Michigan AF Podcast

Sustainability is at the forefront of farmers' minds at all times because they want to be able to pass their farms on to the next generation. We chatted with Greg Salisbury, Vice President of Electric Distribution at Consumers Energy about all the ways farmers and the company are partnering to reduce carbon footprints and utilize clean energy.Connect with Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Checkout our website at MichiganGrown.org Want to be featured as a Michigan AF business? Email us! Thanks for listening and come back soon to hear about more people, foods and places that are Michigan AF!

Like humans, dairy cattle are more susceptible to disease when they are newborns. Dr. Angel Abuelo, an associate professor at Michigan State University, researches immunity for calves and pregnant cows to improve health and productivity. He joins us on the podcast to talk about vaccines, his research and how MSU Extension works to promote agriculture to consumers."They [vaccines] go through a very thorough vetting process before they get to the market and before we as veterinarians or producers can use it on animals. They are definitely safe." - Dr. Angel Abuelo Connect with Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Checkout our website at MichiganGrown.org Want to be featured as a Michigan AF business? Email us! Thanks for listening and come back soon to hear about more people, foods and places that are Michigan AF!

GreenStone Farm Credit Services provides farmers with financial services and insurance, but they also give back to their members through their annual Patronage Day. Celebrating this year on March 16, the company will be giving back $120 million to members across Michigan and Wisconsin. Hear from their new CEO, Travis Jones, about why giving back is so important, as well as how GreenStone can support first generation and new farmers. We also discuss why GreenStone has been named a great place to work by the WallStreet Journal.Connect with GreenStone Farm Credit Services: https://www.greenstonefcs.com/ Connect with Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Checkout our website at MichiganGrown.org Want to be featured as a Michigan AF business? Email us! Thanks for listening and come back soon to hear about more people, foods and places that are Michigan AF!

February 18-25 is the celebration of National FFA Week and to tell us more about the organization, as well as 4-H, we're chatting with Kent Bollinger, the longtime agriscience teacher and FFA advisor at Coopersville High School. Kent shares how students learn about agriculture, leadership, and life through FFA. This episode is co-hosted by Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT Ambassador, Kelley Chase. Connect with Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Checkout our website at MichiganGrown.org Want to be featured as a Michigan AF business? Email us! Thanks for listening and come back soon to hear about more people, foods and places that are Michigan AF!

There are so many ways agriculture touches our everyday lives, all the way to the grass under our feet! We're chatting with Diane Mischel, a third generation sod farmer at DeBuck Sod Farm. Diane shares how sod is grown, harvested and delivered to your door to create a beautiful, lush yard instantly. Connect with Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Checkout our website at MichiganGrown.org Want to be featured as a Michigan AF business? Email us! Thanks for listening and come back soon to hear about more people, foods and places that are Michigan AF!

As a professor at Michigan State University for the last three decades, Dr. Karen Renner has had the opportunity to see the students in her classes evolve from those interested in pursuing careers in agriculture to students from across the spectrum of the university. She shares how she has evolved her course too and how technology is changing the future of farming. This episode is co-hosted by ambassador, Maddie Cary.Connect with Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Checkout our website at MichiganGrown.org Want to be featured as a Michigan AF business? Email us! Thanks for listening and come back soon to hear about more people, foods and places that are Michigan AF!

The future of agriculture depends on innovation and technological advances to keep the industry progressing forward. Efforts to attract and retain agriculture technology companies in Mid-Michigan falls to the Lansing Economic Area Partnership. Through a new project on the M-21 Corridor, LEAP is bringing AgTech to the forefront. We talked to Emma Bostwick to learn more.

Meet Ambassadors Zoey and Emma and learn how they got involved with the Ag Council, decided they wanted to pursue agriculture as a career and hear them answer questions from our listeners about farming and Michigan agriculture. If you're interested in being part of the next group of Ambassadors, you can learn more about michigangrown.org/ambassador

Benzie County in northwest Michigan is home to nearly 18,000 residents and they are supported by a vast community center at Grow Benzie. With programming for young and adults alike, Grow Benzie strives to provide access to healthful foods, jobs, life skills, and each other while providing a space that nurtures this activity. With an incubator farm, commercial kitchen and their own farmers market, Grow Benzie is growing a supportive community.

