Southeast Michigan Grower-to-Grower Meetings 2025
What better way to learn than by having a thoughtful discussion with peers in your industry. The Southeast Michigan Grower to Grower meetings were dreamt up with a goal of fostering connection between growers by giving them a chance to discuss amongst each other the challenges they experience, the solutions that come with experience in the business and an opportunity to ask others how they deal with difficult problems. These sessions are designed for commercial growers looking to expand their knowledge and network with others in the industry. Each of the three Grower-to-Grower Meetings features a different educational theme explored through a facilitated discussion with Michigan State University Extension Educators in an informal setting. This year’s theme of topics touches on the concept of creating a sustainability triangle within your business. Topics include Economic viability through marketing, Social engagement and customer retention, and Environmental sustainability through integrated pest management.
Cost: FREE
Location: All three meeting sessions will be held at the Washtenaw County Extension Office
705 N. Zeeb Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Meeting Dates: Pencil us in for every other Tuesday in February and early March!
Tuesday, February 11th, 2 – 4 p.m.
Focus on Economic Viability through Effective Marketing
“Using Targeted Marketing Strategies to Increase Sales”
As plant enthusiasts, we know the many benefits that plants provide for the environment and beyond, but what are the best ways to market these benefits to retail customers? Understanding customer perceptions and barriers to purchasing are key. We’ll go over research-based marketing strategies that have been shown to increase customers’ willingness to purchase and spend more on plants.
Caitlin Splawski is a Greenhouse and Floriculture Educator with Michigan State University Extension based in Pontiac. She brings expertise in greenhouse management, herbaceous perennial production, and container trialing and her interests include cultivar selection, integrated pest management in greenhouses, pesticide safety and pollinator protection, and marketing of ornamental plants.
Tuesday, February 25th, 2 – 4 p.m.
Focus on Building Social Capital & Community Engagement
“Farm Marketing & Community Engagement”
Small farms do more than just produce food and agricultural products. They are integral parts of their communities and form a part of the local fabric. In this session, join with other small-scale farmers as we discuss interactions with guests, local and municipal institutions, and customers.
Dr. Derek Plotkowski is the Fruit Extension Educator for Southeast Michigan with Michigan State University Extension. He also covers farm markets and agritourism. Derek is based out of the MSU Tollgate Farm in Novi.
Tuesday, March 11th, 2 – 4 p.m.
Focus on Environmental sustainability through Integrated Pest Management
“Integrated Disease Management in Specialty Crops”
Join fellow growers to talk about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to getting a handle on specialty crop diseases. Come to share your experience or just listen and learn in a comfortable, relaxed setting. Vegetable, fruit, and flower growers alike won’t want to miss this opportunity to make new connections and gain new ideas.
Chris Galbraith is a Vegetable Educator covering southeast Michigan for Michigan State University Extension and northwest Ohio for Ohio State University Extension. He is based out of the MSU Extension Monroe County office in Monroe, MI.
Registration is free. Come to one, two, or all three of the meeting sessions. Seats are limited, so be sure to sign up early!
What to Expect during the Meeting
Light refreshments will be available at each meeting.
2 p.m.: Large-group intros
2:15 p.m.: Networking Time
2:30-2:40 p.m.: Mini-Presentation:
- We’ll introduce the sustainability triangle, plus some relevant current research related to that day’s topic area
2:40 p.m.: Question Prompts/ Group Discussion
3:40 p.m.: Networking Time
3:55 p.m.: Promote upcoming events
4 p.m.: Adjourn
Registration for 2025 Southeast Michigan Grower to Grower Meetings is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on March 10, 2025.
There are 106 openings available.
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.