Michigan Wheat Program Preparing for Annual Winter Grower Meeting – February 17th at Saginaw Valley Research & Extension Center

Lansing, Mich. (Feb. 1, 2026) - The Michigan Wheat Program is proud to announce its 15^th Annual Winter Grower Meeting coming up Tuesday, February 17! The event will be held from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the MSU Saginaw Valley Research & Extension Center in Frankenmuth. It begins with continental breakfast and an opportunity to visit industry exhibits. Presentations begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 3:30 p.m.

The focus of the 2026 annual meeting is giving growers tools for making the most of their wheat crop. Speakers will provide results of research projects funded by the Michigan Wheat Program, as well as updates on its program and activities.

One of the biggest programs supported by the Michigan Wheat Program is the development of a Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) modeled on the UK YEN. Dr. Roger Sylvester-Bradley, the British co-founder of YEN is coming to the US in February and is making three presentations before the region's wheat community! One of them will be as keynote speaker for the Annual Winter Grower Meeting.

"It's truly an honor to have the YEN co-founder travel to Michigan from the United Kingdom to share his wisdom and what the UK has learned about increasing wheat yields," noted Jody Pollok-Newsom, executive director of the Michigan Wheat Program.

The agenda for the 2026 Michigan Wheat Program Annual Meeting is:

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

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

9 a.m. Welcome and Introductions, Jeff Krohn, Michigan Wheat Program Chairman

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

9:45 a.m. High Yielding Wheat: What the UK YEN Found, Roger Sylvester-Bradley, Creator of YEN

10:30 a.m. BREAK - Industry Displays

11 a.m. What's New on the Disease Front-Marty Chilvers, MSU Pathologist

12 noon Industry Displays and Lunch

1 p.m. MI Wheat Program Update, Jody Pollok-Newsom, MI Wheat Program Executive Director

1:45 p.m. Michigan Wheat Yield Contest Winners, Dennis Pennington, MSU Wheat Specialist

2 p.m.UAV Evolution to Prescription Farming, Rich Price

2:30 p.m. Five's a Charm for the Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN), Dennis Pennington, Joanna Follings, Roger Sylvester Bradley

3:15 p.m. Production Thoughts & Reminders as you Hit the Field in 2026, Dennis Pennington

3:25 p.m. Credit Awarding-3 RUP and 4.5 CCA Credits, Jenna Falor, MSU Extension

3:30 p.m. Adjourn, Jeff Krohn

Attendees are able to receive 3-1A, private core RUP & 4.5 CCA Credits (1 PM and 3.5 CM). To register, visit www.miwheat.org and scroll down to the "Action Needed - Upcoming Events" section on the home page to register and view the agenda. Registration is also accepted by calling Jody Pollok-Newsom at 1-888-WHEAT01.

Meeting attendance is free to wheat growers and stakeholders, but pre-registration is requested to ensure adequate food, seating and handout materials.

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.