Aug. 9, 2024 ~ Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies Treasurer, CFO, and HR Director Tom Nugent, and Michigan Farm Bureau Insurance VP of Marketing Deb Dansby talk with Kevin and Tom about their efforts to address the issue of childhood hunger in rural areas such as Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. More at MIMISHFB.com and FeedingMyFamilies.org.
Aug. 9, 2024 ~ Michigan Farm Bureau President Carl Bednarski joins his new COO, Michelle Reynaert, to talk about the goals behind her appointment to the position. Reynaert, who boasts a background in healthcare operational leadership, talks on her plans to focus on advocating for the health and wellbeing of those who are the backbone of Michigan’s farming community.
Aug. 9, 2024 ~ Farm Bureau Insurance CEO Don Simon talks on the 75-year history of their organization and their continuing commitment to support Michigan farmers with specialized insurance products. Learn how the company protects farmers from things like theft, weather unpredictability, and cyber threats, while serving as a legislative and public relations advocate for the industry.
Aug. 9, 2024 ~ Michigan Farm Bureau Agribusiness Statewide Sales Director Kevin Robson joins the Pure Michigan AG Tour to talk with Kevin and Tom about the impacts of farms on local economies, the local food supply, and open space preservation. Mr. Robson also talks about this year’s favorable growing conditions, the impacts of inflation on farmers, and the trends in the food buying habits of today’s younger consumers.
Aug. 8, 2024 ~ ITC Michigan Senior Area Manager of Local, Government, and Community Affairs Nora Balgoyen talks on the Pure Michigan AG Tour about the integral role of electricity in modern farming. Learn how ITC powers critical farming operations such as irrigation, climate control, and harvesting machinery. Also learn how ITC is working to address the evolving needs of agriculture in Michigan, with a look at some key upcoming infrastructure initiatives.
Aug 8, 2024 ~ Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Tim Boring talks with Kevin and Tom on the Pure Michigan AG Tour about the advocacy efforts of his agency. Listen as Tim addresses concerns such as climate change, supply chain challenges, food safety, migrant workers, the promotion of local consumption, and the assistance that farmers need to sustain both their crops and their livelihoods.
Aug. 8, 2024 ~ Alpine Township Supervisor Greg Madura talks about the significance of agriculture in his community, especially apple farming. Learn how the region, which is also known for growing cherries and peaches, depends on crops to sustain their economic health. Greg also talks on Alpine Township’s rural charm and close-knit community, and the ways in which they’ve come together on topics such as agritourism to support and improve their way of life.
Aug. 8, 2024 ~ Schwallier’s Country Basket Founder Phil Schwallier joins Kevin and Tom on the Pure Michigan AG Tour to talk about the importance of agritourism on agriculture-based businesses, and how that aspect of the industry is a substantial part of his business modal. Phil also talks about this year’s exceptional growing season while offering a preview of all the things there are to see, do, and taste at his Grand Rapids-area farm attraction.
Aug. 7, 2024 ~ Kayla Pionk, director of PR and leisure tourism for Go Great Lakes Bay, and Annie Rummel, CEO of Go Great Lakes Bay, talk with Kevin and Tom on day two of the Pure Michigan AG Tour about Michigan’s rich agricultural diversity and how it ranks second only to California in crop variety. The duo also talks about agritourism, spotlighting regional experiences like wineries, breweries, and self-pick farms.
Aug. 7, 2024 ~ Star of the West Milling Company CEO Jim Howe joins Kevin and Tom on the Pure Michigan AG Tour to talk about how his flower mill has evolved from a small steam-powered operation 150 years ago to becoming one of the top five flower millers in the U.S.
Aug. 7, 2024 ~ Michigan Sugar Agricultural Communications Manager Jackie Keyser talks with Kevin and Tom on the Pure Michigan AG Tour about her company’s contributions to the Bay City region. Jackie highlights their focus on the latest environmentally friendly processing techniques, which expand yield without expanding their footprint. She also talks on the company’s commitment to community programs, including their charitable support initiatives and academic scholarship programs.
Aug. 7, 2024 ~ Bay City Convention and Visitors Bureau Chairperson Ray Van Driessche joins the Pure Michigan AG Tour to talk about the bounty of produce grown in the Great Lakes Bay area, including corn, soybeans, sugar beets, pickling cucumbers, and blueberries. Beyond the crops, Ray talks with pride about the region’s rich history, strong community, vibrant economy, and beautiful scenic waterfront views.
Aug. 6, 2024 ~ The Pure Michigan AG Tour visits Argus Farm Stop, an innovative farmers’ market concept created by Kathy Sample and Bill Brinkeroff. Learn how Kathy and Bill transitioned from corporate careers to establish a platform that supports over 200 local farms while providing fresh, locally-grown food to the Ann Arbor community.
Aug. 6, 2024 ~ David Klingenberger, chief fermentation officer of The Brinery, joins Kevin and Tom on the Pure Michigan AG Tour to share the story of his thriving sauerkraut business. Learn the history and health benefits behind the practice of fermentation, and preview his unique recipes that today are supplied to around 700 stores and restaurants across the Midwest.
Aug. 6, 2024 ~ We The People Opportunity Farm Founder and Executive Director Melvin Parson talks about his non-profit farm that offers formerly incarcerated individuals the opportunity to develop skills, gain employment, and engage in their communities by giving back.
Aug. 6, 2024 ~ Lavender Lane Owner Joe Pusta talks with Kevin and Tom on the Pure Michigan AG Tour about his organic lavender business, which offers over 75 lavender-based products including aromatherapy and pet items. Learn about the varieties of lavender plants at the farm, plus hear about their annual Lavender Harvest Festival, which happens each year in July.