We're chatting with Maria Leggett, the chef behind the Grand Traverse Hot Sauce Co. Based in Traverse City, this hot sauce company prides itself on sourcing ingredients from right here in Michigan and Chef Maria pours her heart into her recipes. This episode is co-hosted by our ambassador Micheal Ceja, who also has a special connection to the hot sauce company.Find the Grand Traverse Hot Sauce Company on Facebook and Instagram.

It's estimated that the cost of groceries has increased 10% over this time last year. We talk with George Quackenbush, executive director for the Michigan Beef Industry Commission on what factors play into this increase, how farmers are impacted by it and how shoppers can stretch their dollar when buying meat at the store.

Michigan has long-standing been a leader in craft spirits and has a rich history and connection to agriculture. Hear more as we talk to Dianna Stampfler, the executive director of the Michigan Craft Distillers Association and Angie Jackson, Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT Ambassador. 

Devon Wilson is on a mission to make food and agriculture accessible to young people! He started Sunlight Garden in the heart of Battle Creek so he could connect people to their food in a meaningful way. Hear how he does this by connecting his community to local food. We're also joined by Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT ambassador, Angie Jackson!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunlightgardens1 

Supporting local farmers and businesses is easy in Michigan with the abundance of food and products grown here. In this episode we're chatting with Joe Verbeke, the owner of the Superior Street Mercantile in Albion. The Mercantile is an independent market that features over 120 Michigan-based products and sources produce, eggs and meat from local farmers.Find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/superiorstreetmercantile

Soil2Service is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to connecting humans to their food. We chatted with co-founders John Piazza and Jeremy Abbey to learn more about their initiatives and how they are partnering with Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT to promote the diversity of Michigan agriculture at Greenfield Village.

This week we chat with Michigan Gluten Free Gal about the ways Michigan restaurants and bakers are catering to people with Celiac Disease and gluten allergies.

Star of the West is a 152-year-old milling company in Frankenmuth. Some of the most popular food brands are made with flour milled at Star of the West. They're also taking great steps to be sustainable. Listen as we chat with Sustainability Director, Lisa Woodke, about how Star of the West is protecting the planet.

Michigan is home to some of the best grains and ingredients for making cocktails and spirits. We meet Angie Jackson, the Traveling Elixir Fixer, to learn more about the process behind mixing the perfect drink and learn more about how she is working with farmers to create fabulous cocktails!

There's nothing better than fresh produce straight from the farm. At Fusilier Family Farm, you can order fresh fruits, vegetables and other products to be delivered right to your door, straight from the field. Chad Fusilier shares how the program got its start and has grown in popularity. Find out how you can sign up!

Farmhaus Cider Co. in Hudsonville started as a dream for John Behrens and his wife and grew quicker than they imagined. From people just showing up to the facility when there wasn't a taproom, to winning an award four years running, the origins story of this Michigan cidery just HAD to be shared. 

GreenStone Farm Credit Services supports farmers throughout Michigan and Wisconsin with loans, insurance and grants. Hear how the financial institution is giving back to their patrons in a record-breaking way!

March is Michigan Food & Agriculture Month and we're joined by the Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gary McDowell, to share about all the great ways we can celebrate our agriculture and food in the Great Lakes State. 

Growing Hope in Ypsilanti is providing opportunities for residents to grow, sell, buy, prepare and eat nourishing food. We chat with executive director Cythnia VanRenterghem about the programs provided by Growing Hope and how the organization is creating a sustainable food system in Washtenaw County.

Loren King, social media strategist with NEOGEN, may not be working directly in production agriculture, but that doesn't stop him from advocating for it. Loren is passionate about sharing farmers' stories and showcasing the technology and innovation farmers use everyday. He shares his insights on the future of farming and how Gen Z will change agriculture.

When you visit Ed Dunneback & Girls farm in Grand Rapids, you get so much more than fresh fruits and vegetables from the farm. With delicious food, live music, trivia and a brewery in the basement of the barn, it's an experience - and one you don't want to miss. 

