Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT 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-millennial What day of the year she can finally relax How she knew she wanted to marry someone with a farmer mentality The mental health issues in agriculture today Why she loves watching things grow FaceBook Page carpenterfarmsadrian.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.

Courtney Matthias grew up on a livestock and crop farm, and she wanted a job that combined her love of science, cattle, and people. She went to MSU to become a large animal veterinarian, and she has been with the Sterner Veterinary Clinic for three years. She spends most of her time on dairy farms checking for pregnancy and maintaining care protocols. She, her husband Zac, and her daughter Zoey live in Ionia, where they love making use of the extensive trail system. Listen as Courtney talks about: How her first surgery patient became her best friend What farmers do to make sure cows are comfortable – fans, beds, climate How being blessed with long arms makes some vet work easier What surprises people about her job Her latest hobby – cake decorating

Paul Pridgeon is a seventh generation farmer on Pridgeon Farms, where he and his family raise hogs and crops. He, his wife Nikki, and their three daughters just moved closer to the farm to secure a 30-second commute to work. Paul went to Central Michigan for his business degree and MSU for his MBA before deciding to farm in Montgomery. He really enjoys working with and laughing with his family, especially when it’s at his expense. Listen as Paul talks about: The breakdancing ballet dance parties that occur when you live with four beautiful women The very real effects of Covid on the supply chain and prices Barns of the 80s, 90s, and today Why his least favorite crop surrounds his house What kind of fitness he’s embracing as a dad Why pigs prefer sleeping indoors

Tye Thompson started selling produce at 14 years old. He continued running his business as he earned his horticulture degree from MSU, and now he has four roadside stands where he sells multiple varieties of fruit and vegetables. Tye isn’t from a farm and didn’t grow up farming, and people telling him he couldn’t own one made him work even harder to make it happen. He spends his free time fixing up his home, spending time with his family, and seeing his fiancée, Holly. Tye talks about: How learning from other people and doing his own work has helped The amazing process of grafting trees What he loves about having regular customers His ultimate business goals How this unusual year was actually great for business What are the easiest and hardest foods to grow   Link to Facebook page

Matt Munsell owns Munsell’s Poultry Processing in Fowlerville, where he lives with his wife Amanda and daughter Elnora. Along with processing poultry for farmers markets, restaurants, and backyard growers, he and his family grow 1000 acres of crops, plus raise steers and pigs. They run a greenhouse and roadside stand right on the farm. Matt enjoys horseback riding with his wife, being active in Farm Bureau, and spending time with friends. Since they’re also farmers, that means they see each other when it’s raining.   Listen as Matt talks about: How poultry processing actually works His positive experience giving a farm tour to his wife’s city friends His thoughts on changing and volunteering What steps his farm took during the spring shutdown Links: Munsells Poultry Processing Munsell Farms

Deidre Iciek is a comprehensive nutrient management plan consultant, and she and her family also own Iciek Dairy in Gladwin. As a CNMP consultant, she works with farms to make sure their manure management systems are compliant, which includes help with reporting, permitting, and training. Deidre, her husband Walt, and her two sons love traveling domestically and internationally, camping at Higgins Lake, and going to MSU football games.   Listen as she talks about: Food tours with her siblings in Brooklyn, NY and Colombia, SA The continual need for evolution in the agriculture industry Her path through ag that led to her job now How you get a field named after you Her future trip to Ireland with her whole family

Afton Blight of Blight Farms took a year off before college and worked at a non-profit in South America. There she learned she liked working outside, enjoyed the seasons of Michigan, and wanted to see the results of her work – namely to watch crops and livestock grow. After graduating in animal science from MSU, she now farms with her family in Albion. She and her husband Branden also own and run River Dell Venue, an event barn on the Kalamazoo River.   Listen as Afton talks about: Her daily routine, which starts and ends with hogs Why bookwork isn’t her first choice How she loves that her husband is a plumber, but what career would save her the most money How to tell when a pig isn’t excited to see you The hair smell test for going out   Mentioned in podcast - blightfarms.com

