Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT podcast

Kate Avery is Director of Marketing & Sales at Brewery Vivant, a brewpub, restaurant, and microbrewery in Grand Rapids.  Brewery Vivant is also the winner of the Michigan Grown, Michigan Great Restaurant Full Service Award.  Listen as Kate talks about how her history background helps her tell the rich and compelling story of craft beer. She shares about: Brewery Vivant’s triple bottom line approach to business How they look for the best ingredients, talk to growers, and work to understand the farmers’ growing and raising processes The explosion of hop farms in Michigan How the ocean can’t compare to Lake Michigan Her path to Brewery Vivant How people express their talent through food and drink    Taking pride in our state’s agriculture

Meet Chris Creguer, a territory manager for Pioneer Seeds, plus a corn, soybean, wheat and dry bean farmer, in Michigan's thumb region. He shares about:  An impressive airport feat...er,shin? How a debate about GMOs turned into a date, a wedding, five years and two kids.  The joy of growing up on a cattle farm and how that evolved into a career.  Revisiting a Super Bowl commercial  Where family, running, football and faith have (and will continue) to take him around the country What he likes about living and working in wide open spaces.  Resources mentioned in this podcast: Michigan Farm Bureau: https://www.michfb.com/mi/ Michigan Corn Growers Association: https://www.micorn.org/mcga 

Dani Dryer farms fulltime with her parents and sister to grow about 900 acres of crops including corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa. The family also works on custom-tiling fields for other farmers. She shares about: Things that’ve changed on their farm since she and her siblings were younger The path that led her back home to her family’s farm A mental picture, including restaurant recommendations, of her area Places she’s seen while snowmobiling Roles she has on the farm and in the community Trips she took and has coming up through agriculture Her favorite farm companion and other great influencers in her life Sites mentioned in this podcast: Family Fun at the Farm event: https://www.facebook.com/FamilyFunAtTheFarm/ Accurate ag books for your book barn: https://www.agfoundation.org/recommended-pubs

Meet Dirk Okkema, a dairy and sheep farmer from west Michigan. He also works fulltime as a member representative of a dairy cooperative. He shares about: A brief history of how his parents met and came to be farmers in the U.S. What’s involved in “lambing” season An overview of the Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program Regional differences he notices while he travels an average of 120 miles per day What he enjoys doing outside of work and farming Where he’s traveled to get a break and relax (oh, and maybe see some cool agricultural technologies) Teams he follows closely What it’s like to have an open house/barn for 2,000 people A clear answer regarding antibiotics & milk (It’s tested multiple times to guarantee antibiotics are never in store-purchased milk. Ever.) A time he looks forward to every year Resources mentioned in this podcast: Farm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/degrinsoerdairy/ Breakfast on the Farm events: https://www.canr.msu.edu/breakfast_on_the_farm/ Michigan Milk Producers Association: https://www.mimilk.com/ Michigan Farm Bureau: https://www.michfb.com/mi/ Michigan 4-H: https://www.canr.msu.edu/4h/

Meet Sean Trowbridge, who spoke with us on a snowy day in Goodrich (near Flint). He started a farm with his dad a little over 10 years ago with pigs, bees, turkeys, a big garden and hops. Since then they’ve narrowed their focus, and he shares with us about: What’s needed to grow, package and sell his 17 acres of hops to Michigan brewers Challenges that may arise for their strong, aggressive-growing hop crop Equipment that’s either special ordered or fabricated on-farm How they optimize their harvest with labor-intensive work Qualities that may change the flavor profile of hops (terroir) Why the farm business was narrowed to growing hops What he enjoys growing in his family’s garden to feed their outdoor souls Resources mentioned in this podcast: Learn more about Top Hops Farm at http://tophopsfarm.com/ Hop Growers of Michigan (Chinook Cup Winners!): http://hopgrowersofmichigan.com/ Michigan State University hop information: https://www.canr.msu.edu/hops/

