LANSING, Mich.  – The Michigan Wheat Program’s 14th Annual Winter Grower Meeting will be Feb. 25 at the MSU Saginaw Valley Research & Extension Center in Frankenmuth.

The Annual Winter Grower Meeting opens at 8:15 a.m. with registration check-in, a continental breakfast and an opportunity to visit industry exhibits. Presentations begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 3:30 p.m. RUP and CCA credits are pending.

“We have a great mix of topics to be presented by the experts at this winter meeting, and our board is very excited about this line-up,” said Jeffery Krohn, chairman of the Michigan Wheat Program and an Owendale wheat producer.  “We have put a strong focus on improving wheat yields, with presentations on the Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) by a top-producing grower from the United Kingdom, a preview of our own Great Lakes YEN data and new wheat varieties coming on-line, among other topics.”

Jody Pollok-Newsom, executive director of the Michigan Wheat Program, said, “Our overall goal is to help growers in the Great Lakes state do even better with their wheat crop. Michigan has among the best production yields in the U.S., and still we’re seeing a substantial up-side for growers to improve their yields in the immediate future. This program definitely captures that energy and reflects our focus.”

The meeting will include the awarding of the Michigan Wheat Yield Contest winners, an update on the Michigan Wheat Program, the wheat and milling industries from a miller’s perspective along with key and emerging ag policy topics, and an industry tradeshow and production tips to keep in mind for the 2025 spring green-up.

The meeting agenda is:

8:15 a.m. - 9 a.m. Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:15 a.m. - 9 a.m. Industry Tradeshow Displays

9 a.m. Welcome and Introductions, Jeffery Krohn, Michigan Wheat Program chairman

9:10 a.m. New Varieties, Dr. Eric Olson, MSU Wheat Breeder

9:40 a.m. High Yielding Wheat: Advances Across the World, Mark Stubbs, United Kingdom Yield Enhancement Network Grower Participant

10:45 a.m. BREAK – Industry Displays

11:10 a.m. Hot Issues Facing Wheat Growers and the Michigan Agriculture Industry, Chuck Lippstreu, Michigan Agri-Business Association

11:45 a.m. 2024 Michigan Wheat Yield Contest Winners, Dennis Pennington, MSU Wheat Specialist

Noon Industry Displays and Lunch

1 p.m. The Milling and Wheat Industries – A Miller’s Perspective, Jim Doyle, King Milling

2 p.m. Michigan Wheat Program Update, Jody Pollok-Newsom, Michigan Wheat Program Executive Director

2:45 p.m. Four is Forever for the Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN), Dennis Pennington and Mark Stubbs

3:20 p.m. Production Thoughts & Reminders as you Hit the Field in 2025, Dennis Pennington

3:30 p.m. Adjourn, Jeffery Krohn

Meeting attendance is free to wheat growers and stakeholders, but pre-registration is requested to ensure adequate food, seating and handout materials. Register by visiting miwheat.org under “Action Needed” on the home page. Registration is also accepted by calling Jody Pollok-Newsom at 1-888-WHEAT01.

The Michigan Wheat Program is funded by nearly 8,000 farmers who grow wheat in 50 of Michigan’s 83 counties. The Michigan Wheat Program board seeks to promote the state’s wheat industry by funding and supporting the strategic priorities of wheat farmers working with input from suppliers, seed producers, millers, end users and consumers. Research on wheat production practices and grower education has been a continued focus for the organization.