UBLY, Mich. — Thumb Ag Day, the region’s premier agricultural event, will be Dec. 14 at the Ubly Heights Country Club. The program will feature a variety of educational sessions as well as a trade show, according to Michigan State University extension agricultural educator Bob Battel, one of the event organizers.

He said the event has a long history of featuring educational sessions focused on current topics and trends in the agricultural industry, and for facilitating conversation among attendees.

“Our goal is to reach out to growers in the tri-county area, in Huron, Sanilac and Tuscola counties, to allow them to view the vendor displays and to provide an educational experience,” Battel said.

Thumb Ag Day had its start in 1972. At that time, it was called Corn Day, and there was not a trade show. Through the years, a unique partnership has grown between MSU extension and the agricultural business community, which allows agribusinesses to showcase their products at the end of the year, and extension to deliver educational sessions.

More than 70 vendors are expected for this year’s trade show, including seed dealers, chemical and fertilizer representatives, local bankers, local elevators, small equipment dealers and many other agricultural-related businesses and organizations.

Thumb Ag Day will be open from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. for participants to view the trade show and attend educational sessions, which begin at 9:15 a.m. Admission is free, and lunch is optional.

This year’s programs will include “Land and Land Rent: Where We Are At and Why” by extension district farm management educator Dennis Stein, at 9:15 a.m.; “Commodity Market Update” with Department of Agriculture, Food and Resource Economics professor Dr. Jim Hilker, at 10 a.m.; “Corn Hybrid Technologies: Reflections and Where We’re Going” by Jeff Leipprandt, retired account manager, Pioneer Hi-bred International, Inc., at 10:45 a.m.; and “Ag Review: Results of This Year’s Field Trials” by Thumb field crops extension educators, at 12:30 p.m.

Thumb Ag Day is sponsored by MSU extension and supported by the area’s agricultural businesses. Restricted Use Pesticide credits are pending from the Michigan Department of Agriculture. For more information, call 989-269-9949.