partners.
This year’s program will feature two concurrent tracks: “Nothin’ but Pumpkins” and a Field Crops Track, allowing participants to tailor their experience to their specific interests.
Tentative agenda:
| Time | Nuthin' but Pumpkins Track | Field Crops Track |
| 8 a.m. | Check-in/Registration | Check-in/Registration |
| 8:30 a.m. |
Welcome, Culture, Fertility, Weeds - Ben Philips |
Safe and Effective Chemigation and Fertigation - Angie Gradiz and Lyndon Kelley |
| 9:10 a.m. | No-Till - Madelyn Celovsky and Chris Galbraith | Soybeans Research Updates - Eric Anderson |
| 9:50 a.m. | Varieties - Ben Werling and Pete Dinius |
Tar Spot in Corn - Marty Chilvers |
| 10:30 a.m. | Break | Break |
| 10:40 a.m. |
Powdery Mildew and Phytophtora - Mary Hausbeck |
Wheat Management - Nicolle Ritchie |
| 11:20 a.m. |
Cucumber Beetles, Squash Bugs and Pollinators - Zsofia Szendrei |
Dollars and Doses: Navigating Generic Pesticide Options - Jon LaPorte |
| 12 p.m. | Wrap-up and Credits | Wrap-up and Credits |
Cost: FREE
Credits: 5 CEU CCA (1 SW, 2 IPM and 2 CM), 3 RUP requested for field crops track and 2 RUP for the pumpkins track.
Registration for Branch County Farmers Day is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on February 15, 2026.
Accommodations
Michigan State University Extension programs, services events, and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status. 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.
Contact Information
For information, contact Angie Gradiz at gradizme@msu.edu or call the Branch County MSU Extension office at 517-279-4311 ext. 0.