Michigan AF Podcast

Contrary to popular belief, dairy cattle only account for 2 percent of carbon emissions globally. We chat with Jeremy Werth and Samantha Whitehead from the United Dairy Industry of Michigan about what sustainability practices farmers are implementing to achieve carbon neutrality. Connect with Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT: Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter Checkout our website at Mi...

Our Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT Ambassador Megan Gruscynski chats with Michigan State University professor Dr. Dan Buskirk on the future of beef in Michigan from both a producer and consumer perspective. 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 !...

In this episode, one of our Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT Ambassadors, Carly Claucherty, chats with with Forgotten Harvest , Metro Detroit's largest food rescue organization, on their mission to meet the need of thousands of Metro Detroit's. From rescuing surplus food to cultivating 92 acres of fresh produce, discover how they're fighting hunger and reducing food waste. Meet the fa...

The Cream & Sugar Ice Cream Co. in Bay City is a collaborative effort between the Michigan Milk Producers Association and the Michigan Sugar Company to create fresh, hand-crafted ice cream. General Manager Tim Mangan shares how they source locally grown ingredients for their ice cream and the seasonal flavors available now. Connect with Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT: Follow us on Facebook , I...

The founders of Protein Pints were looking to marry two of their favorite things - fitness and ice cream when they created Protein Pints. Learn how the business came to be, why they picked Michigan to start the company and future plans to expand the business.  Connect with Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT: Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter Checkout our website at MichiganGrown.org Want...

Last spring Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Dr. Tim Boring as the Director of Michigan's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. We talk with Director Boring about his background and experience with Michigan farmers, as well as how Michigan is working to build resiliency with regenerative agriculture.  Connect with Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT: Follow us on Facebook , Instagram...

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: Foll...

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...

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 suppo...

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 Ch...

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...

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 amb...

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. Connect with Michigan GROWN,...

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 Connect with Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT:...

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,...

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 Sau...

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. Connect with Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT: Follow us on Facebook , I...

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.  Connect with Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT: Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter Checkout our website a...

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/sunlightgard...

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.fa...

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. Connect with Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT: Follow us on Facebook , Insta...

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. 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...

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. Connect with Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT: Follow us on Facebook , Instagram...

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! Connect with Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT: Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter Checkout our we...

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! Connect with Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT: Follow us on Facebook , Instag...