West Central Spring Horticulture Meeting 2026
March 25, 2026 9:00AM - 3:30PM Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
Registration Deadline: March 25, 2026 - 08:00AM
West Central Michigan Horticulture Research and Extension Center, 5185 N Oceana Dr., Hart, MI 49420
Contact: Emily Lavely, lavelyem@msu.edu or Kathy Walicki, walicki@msu.edu or Oceana MSU Extension at 231-873-2129
The West Central Spring Horticulture Meeting will provide attendees with updated information related to commercial fruit tree production. The program will start with a MAEAP Update and a MDARD update on Regenerative Agriculture. Laura Herrygers, Great Lakes Ag Labor Service, will discuss the H2A labor program and changes expected for 2026. Morning presentations will move into management strategy topics such as a Bitter Pit update by Dr. Chayce Griffith from MSU, winter freeze and spring frost vulnerability in apples by Dr. Todd Einhorn, MSU and Jackie Perkins, MSU, will finish the morning off with a discussion on pest management programs for tart cherries and will discuss the new digital apple decision tool to help apple growers improve pest management programs.
Following the lunch break, Kurt Wedegaertner, Utah State University, will present new technologies for precision management of tart cherries. Dr. George Sundin, MSU, will provide a fruit disease update and Dr. Julianna Wilson will provide an insect update. The afternoon will conclude with presentations from Dr. Chris Bardenhagen, MSU Extension, on succession planning and an industry panel discussing fruit quality and market outlooks.
Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided. Pesticide applicator credits have been requested for this meeting.
Costs:
- Early Registration (on or before March 20th) $25.00
- Late/On-Site Registration (after March 20th) $40.00
Cancellations received after March 20th will incur a $25 cancellation fee.
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