Sarah Mathe farms with her husband and their two young children on her family’s centennial farm in southeast Michigan. They raise corn, soybeans and wheat, plus cattle and sheep. Listen in as she talks about: Stories about her four-year-old daughter’s unique dress-up experiences Family stories about time spent together and business transition Responsibilities she balances as a mother, farmer and volunteer Things she enjoys doing and eating A few new ventures she’s working on with family A brief discussion about Project Rural Education Day (RED) Her dream day Resources mentioned in this podcast: Michigan 4-H: https://www.canr.msu.edu/4h/ Farm Bureau Proud video: https://www.facebook.com/MichiganFarmBureau/videos/mark-and-sarah-mathethey-are-farm-bureau-proud/10156331000995490/ Michigan’s centennial farm program: http://hsmichigan.org/programs/centennial-farm-program/

Travis Fahley raises cash crops, hay and straw with his dad. He shares about: The roles other family members play in the farm dynamic The balance between sports and video games Sport/school rivalries in just one household His least favorite job on the farm Foods they’re eating in their household Something Michigan should have more of & travel destination ideas Things he’s working on in the winter Community projects his family enjoys doing Really great advice he’s received in life Resources mentioned in this podcast: Twitter: https://twitter.com/farmer810 Michigan Farm Bureau: https://www.michfb.com/mi/MFB/Farmer.aspx

It’s time to meet Carrie Preston! Carrie shares with us about lessons learned on the farm and through teaching about agricultural science. Topics include: What interests people most about her farm How Carrie chose to become an agriscience educator Transitioning into farming What sports teams her household roots for An activity that is a relief from camo and guns A surprising destination their family is looking forward to The secret ingredient to cooking an animal we’re not sure how to classify One of the most beautiful places she’s seen Resources mentioned in this podcast: United Dairy Industry of Michigan grants: https://www.milkmeansmore.org/ FFA: http://www.michiganffa.com/ 4-H: https://www.canr.msu.edu/4h/ MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator program: https://www.mimilk.com/membership/member-involvement/young-cooperators/ Farm Bureau: https://www.michfb.com/mi/

Meet Brian Preston. He farms with his dad, uncle and cousin to raise 1,500 acres of crops, plus 10,000 pigs per year AND milk 800 dairy cows in south-central Michigan. In this episode, we hear about: How and why their dairy and pig businesses have grown Brian’s passion in the business A simple solution to feed “shrink” in your household Activities that fill up his family’s days Something surprising Brian learned as new duck hunters The best place to eat at Michigan State A new tool Brian received for Christmas that will change-up their family meals Highlights of farm tours How he learned that he was meant for self-employment and why a family business is special Resources mentioned in this podcast: Quincy farm tour: https://www.facebook.com/PrestonFarms Brody cafeteria at Michigan State University: https://eatatstate.msu.edu/menu/Brody%20Square/ FFA: http://www.michiganffa.com/ Clemens Food Group (hog plant): http://www.cfgcoldwater.com/

Mick Kokx retired from Michigan State University. He raises locally-grown produce and meat goats in southwest Michigan. He shares about: Why he traveled to New Orleans recently A crisis he dealt with that required a biochemist to find answers to Questions he’s asked about frequently, and who runs the farmstand Which Michigan sports teams – and players – he’s rooting for What career he would choose if he wasn’t already rooted in farming An animal that never gets older and is their neighborhood icon The difference between goats and other animals (just one of many characteristics) A job he really didn’t like as a newlywed Taking corn orders before corn is even planted and planning trips around travel A beautiful picture of the perfect day How he got his start in farming Stickershock of making a move from Baltimore to the Upper Peninsula Things he’s most thankful for in life Stories mentioned in this podcast: Michigan Farm Bureau Promotion & Education: https://www.michfb.com/MI/Promotion_and_Education.aspx PBB crisis: http://www.michiganradio.org/post/michigans-toxic-1973-pbb-food-contamination-associated-more-health-effects

