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Michigan Wheat field day goes virtual

Michigan Wheat growers logged on to their first-ever virtual summer field Wednesday as Michigan State University facilities remain closed to large groups.

MSU Extension wheat specialist Dennis Pennington says the wheat crop does not appear to be impacted by a May frost which could have been devastating.

“I’m seeing just some cosmetic damage.”

New research trials Pennington is conducting include malting wheat in partnership with Independent Barley & Malt in southern Michigan.  Pennington says future demand could be huge if contracts are realized.

“If they really take 275,000 bushels of wheat a year, that’s 10-15,000 acres of wheat.  This potentially could be a developing new market here in Michigan.”

Growers also learned about additional Michigan Wheat Program research on management techniques and technology.