By Andi Anderson
Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, in collaboration with the Newaygo County Conservation District, will host the Farming Forward: Newaygo County Farm Field Day on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kropscott Farm and Environmental Center in Fremont, Michigan.
This full-day event offers farmers and conservationists a valuable opportunity to learn about natural resource management, pest control, soil health, and irrigation techniques.
The day will begin with registration and light breakfast, followed by an informative session from Kelly Bishop of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Bishop will share information about available funding programs and how NRCS supports farmers using integrated pest management (IPM) planning.
Next, MSU Extension educators Steve Whittington and Christina Curell will dive into field crop pest management, including pest trapping, scouting strategies, and ways to minimize crop threats throughout the growing season.
Brenden Kelley, MSU’s agriculture water use efficiency educator, will lead a session on irrigation and chemigation, providing best practices on applying chemicals safely while protecting groundwater quality.
Kable Thurlow, beef and grazing educator, will explain pasture and grazing management, discussing plant communities, soil life, grazing animals, and rotational practices to improve livestock health and land sustainability.
After lunch, participants will join a field tour of Kropscott Farm to apply their learning. Activities include weed identification, sweep net pest collection, and exploring silvopasture practices.
Attendees can earn three restricted-use pesticide credits and three certified crop advisor credits. The event is ideal for anyone interested in sustainable agriculture and practical farm management skills.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sisoje
Categories: Michigan, Education, Rural Lifestyle