Meet Jennifer Lewis, a dairy farmer from Jonesville with a husband, three grown kids and three grandkids. Her family also raises corn, soybeans, wheat, hay and blueberries. She shares about: What she offers as a 4-H club leader and volunteer Changes she’s making in her blueberry business A hobby she enjoys but hasn’t had time for in three years The interesting challenges winter of ’78 brought to her family’s sheep farm What her family is known for in the community What she’s looking forward to in 2019 A household staple The most fun part of being a grandparent Why she’s eating her words and couldn’t be happier about it What they made for their employees this year (sorry in advance to your tastebuds missing out) Great advice she has received Sites mentioned in this podcast: Pleasant View Dairy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pvdairy/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PVDairyGal1 Michigan Farm Bureau: https://www.michfb.com/mi/ 4-H: https://www.canr.msu.edu/4h/

Jodi DeHate is a Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) Technician based in Missaukee County. She grew up on a dairy farm, but now she and her husband raise fruits and vegetables and she milks cows every other Sunday. Listen as she talks about: How she got started raising five acres of produce Creative ways she’s built a business with used materials Hunting and fishing with her dad How she and her husband met Career paths that led her to this point What good bugs she watches for and other farm practices The best advice she’s been given Plans for 2019 Sites mentioned in this podcast: Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program: http://www.maeap.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/FarmChicJodi DeHaVen Farm: https://www.facebook.com/DeHaVenFarm.Mich MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/index #agmeetup2019: https://twitter.com/AgMeetUp2019

Nick Schweitzer raises about 20 varieties of apples with his family in West Michigan. Learn more about him and: Jobs on the farm outside of apple harvest Why he’s the ultimate planner How apples are stored for optimum fruit quality all year long A career choice with a shocking seasonal twist Unique features of his region and one way his family mitigates risk for frost A future change he and his wife expect to make on the farm What he would choose to drink every day for the rest of his life His dream day and the most beautiful place he’s visited Why he loves traveling to the east side of the state so frequently Who he would invite to dinner, and an obvious dessert he’d serve Follow Nick’s farmlife on social media at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schweitzerorchards/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoveMyMIApples

The Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Restaurant is celebrating 130 years of being in business! Amy Zehnder Grossi is a fourth-generation restaurateur and joins our podcast as a winner of the 2018 Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT restaurant award. Hear about: 1,200 seats in a restaurant focusing on family-style chicken dinners and German entrees, plus bakery specialties Where the restaurant gets its fresh potatoes How they work with farmers to supply the volume of food served in their local restaurant Their annual Michigan Dinner event and some of the products (and people who raise them) that’ve been highlighted The family members who ensure food quality What brought her back to her family’s business The challenge of living in a seasonal state The most-prepared foods in her household The coolest and most interesting parts about touring farms that she works with Balancing life at home and at a family business For more information, visit: The Bavarian Inn Restaurant’s website: https://bavarianinn.com/dine/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrankenmuthBavarianInnRestaurant/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bavarianinn/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bavarian_Inn

Elaine Bristol works for the Michigan Ag Council during the day, but at night she transforms into a shepherd! Elaine, a fifth generation Michigan State Spartan, raises sheep with her family. Listen as she tells about how she ignored her instincts on a flight, the joy on people's faces at Disney World, the beauty of a dead end sign and how many wool items of clothing she sports daily. She covers: Providing a tasty salad bar for her herd The amazing utility of a shepherd's crook How grafting works with animals, not just plants Her upcoming wedding Becoming a chronic volunteer at the local fair Fitting into a millennial stereotype Finding love in 'plane' sight Living where others only vacation Beauty on land and in the sky, including eagles Why cheese and bread are the best foods Taking care of her grandma, who had Alzheimer's disease Sites mentioned in this podcast: Find more farmer stories like Elaine’s at https://michigangrown.org/