Markeisha Wesley is graduating with a BS in agribusiness management from Michigan State University. She’s also worked as the assistant manager for the Detroit Kitchen Connect Program, which is an Eastern Market Corporation program that trains and supports food entrepreneurs. Markeisha enjoys traveling to other countries, being in nature, and enjoying outdoor activities with her friends.   Listen as she talks about: Her goal to start a fresh flower urban farm The fun of making homemade pasta What it’s like going to college online The satisfaction of gaining knowledge and experience through work and school How her interest in agriculture started, and where it’s going to take her

Lyndsay Earl is a member representative at Michigan Milk Producers Association, which is a milk co-op. Originally from a dairy farm, Lyndsay graduated in animal science - agribusiness management specialization - from Michigan State University. She enjoys working with dairy farmers to diagnose problems, perform inspections, and do employee trainings. She, her husband Seth, and their daughters enjoy spending as much time as possible on Hamlin Lake. Listen as she talks about: The first-ever Stakenas Stampede race they created this year What people want to know about dairy farming Their active involvement in American Farm Bureau and Michigan Farm Bureau Fitbits for cows, manure flushing systems, and other farm technology advancements Adventure races and representing Team Chocolate Milk

Amy Spitznagel owns Idyll Farms, a goat farm and creamery located in Northport, Michigan. Following a career as a teacher, flight attendant, and actress, Amy and her husband Mark decided to embrace the farm-to-table and environmental movement with a pasture-based goat farm. With goat cheese pairing perfectly with wine in the Leelanau region, the rolling hills being good for pasture, and the great fit with their family, their farm was born. Amy, her husband, and children spend as much time as they can on the farm and live in Bloomfield Hills. Amy talks about: How goats historically get a bad rap for their independent, inquisitive spirits The farm’s award-winning goat cheese The goat milking process, and what people are surprised to learn about goats How she loves foraging in the woods Her future plans to travel to Africa Visit their website

Caitlin Luck is a senior at Michigan State University majoring in agricultural education. Her family farm in Sand Creek grows corn, soybeans, and wheat. She knew since seventh grade she wanted to go into agricultural education at MSU, and all her activities through 4-H and FFA led to achieving her goal. She begins student teaching next year. She enjoys antiquing with her family, DIY projects, reading, and camping. Listen as she talks about: The animals on their farm, and why her mom is a crazy chicken lady How communication with consumers can only improve the state of ag Her brother’s funny experience at the fair Her upcoming presentation at the MSU swine farm The one person she talks to on the phone

Ben Zaleski, Michigan Ag Council Ambassador, became interested in agriculture by growing up around it in Port Austin and participating in FFA in high school. He’s a junior at Michigan State University, where he’s majoring in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Education, with the ultimate goal of working in community outreach. He likes to hike, run, and be outside, and when he’s forced inside, he likes to watch documentaries and movies – including, yes, Tiger King – like all of America in 2020. Listen as Ben talks about: Why volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House and Haven House is important to him The Harvest Hangouts and farmers markets he’s participating in as ambassador Making pasta noodles by hand, plus working in a restaurant Why he switched his major to get back into agriculture The best and cheapest pizza in East Lansing

Erin Keller recently graduated with her BS in Biosystems Engineering from Michigan State University, and now she’s an engineer at Consumers Energy. She became interested in agriculture through her science classes at MSU, her interest in sustainability, and her experience working at MSU Extension. She loves hiking, writing, reading, and art – her recent painting of Kid Cudi is one of her favorite pieces. Listen as Erin talks about: Being a walk-on on the MSU track team and why the javelin was fun Sustainable agriculture and environmental health issues Bringing football-level cheering to track and cross country Living in East Lansing with her dog, Breslin Why she wanted to be an agricultural ambassador

Jacob Hoskins, who recently graduated from Ferris State University, just started as a program technician for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency in St Johns. After working on farms in high school and enjoying the industry, he knew he ultimately wanted a job in agriculture. He’s looking forward to his work as an ambassador because he wants to be even more involved with the industry. He likes hiking, fishing, and going up north with his family. Jacob and his wife Sara are also getting ready to welcome a new puppy into their East Lansing home. Jacob talks about: How he learned about integrity from his best friend Detasseling corn and working on a produce farm Why maps are the first thing he looks at on his phone Just how steep the banks are on the Pine River Why the hamburgers at his house are the best

