By Andi Anderson
Michigan State University Extension, in collaboration with industry representatives, is organizing a special harvest equipment clinic to help growers improve sugarbeet and dry bean production practices. The event will take place at the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center in Frankenmuth, Michigan, and will provide practical learning opportunities for farmers, crop advisers, and agricultural professionals.
The free educational program will focus on harvest equipment operation, maintenance, and current production challenges facing sugarbeet and dry bean growers. Participants will have the opportunity to attend specialized breakout sessions tailored to different equipment brands and management systems.
One of the major highlights of the event is the sugarbeet defoliation equipment demonstrations. Representatives from leading equipment providers, including Amity, Holmer, ROPA, and Richmond Brothers Equipment LLC, will be available to discuss machine setup, performance, and harvesting strategies. Both pull-type defoliators and self-propelled harvesters will be displayed on-site, allowing attendees to gain hands-on knowledge from industry experts.
The clinic will also feature dry bean harvest equipment sessions. Andrew Fahrner, Fahrner Farm Services, will provide updates on dry bean harvest operations and discuss best practices for harvester maintenance. His presentation will focus on a late-model John Deere combine and will offer valuable insights into equipment setup and performance optimization.
In addition to equipment-focused discussions, attendees will learn about Soil Warrior strip-till demonstrations and the latest production technologies that can improve field efficiency and crop performance.
Research updates will be presented by experts from Michigan State University, the United States Department of Agriculture, and industry organizations. Topics will include weed management, insect control strategies, soil fertility, crop pathology, varietal improvements, and agronomic advancements.
Featured presenters include Dr. Christy Sprague, Professor, Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences; Dr. Chris DiFonzo, Professor, Department of Entomology; Scott Bales, Dry Bean Specialist, Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences; Dr. Linda Hanson, Research Plant Pathologist (USDA-ARS) & Adjunct Professor; Dr. Jaime Willbur, Assistant Professor, Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences; Dr. Valerio Hoyos-Villegas, Assistant Professor; Dr. Kurt Steinke, Professor, Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences; and David Wishowski Sugarbeet Advancement.
The event also offers valuable continuing education opportunities. Participants can earn two Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Pesticide Applicator License credits in Private Core and Category 1A, along with six Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Continuing Education Unit credits.
By bringing together growers, researchers, and equipment manufacturers, the clinic aims to provide practical solutions, updated research findings, and modern harvesting strategies. The event serves as an excellent opportunity for producers to stay informed about new technologies, improve equipment efficiency, and enhance sugarbeet and dry bean production practices for the upcoming harvest season.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-luiscarlosjimenezi
Categories: Michigan, Crops