CHATHAM – Five feild days are planned at different locations in the central and western U.P. for farmers and others interested in soil productivity, improved crop production, pasture management and additional topics including robotic milkers and fall calving for the beef herd.

Events will be Sept. 13 at the Bahrman Potato Farm in Rumely, Sept 14 at the Melodydell Dairy in Vulcan, Sept. 14 at the MSU Forest Biomass Innovation Center in Escanaba, Sept. 27 at the Janson Farm in Pelki and Sept. 28 at the Dykstra Farm in Ontonagon.

Contact the Alger County MSU Extension at 906-387-2530 if you would like to attend these free events.

September 13 at 4 p.m. eastern time, Bahrman Potato Farm, E1780 State Highway 94, Rumely, MI, 49826
This field day will focus on soil productivity including fertility, compaction, and new soil testing options.

MSU Extension field crop educator and soil health team member Paul Gross will be leading discussion. A soil trench will be prepared to demonstrate soil compaction issues and their impact on plant growth.

September 14 at 1 p.m. central time, Melodydell Dairy (Ken, Ed and Carl McBroom), N470 Thaler Dr, Vulcan, MI 49892
This field day will focus on soil compaction and other soil health and fertility issues including new soil testing options. A soil compaction trench will be prepared to demonstrate the impact of compaction.

MSU Extension educator Paul Gross will lead discussion on soil productivity issues. A tour of the McBroom’s robotic milking system is included for interested people.

Directions: Turn south off of US 2 on Waucedah Rd and continue straight on Thaler Drive.

September 14 at 6:30 p.m. eastern time, MSU Forest Biomass Innovation Center, 6005 J Road, Escanaba, MI 49829

This field day will also focus on soil productivity including fertility, compaction, and new soil testing options. MSU Extension field crop educator and soil health team member Paul Gross will be leading discussion. A soil trench will be prepared to demonstrate soil compaction issues and their impact on plant growth.

Directions: From the traffic light in Escanaba where M35 departs to the south from US 2 & 41, travel 5.9 miles west on US 2 & 41 to Hyde. OR from the flashing light in Bark River, travel 5.3 miles east on US 2 & 41 to the same point. At Hyde, turn north on Co. 521, which becomes Co. 533. Travel 2.5 miles north to 16.25 Road (C-21) which is the first hard surface road to the right. Turn east onto C-21 and follow it for 1.5 miles around 3 sharp turns to the main Center’s driveway. Look for signs. (on agricultural land rented by Lippens Potato Farm)

September 27 at 6:00 p.m. eastern time, Ken and Lael Janson Farm, 27081 County Line Rd, Pelkie, MI
We’ll observe active compost piles and compare fields with and without compost applied. We’ll also see the demonstration of a soil aerator and view fields in a side by side comparison that were aerated earlier this spring vs those with no aeration.

Directions: North on Pelkie Rd from M-38, west on Papin Rd and meet on the corner on County Line Rd and Papin Rd.

September 28 at 6 p.m. eastern time, Dykstra Beef Farm, 13670 Hwy M-38, Ontonagon, MI
Manager Duane Kolpack will discuss and show corn planted to be used as late season grazing to extend the grazing season and may also be harvested as corn silage. Also the fall calving herd will be nearby for discussion of fall calving advantages and disadvantages.