Lauren recently graduated from Michigan State University with a dual major in agribusiness management and food industry management from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. She’s now working in the appraisal department at GreenStone Farm Credit Services. Originally from Carsonville, Lauren’s family used to have a dairy farm, and now they have a beef and crop farm. She loves working in agriculture and especially talking with people about it. She’s getting married next year, enjoys cooking and baking, and likes to spend time going snowmobiling with her family. Listen as Lauren talks about: Having honest conversations with non-farmers Why she isn’t really on social media Her dad’s simple but profound advice Why she likes working in agriculture The best places to eat around campus

Haili Gusa became interested in agriculture through FFA, where she served as a chapter, regional, and state officer. Her involvement led to showing pigs at the county fair, entering many speaking competitions, and ultimately becoming an ag ambassador due to her love of talking to people about farming. She’s a member of the honors program at Central Michigan University, where she’s majoring in communication with a minor in psychology. She enjoys playing sports, running, and being with her friends on campus. Listen as Haili talks about: The love of running and volleyball that runs in her family FFA social media takeovers during COVID-19 Limo service and farmers markets How gardeners relate to farmers Being an adrenaline junkie at Black Rocks

Emma Grant is a junior at Michigan State University, where she’s double majoring in horticulture and crop and soil science, and minoring in ag business. Her hometown is Suttons Bay, and she’s enjoyed running the farmers market there for the last two years. After working on cherry farms and at the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center, she’s really interested in doing meaningful research that really helps farmers find solutions to growing problems. Listen as Emma talks about: Authentic Chinese food via her roommate Her new job working on tree fruits in a MSU research lab Everything she loves about farmers markets How she now has to quash her first instinct when she sees people Owning it in your own industry

Madelyn Cary lives on her family’s farm where they grow cash crops and raise cattle. They also recently began running the Elwell Elevator. She’s beginning at Michigan State University in the fall to study agribusiness management with the goal of coming back to work on her farm in a managerial position. She works at Bader & Sons, which is a John Deere dealership, even though she has to put up with a lot of teasing because her family owns Case IH machines. Though her senior year of high school was disappointing due to the COVID-19 panic, she has a positive attitude … and is going to wear her prom dress somewhere, even if it’s just in the living room. Listen as Madelyn talks about: Her love for showing cattle, and where it took her Everyone’s roles on her family farm Taking adorable baby chicks and lambs into classrooms for lessons Why it’s sometimes better eating at home, because Texas Roadhouse rolls are impossible not to overeat Why she devoted a Facebook page to agriculture See her facebook page

Hailey Andres just graduated from University of Michigan-Flint with a degree in graphic design and marketing. When she joined FFA at New Lothrup High School, she became interested in agriculture and shaped her career around it. She now is interning with GreenStone Farm Credit Services, plus she has started her own marketing business called Cultivation Agricultural Marketing LLC. She loves visiting National Parks and is the happiest outdoors. As self-described foodie, she also likes to check out the best places to eat locally and while traveling. Listen as she talks about: The great parts about Flint, including 100K Ideas which helps launch entrepreneurs Working with an agricultural museum and farms with her marketing business Her new apartment and the dog she’s going to adopt to live with her The best places to hike and eat in Michigan Why she has chosen agriculture, and what she wants to do with it www.cultivationagmarketing.com

Michael Ceja, Michigan Ag Council Ambassador, is studying business management at Delta College. His sophomore year of high school he got involved in FFA and got interested in ag advocacy and youth leadership. Last year he won the state collegiate discussion meet for Michigan Farm Bureau, and he plans to continue his involvement. He loves hammocking, listening to podcasts, and being with his friends. Listen as he talks about: His funny misunderstanding about animals How his ag mentor has helped along the way Why a true crime-comedy works What it was like to be in FFA Why he’s interested in ag advocacy

