Upcoming events to bolster the sustainability of your farm - Summer 2025
Field days and workshops available, highlighting research-based ideas to maximize return on investment and solve problems on the farm.
Michigan State University Extension 2025 summer and fall agricultural events calendar
Michigan State University Extension is hosting a wide range of educational events across Michigan this summer and fall, covering soil health, cover crops, wetlands, irrigation, pest management and more. Our field days, workshops and resources are designed to help farmers maximize their return on investment and solve problems they may experience on the farm or in the field.
June Events
June 5
- Monthly Drop-in Organic Farming Question and Answer– June
An open forum for organic growers to ask questions and discuss challenges - Soil Health Workshop for Beginning Farmers
Focuses on soil biology, structure and practices to build soil health. Check here for more information.
June 10
- Food Grade Grains Field Day at Kellogg Biological Station (KBS)
Learn about growing, processing, and marketing food-grade grains. Check here for more information.
June 12
- Integrated Pest Management Workshop for Beginning Farmers
Covers foundational IPM practices for managing insect, weed and disease pressures. Check here for more information.
June 16
- Grazing and Soil Health Management – Ogemaw County
Workshop on using grazing practices to improve soil health in pasture-based systems.
June 17 and 18
- Wetlands for Farmers Info Meetings – Lenawee County
Learn how wetland restoration can benefit farms and rural communities. - June 17: Lenawee County Extension Office, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
- June 18: Smith-Kimball Community Center, 7:30–10:30 a.m.
Identical content both days. Registration is available here.
June 19
- Pollinator Workshop for Beginning Farmers
Learn to create pollinator-friendly landscapes that benefit your farm. Check here for more information.
June 23–26
- Grain Bin and Manure Pit Safety Programs
Critical safety training for farmers and emergency responders
Locations: - June 23 – Fairgrove, MI
- June 24 – Rosebush, MI
- June 25 – Marne/Berlin, MI
- June 26 – Coldwater, MI
Daily Schedule: - 2–5 p.m.: Farmer-focused safety training on grain bins and manure pits, led by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety.
Registration for this time and training is available here.
- 6–9 p.m.: Emergency responder training in simulated grain bin rescue scenarios. Certificates issued.
Registration for this time and training is available here.
June 24
- Cover Crops for Pumpkin Production Field Day – Camden, MI
Explore cover crop strategies for weed management in pumpkins. Hands-on plot walk with cereal rye and other species.
Free event – preregistration required. Call Hillsdale County MSU Extension: (517) 439-9301
July Events
July 10
July 30–31
- North American Manure Expo – Fulton County, OH
Premier outdoor event for manure and nutrient management. - Features local tours, education sessions, live demonstrations, and trade show.
Registration is available here.
August Events
August 1
- Summer Irrigation Workshop- KBS
A hands-on workshop for producers and stakeholders focused on: - Practical tools for improving irrigation efficiency
- New technologies and a mini trade show
- Roundtable on the future of irrigation in Michigan
More details coming soon.
August 7
August 12
- Newaygo County Cover Crop and IPM Field Day
Learn how cover crops and integrated pest management strategies work together. Check here for more information.
August 14
- Hillsdale County Nutrient Management Field Day
Best practices for fertilizer application, nutrient budgeting and soil testing. Check here for more information.
August 18
- Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference 2025
Connect with other small-scale and diversified growers. Topics include land access, marketing, and sustainable practices. Check here for more information.
August 20
- Organic Vegetable Pest Management Field Day
Covers pest scouting, cultural controls and organic inputs. Check here for more information.
August 27
- Ionia County Field Day
Regional topics on soil health, fertility and conservation practices. Check here for more information.
September Events
September 4
- LTAR Field Day - KBS (Long-Term Agroecosystem Research site)
Explore long-term research plots and emerging insights into sustainable agriculture. - Monthly Drop-in Organic Farming Question and Answer – September
September 10
- Cover Crop Field Day – Mason Research Farm
Interactive day featuring species selection, seeding methods, and termination strategies. Registration TBA.