As we begin the new year, the District is prepping for a great season of presentations and events. To kick-off 2025, we will be hosting our annual Winter Grower Meeting.

The event is showcasing many of the great aspects of Michigan’s Agriculture. Some topics that are included in this year’s presentation include:

• An in-depth look at the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP)

• Our Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) team and how they are strategically managing detection and treatment in 2025

• A 2025 outlook on fruit tree pest prevention

• An introduction to irrigation programs

• How Michigan’s Produce Safety Program and Regenerative Agriculture are working hand and hand to provide on-farm technical assistance

• Ideas about regenerative agriculture practices that landowners can implement on farm

The event is free with coffee and donuts provided for those in attendance. Also, 2-restricted use pesticide credits will be available for pesticide applicators. Finally, the Grower Meeting is also approved as a phase-one event for the MAEAP program, which is the first step in the process of becoming MAEAP verified

If you interested in attending this year’s Winter Grower Meeting, please contact The Mason-Lake Conservation District at 231-757-3707 ext. 5 by Thursday, January 16, 2025, to reserve your spot.