‍Live From the AgroExpo

Last month, the 2021 Michigan FFA Crop Management Challenge crowned their champions in the corn and soybean divisions. Over 20 teams had competed, but 3 teams from in each division had truly separated themselves from the rest. Many of these teams have returned for this year's contest and are ready to again contend for the top spots in the 2022 Crop Management Challenge.

For this coming year, students are enthusiastic about what is to come. Outside of a traditional year, the orientation for this contest has changed in its format. Educational recordings of presentations have been made available to students this week, which will help them greatly in making their crop nutrient decisions. Topics like hybrid selection, fertilizer products & application methods, how to intrepret soil tests and other subjects were covered in these recordings. Students will review these topics and then collaborate with local farmers and agronomists to create a financially efficiently yielding crop.

Students will also be creating educational booths this year, which will explore planter technologies. The booths are an opportunity for students to be able to take what they learned in their field day visits at the North Central Research Station and dig even deeper to gain a better grasp of how these technologies work. Not only is this a chance for students to gain a better understanding of this equipment, but it gives them a place where they can improve their networking and communication skills, as these educational booths will be displayed August 17th, at the 2022 AgroExpo. Feel free to visit them and make sure to ask lots of questions! Our students are excited to see what this year has in store for them. We wish them the best of luck as they go through this contest!

Pictured above is the Ionia FFA Chapter‍ as they prepared to present their crop management plans to judges. The Ionia FFA Chapter placed 3rd overall in the Soybean contest.

New Beginnings‍

‍Every year, over 40% of Americans make new years resolutions, ranging anywhere from losing that holiday weight to reading more, spending more time with family or learning a new hobby. Now, for a farmer, this may look a bit different. Some of their's might be increasing crop yields, being more sustainable in their practices, or even being more financially secure. Ultimately, they all have a similar concept, reflecting on the past but continuing forward and striving to be better than the year before. Here at the AgroExpo, we like to keep this mentality alive as we continue to move onward.

 The AgroExpo had its start in 2016, where it was scheduled to be three days worth of connection, discovery, and innovation. On the morning of the 16th, over 120 different vendors, numerous farmers from all over the state of Michigan, and FFA members from surrounding chapters were a part of the birth of a new agricultural exposition.

Almost all aspects of cropping agriculture were to be covered, as there were exhibitors providing crop protection, tillage, horticulture, and demonstration discussion and connection.

‍But, the weather had another idea for the direction of this young farm show. In one day, the grounds were showered over with 3 inches of rain, ultimately changing the course of the show. Tents were knocked over, walkways were flooded, and staff and volunteers were pumping water every which way. Cars were stuck in parking lots, staff worked diligently to try to rid the grounds of the excess water, but there was just too much moisture. After what seemed like a long battle, and more expected rain, the AgroExpo had decided to not have their final, third day of the show.

In light of the unfortunate circumstances, there were many things to be thankful for. ‍Over the two days, there were over 2,000 attendees, exhibitors were extatic with the connections made during the Expo, and staff found opportunities for us to make resolutions on for a new year of the AgroExpo. Since 2016, the AgroExpo has had over 10,000 more combined attendees over the years, increased the amount of exhibitors to over 130 at the 2021 AgroExpo.

Even though the 2016 season was not under ideal circumstances, there was much that we could reflect on. Many changes have been made along the way to make the show what it is today, but it wouldn't have been possible without making resolutions. While many are planning to shed some extra pounds or kick that nasty habit, we, at the AgroExpo are committed to providing opportunity for connection, sharing new features of discovery, and fostering innovation. We are looking forward to hosting you at the 5th AgroExpo this August and wish you luck as we ring in the new year and new harvest season.

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AgroExpo

5605 Findlay Rd

St. Johns, MI 48879

(989) 640-2233   theagroexpo.com