By Andi Anderson
The Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day is returning to Michigan for its ninth year, bringing together farmers, agricultural advisors, equipment manufacturers, and industry experts for a full day of learning and innovation. The event will take place on September 16, 2026, at the Michigan State University Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Hosted in partnership with Michigan State University Extension, the field day is designed to help producers explore practical and effective weed management strategies. As weed control remains one of the biggest challenges facing agriculture, the event provides an opportunity to learn about the latest mechanical solutions that can help reduce reliance on herbicides while improving farm efficiency.
Participants will be able to view a wide variety of weeding tools in action and gain valuable insights from company representatives and experienced farmers from across the Midwest. The event is suitable for producers using conventional, organic, regenerative, no-till, and other farming systems.
The day begins with registration, coffee, and networking opportunities alongside a trade show featuring agricultural equipment, seed suppliers, fertilizer dealers, and technology providers. Educational sessions held throughout the morning will focus on important topics such as orchard floor management, stale seed bedding in row crops, and no-till weed control techniques for vegetables and flowers.
Following lunch, attendees will move to demonstration fields where crops including corn, broccoli, beets, apples, and peaches have been prepared specifically for machinery demonstrations. These field demonstrations allow farmers to see equipment operating under real farming conditions and learn how machinery should be adjusted based on crop and soil requirements.
The event will feature a broad range of equipment, including camera-guided cultivators, electric weeders, walk-behind tractors, horse-drawn tools, orchard and vineyard cultivation systems, tine weeders, precision sprayers, and specialized row-crop cultivation equipment. Demonstrations will highlight proper machine setup, cultivation techniques, and the latest advances in mechanical weed control technology.
One of the key benefits of the field day is the opportunity for attendees to compare equipment before making purchasing decisions. Farmers can also exchange experiences with fellow producers and discover new approaches to managing weeds more effectively.
Registration for the event is $85, which includes educational sessions, machinery demonstrations, trade show access, morning refreshments, and lunch. Online registration closes on September 8, 2026, although walk-in participants will be welcomed.
Certified crop advisers and pesticide applicators can also earn continuing education credits. In addition, the Midwest Transition to Organic Partnership Program is offering admission assistance for eligible farmers from Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan.
The Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day continues to serve as an important platform for agricultural education, helping farmers stay informed about innovative technologies and practical solutions that support efficient and sustainable weed management.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoomtravels
Categories: Michigan, Sustainable Agriculture