Are fresh fruits and vegetables healthier than frozen? What does genetically modified mean? There are alot of myths around topics related to food and nutrition. We're joined by ambassador Maddie Cary and MSU Agricultural Economist Trey Malone to bust some of the most common myths around agriculture and food.

The Ankley Family Farm was founded in 1902 but that doesn't mean it's an old farm. The farm in Imlay city is constantly evolving and diversifying and in 2020 they added agritourism destination to their resume. We talk to Joe Ankley about how the farm is welcoming guests to pick flowers and more.

If you're ringing in the New Year from the comfort of your living room, you can still get festive with InBooze Infusion Cocktail Kits. We're joined by founder Ashleigh Evans to hear all about how the kits work and how she ended up on Oprah's Stocking Stuffer list in 2020. 

It's the most wonderful time of the year - holiday baking time! Emily Lawler from the Cookie Press shares her best tips for baking and decorating the perfect sugar cookies for your holiday season. Tune in for all her baking secrets!

Lisa Szymanski is a crop farmer in Port Austin who loves Christmas. Her family has many traditions around finding the perfect tree to put up each year. Lisa's decided she wants to provide those traditions to other families, so she's starting Creekside Christmas Tree Farm. Listen as Lisa shares her vision for the farm and her infectious Christmas Spirit!

In the pursuit of the perfect Michigan-grown Thanksgiving, we turned to the experts at the MSU Meat Lab to learn all the tips and tricks for cooking the perfect Thanksgiving turkey. You'll learn how to pick the perfect turkey, how to make sure it's nice and juicy on Thanksgiving (and after) and how to not burn down your house this holiday season!

If you want a taste of Michigan, then look no further than Barrel & Beam Brewery in Marquette. Co-Founder Nick VanCourt shares how they brew Michigan craft beer and cider to perfection and where you can find, even if you're not a Yooper.

Michigan sheep produce about 325,000 lbs. of wool each year and the Zeilinger Wool Company spins much of that wool into beautiful yarn and products. Chief Operations Officer April Zeilinger shares how the 100+ year-old company got its start and some of the ways to spot quality yarn.

Do you eat enough beans? We'll hear from Shari Steinback, a nutritionist and culinary consultant, about why incorporating beans into a plant-forward diet is so important and how you can cook up some tasty beans this season. We'll also meet Steve Ewald, a bean farmer from Tuscola County who shares how and when beans are harvested in Michigan.

Fostering community through coffee isn't just the mission of Foster Coffee Co., it's a labor of love for founder Jon Moore. Meet Jon and hear all about his journey from touring musician to coffee roaster and why connecting with his community, including local farmers and growers, is so important.

The Animal Agriculture Alliance brings together farmers, ranchers, processors and others to safeguard the future of animal agriculture. Staffers Emily Solis and Grace Platte share more about their mission and how they work to advocate for farmers and ranchers.

The Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT podcast is back from our summer hiatus and excited to share stories of agriculture and food from around Michigan. Meet our new host, Noelle Nachreiner, and learn what you can expect from the Michigan AF podcast.

They say all good things must come to an end, but we disagree. We think all good things should take a brief hiatus and relaunch with version 2.0...like this podcast. Over the last three years, Carla Wardin has served as the voice of the Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT podcast - introducing us to farmers, producers and ag leaders from throughout Michigan. As Carla moves on to bigger and better things, we thank her for the incredible work she's done and we wish her well! As for us...the show must go on...sorta. We'll be back in June with a new host, new format and new name. Stay tuned...

