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Photos courtesy Greg Bird, Michigan Onion Committee
Wet spring weather delayed planting. Hot, dry weather made germination variable. But these setbacks didn’t keep a good crowd from showing up to view the results of this year’s Michigan Onion Committee onion variety trial. The trial, which included 29 varieties from seven seed companies, was on display at V&W Farms in Byron Center, Michigan, in mid-August. About 65 people showed up to check out the varieties on display. Organizers say this is a great turnout for the event.
Due to the planting being delayed until May 10 and the variable germination, the results of the trial are not a great indication of how the varieties would typically perform, according to organizers.
However, in addition to viewing the trial, field day attendees had an opportunity to hear presentations from a representative of the Michigan agriculture department; past president of the National Onion Association Doug Bulgrin with Gumz Farms in Wisconsin; and Michigan Senator Roger Victory, who is also a vegetable grower.
