DUNDEE, Mich. — The 2012 Michigan Corn and Soybean Research Meetings kicked off one of four events at Cabela’s in Dundee, as farmers in southeastern Michigan gathered to advance their knowledge from Michigan State University extension specialists.

Keith Reinholt, field operations director for the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee (MSPC), served as moderator for the day as specialists from all over the state presented information and provided an opportunity for farmers to earn RUP, CCA and MEAP credits. Dr. George Bird, field crops nematologist, presented a management update on Soybean Cyst Nematodes, followed by a Sudden Death Syndrome update from D. Martin Chilvers, plant pathologist.

The prevention research of a pesky weed that has made its way north from warmer southern climates, Palmer amaranth, was covered by Dr. Christy Sprague, weed control specialist. The key to this relatively new glyphosate-resistant weed is to manage it with prevention and early detection. MSU continues to hammer away at a weed control program that will work, but is also cost effective for the producer.

Sprague went on to present soybean research that tested the yield and economic advantages of new herbicide resistant technologies. She shared results from test plots in Tuscola County and at the MSU campus in East Lansing. The results offered potential options for high yields and weed control for producers. Current economics favor the newer technologies and non-genetically modified soybeans with premiums.

Ned Birkey offered research results from corn and soybean test plots in Washtenaw and Monroe counties, and Keith Reinhold provided a brief soybean yield update. He revealed of the 2011 yield average for Michigan of 78.1 bushels per acre, 60 percent was attributed to technology while the rest was due to management.

Just before lunch, soybean educator Mike Staton talked about the Soybean Management and Research Technology, or SMaRT, program. This is an on-farm testing research done only with soybeans.

Because farmers like to keep up to date on the markets throughout the day, Nicole Schaendorf of Michigan Farm Radio Network provided the noon market update before Jody Pollok-Newsom of the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan (CMPM) took the podium to provide information on what’s happening with corn in Michigan and membership benefits and opportunities.

Bruce MacKeller of MSU extension stepped up to discuss research projects surrounding white mold in southwestern Michigan. He provided several effective ways to prevent white mold, such as cleaning the combine thoroughly, avoiding seed that is saved that may be infected, rotating crops and using no-till planting.

MSU field crops specialist Dr. Chris DiFonzo presented important information on corn rootworm (CRW) control. Although Michigan has a low population because of greater crop rotation and a diversity of crops in the state, it’s important to keep CRW in check.

Biomass processing of corn residue was the topic of Dr. Kurt Thelen, MSU bioenergy specialist. He shared research on bioenergy and its importance because the world is dealing with a finite amount of fossil fuel. Many operations at the MSU Power Plant are now run by burning switchgrass for electricity.

Dr. Dale Mutch of the cover crops research program emphasized advantages of using them to suppress weeds and improve organic matter. The day concluded with market analyst Dr. Jim Hilker, a commodities marketing specialist, providing the market outlook.