Grace Platte is one of our Michigan Ag Council Ambassadors. She’s studying agricultural education at Michigan State University, and she works two jobs – she manages social media for the College of Agricultural & Natural Resources, and she works for MSU Extension - Chronic Wasting Disease. Grace didn’t grow up on a farm, but she became interested in her friend’s pigs and became involved in 4-H and FFA, where she was a state officer. She loves advocating for agriculture in her professional and personal life. She also likes golfing, hanging out with her friends, and visiting the Thumb. Listen as Grace talks about: Her advice on intimidation Finding out why farmers love what they do Her dog Harper, who is going to live with her in the sorority house How a year at MSU will look like with COVID changes Relating to people about farming   Facebook: Grace Olivia Platte Instagram: @graceplatte

Tony Motz farms with his dad, where they grow corn, soybeans, and wheat on 3000 acres in St Johns. He also started Motz Meat, where he raises steers to sell as freezer beef. Tony earned his degree in agribusiness at Michigan State University, and he enjoys finetuning farm practices. For instance, they are taking tissue samples to analyze crop nutrients and improving record keeping by using software that links to a weather station. When he’s not working, he loves going up north or sitting on the back deck of his house with his fiancée, Mackenzie.   Listen as Tony talks about: The reward that comes with a dedication to farming and family Having a wedding reception in the same shop his parents did 28 years ago Why the third day of planting is the best day of the year When he knew he shouldn’t buy a dirt bike Why networking in college is even more valuable than learning financial ratios Facebook Page

Kip Siegler is a farming YouTube sensation, with over 14,000 subscribers, 66 videos, and 1.3 million total views in just nine months. He’s a dairy and crop farmer in Imlay City, where he milks 200 cows and raises hay, corn, soybeans, and wheat on 1700 acres. Kip farms with his brothers and parents, has two daughters, and is getting married next year to his fiancée Rochelle. He enjoys seeing his daughters perform in dance, having bonfires at his house, and cruising with his family in their old Ford truck.   Listen as Kip talks about: How his time in the military prepared him for owning a business His friends buying Siegler swag across the country and world How the farm now is a culmination of all the work that’s gone into it Why you have 30 chances to perfect growing crops How 4-H gave him the funds to buy his first house at age 19 Youtube Channel

Nate Wittkamp of Wittkamp Grain and Vegetable LLC grows asparagus, hemp, pickles, and zucchini on his farm in Oceana County. Nate graduated from Michigan State University and worked as a sales agronomist for Wilbur Ellis. After working for them and farming at the same time, he was approached by investors and asked to grow 200 acres of hemp. Instead of having two full-time jobs, he concentrated only on the farm to develop this commercially-new crop. In his free time, he follows Michigan State sports, bow hunts, and goes to the beach. Listen as Nate talks about: The original gold rush mentality of hemp that has since calmed down What it’s like to not have sports due to COVID-19 Reasons behind hand labor The amazing growth of asparagus The experiments you can do with crops when no one yet has all the answers

Katelyn farms with her grandparents, parents, brother, and husband on their centennial farm in Washtenaw County. They milk 400 cows and raise crops to feed them. Her main area of interest is taking care of the animals, including health management, making sure milking is going smoothly in the parlor, and raising calves. She’s heavily involved in promotion, 4-H, and Farm Bureau. When she’s not working, she loves to travel and read – currently Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie mysteries.   Listen as Katelyn talks about: How they invite everyone in their neighborhood over for a big open house Her first time hiking – which was climbing Mount Fuji in Japan Taking care of calves in the 95 degree heat Her grandpa’s influence on always trying to improve Being selected as the 2020 Young Farmer Ag Leader

Jesse Jensen is a beekeeper at Greene’s Honey Farm in Edmore. He’s been a beekeeper for nine years, and when he’s not working the bees, he’s taking care of his own hives at home. He, his wife Lauren, and their son Hoyt also love taking Ranger rides, watching Hoyt play in the sprinkler, and swimming and boating at Higgins Lake. Listen as Jesse talks about: The full-time job of beekeeping, including feeding, treating, and taking care of the bees Hunting, snowmobiling, and the best day of the year The year timeline of shipping bees around the country How taking care of bees is like milking cows – they don’t wait for you to have time for them The biggest bee problem right now

