Ready, Set, Innovate! At The Virtual MI Ag Ideas To Grow With Field Crops Sessions

By Nicolle Ritchie

Commodity prices are low while input costs remain high, creating stress for field crops growers throughout Michigan. With the market outlook still bleak, creative solutions have become increasingly important. From diversifying crops to increasing nutrient and water use efficiency, many growers are looking for ways to adapt. The field crops innovations sessions of the 2026 MI Ag Ideas to Grow With Conference on Feb. 23 will cover innovative tools, crops and basics to get the ideas flowing.

8 a.m. – Innovative Agronomy Tools (RUP, CCA) — Learn about innovative tools and resources for agronomic decisions, especially pest management, and how to use them to improve decision-making and reduce input costs.

9 a.m. – Soil Health Testing Options and Interpretation (CCA) — What is soil health, and how can you measure it? This session will cover testing options and how to understand test results in order to have healthier, more profitable soils.  

10 a.m. – Intermediate Wheatgrass (RUP, CCA) — Agronomic management considerations for growing a relatively new perennial grain crop: Kernza intermediate wheatgrass (IWG). 

11 a.m. – Open-Pollinated Corn (RUP, CCA) — Considerations for growing open-pollinated corn, including management, advantages, disadvantages and more.