Wayne County mash-up: RUP credits, chili, euchre?

Wayne County finds success smashing together some odd bedfellows: pesticide training, a chili cook-off and why not throw in a little card tournament?

Date Posted: February 15, 2023

Hannah Meyers, Michigan Farm Bureau

Early this month Wayne County Farm Bureau members enjoyed a two-fer combining friendly competition and an itch for some fresh pesticide applicator credits.

The annual training-plus-membership mash-up is coordinated by membership co-captains Phil Selter and Paul Robakiewicz.

By day (Feb. 3 if you’re keeping score) the county hosted a workshop facilitated by Spartan Ag Consultant Ned Birkey. He and Michigan Farm Bureau Legislative Counsel Ben Tirrell covered topics including the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) and several pesticide-related issues, from environmental concerns to GAAMPS, recordkeeping and potential legal pitfalls.

Each participant earned six RUP credits for attending the program.

Afterwards the same group regrouped to face off in Wayne County Farm Bureau’s annual chili cook-off and euchre tournament. The top chili makers and euchre players took home a prize!