Meet Annie Link, a multi-generational dairy farmer who milks about 2,000 cows and raises crops in West Michigan. Her family’s farm started in 1915 when Annie’s great-grandfather married the farmer’s daughter. She and longtime friend (and podcast host) Carla visit about: The inspiration behind hosting tours for neighbors and other visitors A business transition that allows for more community engagement An adorable adopt-a-cow program A sports legacy that is continuing and an explanation of a “mat maid” Training…or not…for marathon running Where an obsession with cheese has led Annie A life-changing experience The things she appreciates about Michigan A surprising detail about her lifestyle…or should that be hairstyle? The best advice she’s been given in life What her learning goals are and how they fit around doing laundry Sites mentioned in this podcast: Farm website: https://www.swisslanefarms.com/ Dairy Discovery: https://www.facebook.com/DairyDiscovery/ Swiss Lane Dairy: https://www.facebook.com/swisslanedairyfarms/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/dairydiscovery

Ben Smith is a husband and father of four. He works with his father- and brother-in-law to grow wine and juice grapes, corn and soybeans in southwest Michigan. He also serves as the Executive Secretary for the Michigan State Horticultural Society. Get to know him and the roles he balances, covering: The main things he’s working on like one of the largest specialty crop shows in North America; combatting grape berry moths, fighting plant diseases and finding labor; and trimming grapevines Where his juice grapes end up – get excited for this local product, Michiganders! His roots in asparagus and cherries…and being an aerospace engineer obviously The course of his career and flight simulation What his four daughters like helping their Papa do during harvest The coldest job that leaves a person chilled to the bone in winter A unique seasonal gift he and his wife enjoyed their first autumn living in Florida A meal everyone in their household is enjoying right now The timeline farmers must get their semi-trucks loaded with grapes to the processing facility The most beautiful places he’s seen in the world The best advice he’s been given regarding change Sites mentioned in this podcast: Great Lakes EXPO: https://glexpo.com/ Follow Ben on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bendsmith83

Meet Ben Tirrell, whose family has owned the same farm for more than 100 years. They raise sheep and beef cattle, plus corn, soybeans and wheat. He shares about a variety of topics including: What he can tell about a farmer’s personality right out of the gate A few unique challenges of farming near the city Favorite family traditions with his two daughters How he spends time when he’s not working full- and part-time A worry he has for our future A skill he tries to focus on both professionally and personally A sport that should be featured on ESPN Ways he’s involved in his community beyond raising food The best advice he’s been given What’s been different about going to school now Ways that farmers are reaching out to others to be more open about farmlife Sites mentioned in this podcast: MDARD Right to Farm program: https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-1599_1605---,00.html Michigan Farm Bureau: https://www.michfb.com/mi/

Meet Tony Stefani, husband and father of four, who works with his dad to grow cut-your-own Michigan Christmas trees. He and Carla visit about: What it’s like to work all year for a business open nine days What you should do when you visit a U-Choose/U-Cut farm A family Thanksgiving tradition The different scents of tree varieties (you may remember this from last year’s Harvest Hangout with Tom Trechter) How he spends his time when he’s not working two jobs and completing a bachelor’s degree A book recommendation How Michigan Christmas trees get their (lengthy) start His favorite meal with endless possibilities His favorite quest with kids A more famous Stefani with a similar lifestyle (ha!) Sites mentioned in this podcast: Hillside Christmas Tree Farm: https://www.hillsidechristmastreefarm.com Farm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HillsideChristmasTreeFarm Michigan Christmas Tree Association: https://www.mcta.org/

Meet Zack Snider, a young farmer who raises pigs, turkeys, corn and soybeans with his family in West Michigan. He talks with us about: The most surprising thing about him (spoiler: it’s not far from having a seasonal werewolf running around the house) The difference between male and female turkeys A skill he has had since perhaps before he could walk A remodel project he’s working on Neat technology he and his dad work with to do the best job they can Barns with names…that are relevant for a very important reason! Sounds his son makes and other fun things Sawyer is learning Setting the record straight about family business in animal agriculture Three people he might invite to [Thanksgiving] dinner Family holiday traditions Things he’s most thankful for in this life Sites mentioned in this podcast: GreenStone FCS: https://www.greenstonefcs.com/resources/partners-magazine/2018/Fall-2018/10152018-rolling-with-the-changes Michigan Pork Producers Association: http://www.mipork.org/ Michigan Turkey Producers, a co-op of 15 farmers: http://www.miturkey.com/