Grounded

We kick off Season 2 of our Grounded podcast with an interview with Tommy Bignall, MSC Director of Ag Operations. Tommy gives us an inside look at the direction of our Ag Operations department, some of our future plans for piling grounds, and talks about plans for the new hoop building and placement of the new pilers for 2021.

On this episode of Grounded, host Jim Ruhlman talks with Michigan Sugar Company Vice President of Operations, Jason Lowry. Jason talks about his background in the sweetener industry, and gives an update on factory operations.

Episode 8 of Grounded features an interview with current Michigan Farm Bureau President, Carl Bednarski. Carl is also a sugarbeet farmer and one of the founding board members of the cooperative. In this episode, Carl reflects back on his path to becoming a state and national spokesperson for all of Michigan agriculture, and his outlook on the future of agriculture in our state.

Episode 7 of Grounded features an interview with Mr. Clint Hagen, co-owner of Atwater Farms in Ubly, Michigan. During this episode, we learn more about the evolution of Atwater Farms, Clint's background and family, and involvement in Michigan Sugar Company.

Episode 6 of Grounded features an interview with Dr. Corey Guza, Michigan Sugar Company Director of Research and Agronomy, and Dennis Bischer, Director of Agronomy. During this episode, we learn more about Corey and Dennis, discuss the current crop, and discuss plans for the future of the Agronomy and Research teams at Michigan Sugar Company.

Episode 5 of Grounded features an interview with Brian Ingulsrud, Vice President of Agriculture for American Crystal Sugar Company. Brian and Jim discuss the similarities and differences between American Crystal and Michigan Sugar, reviews the 2019 harvest, and looks ahead to the next year.

Episode 4 of Grounded features Mr. Jim Johnson. Mr. Johnson retired in 2017 after serving as the Executive President for the United States Beet Sugar Association for 28 years. Johnson reminisces on his time in Washington, DC, his relationships with the sugar industry and some insight on how he navigated the political needs of each sugarbeet cooperative through the years.

Episode 3 of Grounded features an interview with Bill Herford and his son, Adam Herford. Bill and Adam are 4th and 5th generation sugarbeet farmers in the thumb of Michigan.

Episode 2 of Grounded features an interview with Mr. Mark Flegenheimer. Mark is the current President and CEO of Michigan Sugar Company, and has been with Michigan Sugar Company since 1994.

Episode 1 of Grounded features an interview with Mr. Ernest Flegenheimer. Mr. Flegenheimer was the President of Michigan Sugar Company from 1963 to 1993.