Annual chestnut growers meeting opens for 2026

Registration is open for the Midwest Chestnut Producers Council (MCPC) Annual Meeting, set for March 13–14, 2026, at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station in Hickory Corners, Michigan. The event, hosted with Michigan State University Extension, offers educational sessions, networking and hands‑on learning designed for chestnut producers. The meeting kicks off Friday, March 13 with registration and coffee beginning at 8 a.m., followed by a series of grower‑focused sessions. Topics on the agenda include:

• Updates from Chestnut Growers, Inc. and Chestnut Growers of America
• A forum on managing Asian chestnut gall wasp
• Practical presentations on chestnut water management
• A session on getting started with drones in orchard operations
• An overview of development and lab validation of a vision‑guided robotic system for chestnut picking

Registration is required and will be collected at the door, with fees covering meals and materials. MCPC members and nonmembers may register, and additional family or farm members can attend at a reduced rate. Attendees may also join or renew their MCPC membership during the event. Get more information on registration deadlines, lodging and the full program from Michigan State University Extension.