Grow your expertise at the 2026 Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Training

Christine Charles<charl122@msu.edu>, Teresa Crook<crookter@msu.edu>, Jenna Falor<falorjen@msu.edu>, Jonathan LaPorte<laportej@msu.edu>, Nicolle Ritchie<ritchi67@msu.edu> and Kurt Steinke<ksteinke@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension - October 13, 2025

Join MSU Extension for a one-day soil fertility and nutrient management training.

green implement spraying in a green field — Join MSU Extension for a one-day soil fertility and nutrient management training.

Farmers and agribusinesses know the key to obtaining increased yields and profitability start with good soil fertility and a sound nutrient management plan. Join Michigan State University Extension for a Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Training on February 5, 2026.

The event serves as a follow-up and expansion of the Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Training held in 2024. That training featured Kurt Steinke, MSU Soil Fertility Specialist, with a team of MSU Extension Educators and focused on building a base level of information on nutrient management basics.

Joined by a team of speakers from MSU Extension, Steinke returns to headline the 2026 program. The workshop will offer intermediate and technical level information beneficial to farmers and agribusiness professionals who offer crop nutrient advice.

Training Agenda

8:30 a.m.	Registration
9:00 a.m.	Nitrogen
10:30 a.m.	Break
10:45 a.m.	Nutrient Interactions
11:15 a.m.	Micronutrients
11:45 a.m.	Lunch
12:30 p.m.	Sulfur
1:00 p.m.	Break
1:15 p.m.	Economics of Nitrogen
2:00 p.m.	Burning Questions Q&A
2:30 p.m.	Evaluations

Description of individual sessions

Nitrogen – Unpredictable is one word that describes both nitrogen and the weather. In this session, learn about strategies to implement and concerns to address with the uncertainties of nitrogen.
Nutrient Interactions – Learn how nutrient interactions influence crop uptake and what that means for your farm.
Micronutrients – Micronutrients are the little guys with clout. Learn the importance of micronutrients in crop production and identifying deficiency symptoms.
Sulfur – Sulfur is not nitrogen but does have some similarities with the N cycle. This session will discuss the importance of sulfur and how to address those needs.
Economics of Nitrogen – Not all nitrogen products are created equal, especially when it comes to their price tags. This interactive session will explore nitrogen needs, application rates, and product costs.
Burning Questions Q&A – Was there a topic we didn’t address? More in-depth discussion desired on something you learned? This session offers the opportunity to ask any remaining questions to speakers before the workshop’s conclusion.

Participants will have the option to participate in-person at Smith Hall on the Clinton County Fairgrounds in St. Johns, or virtually through Zoom. The cost of registration is $50/person which includes handout materials and lunch for those attending in person. The planning team has also applied for 5 CCA CEUs in Nutrient Management for Certified Crop Advisors.

Registration is now open online at https://events.anr.msu.edu/Fertility26/.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

MSU Extension Field Crops