Derek Thom is a crop and cattle farmer at D & D Thom Farms in Peck, and he's the fifth generation in his family to be on the farm. He grows corn, soybeans, sugar beets, wheat, and hay. He also raises Holstein steers and maintains a beef cow herd. When he's not on the farm, he likes to hunt, ride his dirt bike, snowmobile, and be outside. Listen as he talks about: The crop he most enjoys harvesting The new barns they're building this year The amazing technology of farm equipment The changes his family farm has made over the years His hometown of Peck Follow him at: YOUTUBE FACEBOOK

C.J. Hunt owns Hunt's Hillside Vineyards, LCC in Lawton, where he grows 38 acres of eight different varieties of wine grapes. He contracts his grapes to St Julian Winery in Paw Paw. He and his wife Hilary are raising three children – Payton, Sadie, and Clyde. Together they enjoy sledding, enjoying winter in a greenhouse, and going out to eat. C.J. talks about: How wind machines work to keep off the frost His plans for growing more grapes this year His career path that led to being an owner The labor problems facing his industry How the polar vortex affected wine grapes Links to visit: facebook.com/colemanjhunt facebook.com/HuntsHillsideLLC

Andrew Woelmer raises corn and soybeans on his seventh-generation family farm, and he also is a financial services officer at GreenStone Farm Credit Services, the agricultural lending organization. Andrew began farming his own land when he was still in college at Ferris State University, and after graduating with an applied math major and finance minor, he got an opportunity to start at GreenStone. Five years later, he's enjoying both roles. Listen as he talks about: Running the combine with his nephew Orin (pictured here in tractor) The rain and hail of tough years How he decided on his career path How his roles complement each other What he likes to do when he's not farming FACEBOOK PAGE

Allan Robinette is part of Robinette's Apple Haus & Winery, an agri-tourism destination in Grand Rapids. They also offer you-pick of a variety of fruits, a corn maze, a bakery, and many family activities. Allan credits his grandparents Jim and Bethel Robinette with making the transition to a retail business model. When Allan isn't pruning, talking with visitors, or doing one of the million other details it takes to run a business, he enjoys cycling and watching movies. Listen as Allan talks about: The best apples to grow and eat Pest control with pheromones How a company designs and forms a corn maze How to prune trees to get the best growth How one expansion led to another for farm visitors   Tag in social media: WEBSITE FACEBOOK PAGE

Kendra Kissane has her dream job of being the environmental stewardship manager at the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy through Dairy Management Inc. She's working with farmers to meet the sustainability goals of achieving carbon neutrality or better, optimizing water usage, and improving water quality by 2050. She and her husband are moving to her family's farm, where she will get to use her interior decorating skills to make it their own. They enjoy participating in adventure races, skiing, traveling, and hiking. Listen as Kendra talks about: Why she enjoys her job as environmental stewardship manager, and how she got here Her plans for wildflower planting and a pumpkin patch How farmers can recognize and promote the sustainable efforts they make every day How she and her husband met  Her favorite state park in Michigan, plus her favorite foreign countries

McKenzie and her husband Joe farm hay, livestock, and row crop in Dundee, MI. McKenzie also is a news anchor for ABC 13 in Toledo. She grew up on a crop farm, and she and Joe met at the Monroe County Fair – they even had their engagement pictures taken there. Together they're raising show pigs, expanding their operation, and traveling – with stops for checking out hay equipment on the way. Listen as McKenzie talks about: Date nights delivering hay Apologizing to interviewees in case you smell after leaving the pig barn What you need to do to take care of pigs Interviewing a farmer after a tornado devastated his farm, and his open demeanor How she got into broadcasting, and what she gets out of it

Abby owns a greenhouse, helps at her family's farm and agritourism business, and is a crop insurance agent for River Farms Crop Insurance Agency, Inc. She's vice president of the Lenawee County Farm Bureau Board, and she's also on the state Young Farmer Committee. She and her husband Ben just got married during the summer of 2020. They enjoy exploring state and national parks, kayaking, canoeing, and just being outside.Listen as she talks about:Why she is the least millennial-millennialWhat day of the year she can finally relaxHow she knew she wanted to marry someone with a farmer mentalityThe mental health issues in agriculture todayWhy she loves watching things growFaceBook Pagecarpenterfarmsadrian.com/

