Registration is Now Open for Pruning School With Simonit & Sirch in Southwest Michigan

Feb 19, 2026

By Esmaeil Nasrollahiazar and Mike Reinke et.al

Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Michigan Grape Society, is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 Michigan Pruning School featuring internationally recognized pruning masters Simonit & Sirch.

The two-day, in-person workshop will be held March 4–5, 2026, in southwest Michigan. Day one will take place at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and day two will be hosted at Jon Hinkelman’s Farm. The registration fee is $500, and enrollment is limited to 16 participants to ensure an intensive, high-quality, hands-on learning experience.

This program represents the launch of a multi-year initiative to bring advanced pruning education to Michigan’s grape and wine industry. Michigan State University (MSU) Extension intends to build on this foundation with continued programming designed to enhance vine health, long-term productivity and vineyard sustainability across the state.

Pruning remains one of the most critical management decisions influencing vine structure, crop balance and vineyard longevity. The Simonit & Sirch method—outlined in “Grapevine Pruning and Green Shoot Management”—emphasizes protection of the vine’s vascular system and the development of resilient structure through plant-based principles now adopted in leading wine regions worldwide.

Source : msu.edu

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