Farmers Invited to Free Beyond the Bin Grain Workshop

By Andi Anderson

Michigan State University Extension invites farmers and agricultural professionals to attend the Beyond the Bin Grain Marketing Workshop on December 4, 2025, at the Van Buren County MSU Extension Office in Hartford, Michigan.

This free, interactive session is designed to help participants develop strong marketing strategies and improve decision-making in grain marketing.

The workshop aims to simplify complex marketing concepts by focusing on practical skills such as goal setting, price targets, and decision deadlines. Participants will gain the tools needed to approach market planning with confidence and make informed choices that improve farm profitability.

The morning program will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m., followed by Market Planning 101 at 9 a.m. with Jonathan LaPorte, MSU Extension educator. Topics will include goal setting, price targeting, bushel objectives, and effective use of pricing tools. Breaks are scheduled throughout the session, allowing time for questions and discussion.

At 11 a.m., Nicolle Ritchie, another MSU Extension expert, will present a session on Pesticide ROI and Profitability, offering insight into how pesticide investments can impact farm economics.

The morning session concludes at noon with lunch provided free of charge, thanks to funding from Project GREEEN. Following lunch, participants are encouraged to stay for an optional practice session from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., where they can apply newly learned strategies using real examples from their own operations.

One Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) credit will also be available for eligible participants.

Pre-registration is required to ensure adequate materials and lunch. Farmers can register online or call the Van Buren County MSU Extension Office at 269-657-8213 to sign up.

This workshop offers farmers an excellent opportunity to build marketing confidence, strengthen profitability, and plan for a more successful growing season ahead.

Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu-extension