Sarah Tomac started selling pumpkins on the side of the road as a child…and her farm now grows 250 different varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds. She and her family also raise sweet corn, Indian corn, and soybeans. She loves the history of International Harvester, she’s an author and co-author of many books, and she’s raising three children. What she keeps coming back to is that although farming is a lot of work, she’s having a lot of fun doing it. She talks about: Hand pollinating pumpkins – the why and how Using rare seeds they get from a world traveler, including a variety called a cracked egg Her favorite description from a 5-year-old farm visitor about her fall decorations Her time living in Australia, and why she prefers Michigan How sibling rivalry gave her a great start in the business world Tomacpumpkins.com Sarahsgranary.com

John Bowsky is a conservation technician at Blue Water Conservation District in Sandusky, and he also farms with his family on their fourth-generation crop farm. On their centennial farm they raise 470 acres of wheat and soybeans. He’s 4-H swine superintendent, livestock committee chair, and Farm Bureau Young Farmer Chair in Sanilac County. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, 4-wheeling, and camping with his friends.   He talks about: His ties to the land, and what he hopes for future generations The 100 acre-wildlife preserve on his farm’s land Watching the fox family grow up in their backyard Why golf courses look like great hay fields His new experiment with no-till

Darcy Hansen is an agronomy consultant at Star of the West Milling, where she helps farmers put together their crop plans and scouts fields to identify solutions. She and her husband Coy also raise Black Angus cattle, Boer goats, and pigs at their home in Minden City - which she jokingly calls their funny farm. Darcy is a 4-H leader, 4-H Fair Superintendent, Chair of Promotion & Education for Sanilac County Farm Bureau, and township clerk. With increased demand for local meat due to COVID-19, she and Coy plan on expanding their farm in 2020. Darcy talks about: How some new procedures due to the pandemic are making business more efficient Why she loves her last three years on the Star team Her surprise engagement at the county fair Stopping at roadside stands on her honeymoon to ask about farming Using all of her organizational experience to do a township drive-through food pantry

Joe Bixler works for MSU Extension as a Statewide Government & Community Vitality Educator, and he’s also part of the Community Food Systems team.  Originally from the Thumb, he’s worked in agriculture his entire career.  With the COVID-19 crisis, he’s been very involved forming partnerships with food banks to distribute food to families in need.  Joe is a member of the school board, he’s very involved in his community, and he’s designed a backyard just for his six grandchildren, complete with a playhouse and slide.           Listen as he talks about: Distributing food during all kinds of weather this spring – including snow His main reasons for working in agriculture Beans, dairy, red meat, and all the different kinds of cultural food available and necessary New GMO labeling laws Buying takeout during COVID-19 for his 18-year-anniversary

Caleb Fuehring of C & D Fuehring Farms grows cherries, asparagus, apples, Christmas trees, corn and soybeans.  He and his wife Hannah are celebrating their first wedding anniversary while experiencing their first worldwide pandemic.  Caleb has seen farm technology improve considerably from the days when he was mowing orchards in an open cab tractor – with all the bees.  He enjoys a community of farmers, friends, and family that push him to work hard. He talks about: Why his friends joke about autosteering Being a two-time finalist for the Michigan Farm Bureau Achievement Award The best advice he got from his grandpa How he married a girl from his rival high school His future plans, from a bin & dryer setup to an Upper Peninsula trip

Terry Page started renting land when he was 13, and by the time he graduated high school, he farmed 100 acres and owed 550 hogs.  He now is raising soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, and corn on 2600 acres, and he also custom harvests for multiple other farms.  He enjoys bowling, hunting, fishing, and woodworking.  He and his wife Jody - who helps supply amazing dinners for the planting crew - also are raising two young sons, Gavin and Garret.     Terry talks about: Finishing his basement in rustic barn wood and beams The national competition after winning the Michigan Farm Bureau Achievement Award The worst game of charades you’ve ever seen How he’s getting what he deserves when it comes to his boys Watching the harvest, getting statistics – all remotely