Kyle Keller owns Keller Farms & Supply, which is a part of agriculture people don't think about every day. He grows and sources 5,000 acres of wheat straw and hay bales to supply erosion control and manufacturing companies, like making straw blankets. They also supply dairy and equine operations. Kyle began his business in 2014, right after he graduated high school, and continued running it while he graduated from Michigan State in agribusiness management. In his free time he coaches baseball, is a chapter advisor for Alpha Gamma Rho, and enjoys traveling to ag and sports events. Listen as he talks about: The color, length, moisture, and grade requirements in straw Why you should take business risks in your 20s Working with his family, and his mom's famous food Why July 1 is his Christmas day The planning, coordinating, and personal relations that go into running a business FaceBook Page Instagram: @kellerfarmssupply www.kellerfs.com

Olivia and her family own DeVooght Farms and run DeVooght's General Store in Skandia, where they sell food they produce, as well as products from other local farmers. Their dairy barn roof collapsed in 2019 after 14 feet of snowfall, Olivia had to decide if they wanted to rebuild or quit altogether. They continued to press on, because as Olivia said, “The milk prices aren't good, but the lifestyle is.” She and her husband Craig just welcomed a new baby, Hazel Anne. Listen as Olivia talks about: How milking robots work, and what interesting behaviors cows have How their farm and general store complement each other One of the worst days of her life after a month of shoveling Her Earth Day baby and the perfect picture What you learn when you go from raising 40 chickens to 600 FaceBook Page

Katie Serbinski has spent her entire career communicating the message about making healthy food choices, and she's raising four children who are her toughest food critics. As Director of Nutrition & Consumer Communications for the Michigan Beef Industry Commission and a registered dietitian, she works with health care professionals and consumers on spreading awareness on resources, recipes, and research. On the side, she also runs her own business, Mom to Mom Nutrition. Listen as Katie talks about: The health benefits of beef and how to make every bite count Why she tries burgers at every restaurant Why her career path led her toward working with farmers and communities What she likes to do with her kids in metro Detroit Why she's been making a chipotle sloppy joe with crunchy coleslaw topping recipe for a decade   MIBeef.org Beefitswhatsfordinner.com MomtoMomNutrition.com  

Tera Baker is the applications and marketing manager for Nedap Livestock Management, North America. She's been working in ag tech for seven years, and her position involves working with technology that helps farmers manage their herds – like with devices that are similar to Fitbits for cows. She and her husband Shawn also farm their own crops, own a precision ag business, and help on her family's farm. Listen as Tera talks about: The transition from ag tech solving problems to preparing for the future Her first Disney princess calf Why her husband wanted her to win second place in the national Farm Bureau discussion meet The way the cows look in the morning with the steam rising from the herd, and why she loves it The moment she knew she made the right decision about her career   facebook.com/newviewprecisionag facebook.com/Tri-Koebel-840463816023495

Riley Brazo is a 2020 Michigan Farm Bureau Young Farmer Ag Employee Finalist and sweet sixteen discussion meet finalist. He works with Fawn River Farms, where they raise seed corn for Bayer Crop Sciences, commercial corn, and 6,000 hogs. Riley's favorite time on the farm is seed corn harvest, because he loves the satisfaction of seeing the completion of all their hard work. He and his wife Ashley love – in a normal year – going to concerts and attending MSU games, and they always enjoy camping. Listen as Riley talks about: Interesting details on how flaming and detasseling actually work What day makes him as excited as Christmas morning Why he jokes he married Betty Crocker How a video on a blue jacket led to his community involvement What new data collection technology he has seen over just a short time

Phil Dougherty is a turkey farmer in Alto. He, his wife Jennifer, and his four kids have been raising heavy toms for three years. Phil worked on dairy farms while he was growing up, and he started his career as an electrician. His wife's family also has their own turkey farm, so he became interested in the business when he met her, and years later they decided to start their own. Phil spends his time watching his kids play sports, running, and volunteering in his community. Listen as he talks about: Details on how turkey farming works Different turkey personality traits Challenges in the poultry industry The mini-date he and his wife go on each week for Meals with Wheels What community organizations mean the most to him Listener note - Phil wanted to make a correction. During the podcast he said Coccidiostats when he meant Ionophores. Coccidiostats are allowed in No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) production.