Rich Baker of Rich Baker Farms, LLC in St Joseph County has a diverse operation. He grows seed corn, potatoes, cash crops, and he has a custom spraying operation.  He welcomes over 700 visitors at his orchard, and he raises cattle, hogs, horses, and goats.  On top of all this, he’s a member of the township board, the fire department, and the medical first responder team.  He’s also a 4-H leader and the head of safety and maintenance for the fire department.  Rich, along with this wife Cody and daughter Zoey, love spending time on the lake with their boat and camper. Listen as Rich talks about: How his parents punished him by not allowing him to go to the farm How the first farm check he wrote changed his perspective How the seed corn process actually works What he likes about farming, even in the rough years Why irrigation season is like Christmas morning every day 

Blake Gordon of B & C Gordon Farms raises wheat, corn, soybeans, and sugar beets in Croswell.  He and his dad, Cliff, often don’t need to use a two-way radio to communicate, because they know what the other is thinking.  Blake enjoys farming so much that when he’s not doing it, he likes to play the video game Farm Simulator.  Blake is also a Pioneer seed salesman and a Michigan Farm Bureau Young Farmer Leader Award finalist.  Like many essential businesses, COVID-19 hasn’t changed his day-to-day operations, but it does change the markets.  Listen as he talks about: His most-used apps, in addition to Snapchat Autosteer, and how it helps in record-keeping The best parts about working with Pioneer Tractor pulls, county fairs, and supporting the community His optimistic view of the challenges of farming

Isaac Matchett of Matchett Sheep Farm in Charlevoix raises sheep for meat and wool.  Right now with the uncertainly of the COVID-19 shutdown, he continues to work toward his normal goal of ensuring the farm is never stagnant.  He’s active in his church, Michigan Sheep Producers, and Michigan Farm Bureau.  In his free time he enjoys playing pickup soccer with friends and tourists that visit Charlevoix, and spending time with his wife Brianna and their two young sons, who are fascinated with every farm machine.   Isaac talks about: How many lambs a ewe has, to the exact decimal point The farming sparkle he sees in his boys The seasonal nature of sheep farming His most-asked questions about wool Why he likes to be working in his free time Sheep shearing video referenced:  LINK TO VIDEO

Cindy Visser and her family grow over 100 varieties of vegetables and flowers in Zeeland.  They sell at many farmers markets, direct to restaurants, and through their CSA.  Cindy, Phil, and their seven children have been working together on the farm since 1981.  They immediately responded to the challenges of COVID-19 by changing where and how they sold their products.  Cindy, an obvious extrovert, loves connecting with her community to talk about farming and faith. Listen as she talks about: Her husband’s saying, “Sometimes making it work is the hardest work.” The invigorating smell of plowed dirt and the excitement of seeing a plant grow Perspective gained from a difficult farming loss How each child learned a different essential skill at the tech center The group of girls she leads in her church to teach inward and outward beauty http://visser-farms.com/

Kate Livingston farms with her family on Livingston Farms in St Johns, where they raise grass fed beef, maple syrup, and peppermint and spearmint oil.  Her family farm has been in the same location since 1902.  Kate enjoys biking on the local rail trail, paddleboarding, working a variety of side jobs, and drinking maple syrup straight from the spigot.  Listen as Kate talks about: The increase in meat sales due to COVID-19 Her love of going barefoot and being outside Her advice about letting things go, especially in 2020 The farming practices they use to raise their cattle Her future plans for a storefront for direct sales https://www.livingstonfarmsmi.com/

Amanda Shreve is the Executive Director of the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA).  After earning a degree in horticulture from Michigan State, Amanda knew she had a passion for the industry.  She found her home at MIFMA, where for the last decade she has been working to support and promote farmers markets.  MIFMA also provides professional development, advocates for farmers, and works to make sure everyone has access to fresh and healthy food.  The MIFMA team visited more than 40 farmers markets last year, and whenever Amanda was at a market, she couldn't be stopped from trying lavender-flavored anything. Listen as Amanda talks about: What skills a good market manager learns – even if they were ‘voluntold’ into the position How no two days are the same in such a diverse role Why they form partnerships with other organizations – including the Michigan Ag Council What steps they are taking during the coronavirus shutdown The most common questions you get about farmers markets