The Specialty Crop Cast

How can autonomous robots help specialty crop growers tackle labor challenges and improve efficiency in the field? 🎙️ In this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast , recorded live at the Great Lakes Tek Flex event in Southwest Michigan, we sit down with the team at Burro to discuss autonomous robotics and how this technology is being used to support agricultural operations. We explore the potential f...

On this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast , we're bringing together agricultural innovation, precision technology, and practical solutions for today's farmers with Ecorobotix and Farm Depot! We're discussing how these two companies are helping move agriculture forward, combining innovative precision agriculture technology with the equipment, products, and support growers need to succe...

In this special LIVE episode of The Specialty Crop Cast, we took the podcast on the road to the first annual GL Tek Flex event, recording directly from the Ecorobotix plot. We talked with exhibitors, specialty crop growers, and event staff about the technology being showcased and, more importantly, what these innovations could mean for the future of specialty crop farming. From automation and robo...

The future of specialty crop farming is coming to Michigan with the inaugural Great Lakes Tek Flex ! In this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast, we take a deep dive into a brand-new event designed to connect Great Lakes fruit, vegetable, vineyard, nursery and orchard growers with the latest agricultural technology. Taking place September 10–11, 2026, at Michigan State University’s Southwest Michig...

In this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast, we sit down with Randy the Farmer to talk about life on the farm, modern agriculture, and what it really takes to build a life in farming. Randy shares his experiences in agriculture, the challenges farmers face, and how social media has become a powerful way for farmers to connect with consumers and tell their story. We also talk about the business of f...

Welcome back to The Specialty Crop Cast! In this episode, Talon, Zach and Steve sit down with Jim McArthur from Field Rows to discuss life on his Florida farm, where he grows cotton and peanuts. Jim shares the realities of modern row crop farming, the challenges of producing peanuts and cotton in the Southeast, and how his family's multi-generational operation works together to keep the farm m...

Get ready for cherry harvest with Zach and Steve as they take you through a final pre-harvest check across Northern Michigan's orchards. In this episode, we discuss how we're preparing for the busy harvest season, what we're seeing in this year's sweet cherry and tart cherry crops , and the final steps growers are taking before the first shakers hit the orchards. We also shift our focus to apples...

In this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast , I sit down with Dr. John Murphy , Director of Agronomy at AgXplore, to learn about his journey through agriculture and what led him to one of the industry's leading crop nutrition companies. We discuss the similarities and differences between row crops and specialty crops, how agronomic principles translate across both industries, and why specialty...

In this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast , I sit down with Rachel Miller from GoGo squeeZ to discuss how one of America's most recognizable applesauce brands works with growers, supports agriculture, and delivers healthy snacks to millions of families. We talk about where GoGo squeeZ apples come from, how the company partners with U.S. fruit growers, what goes into producing high-quality app...

The National Cherry Festival is celebrating 100 years , and in this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast , we sit down with Executive Director Kat Paye to explore the history, impact, and future of one of America's most iconic agricultural festivals. From its humble beginnings in Traverse City, Michigan, to becoming a world-renowned celebration of cherries, agriculture, and community, Kat shares...

What happens when it's time to pass the farm to the next generation? In this episode of the Pomes and Stones Podcast, we sit down with succession planning expert Art Littlefield to discuss one of the most important—and often most difficult—topics facing farm families today. We cover the challenges of transferring land, equipment, and management responsibilities while preserving family relation...

A frosty spring update from the guys

Join us for a special 1 year anniversary episode of the podcast with special guests from the past and future episodes!

Irrigation decisions can make or break a season—and too often, growers are left guessing when and how much to water. In this episode, we sit down with Eugene and Val from Verdi to talk about how data-driven irrigation is helping growers make smarter, more efficient decisions in the field. From timing and water use to improving crop performance, this conversation breaks down what better irrigation...

Independent crop consulting, agronomy insight, and practical specialty crop advice are at the center of this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast with Kyle Kelley of Crop Watch LLC. As an independent CCA, Kyle shares valuable perspectives on crop scouting, decision-making, pest management, and helping growers navigate challenges with unbiased agronomic recommendations. In this conversation, we dig i...

In this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast , we sit down with Lauren to break down regenerative agriculture in Michigan and how it connects to the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). We dive into what MAEAP is, how it functions to support farmers through environmental stewardship and risk management, and take a closer look at the new regenerative agriculture program and w...

In this episode of the Specialty Cropcast, we sit down with Kait Thornton to talk about bridging the gap between farmers and consumers through education, storytelling, and transparency. Kait shares her mission to reconnect people with where their food comes from and why understanding modern agriculture matters now more than ever. If you’re a grower, ag professional, or consumer who wants a closer...

Federal crop insurance for farmers is one of the most important risk management tools in agriculture, helping protect crops, revenue, and farm stability from weather events like frost, hail, and drought. In this episode of the Specialty Crop Cast, we sit down with Cory Blumerick, a federal crop insurance expert with Greenstone Farm Credit Services, to break down how crop insurance works and why it...

In this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast, we sit down with Leon Miller to talk about the story behind Brush Tamer and how a practical idea from the field turned into a valuable tool for orchard and specialty crop growers. Leon shares the inspiration behind the Brush Tamer, the challenges of managing prunings and brush in orchards, and how farmer-driven innovation can lead to better solutions for...

In this episode, we sit down with Amy Cohn , President of the Cherry Marketing Institute and the Cherry Industry Administrative Board , to talk about the future of tart cherries and the power of unity in agriculture. Amy shares her background, what led her to champion the tart cherry industry, and how strategic marketing, grower collaboration, and strong leadership are helping move the industry fo...

Solar is showing up on more Michigan farms — but does it actually make sense for specialty crop growers? In this episode, we sit down with a Harvest Solar professional Jake Schuster to talk specifically about what solar looks like in Michigan agriculture. From orchards and specialty crops to grain operations, we break down how solar systems are designed around real farm energy use and what growers...

This episode of the Specialty Crop Podcast dives into the role advocacy, policy, and grower representation play in the future of specialty crop agriculture. Joined by Nick Nadai of the Michigan Agri-Business Association (MACMA), the conversation breaks down how specialty crop growers are supported at the state and national level—and why that work matters now more than ever. Nick shares insight int...

In this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast , we’re joined by Tim Schrank of Nichino America to talk about crop protection from a true specialty-crop-first perspective. Nichino is unique in the crop protection industry as the only company dedicated exclusively to specialty crop farmers, and Tim shares how that focus shapes everything from research and development to real-world, on-farm solutions. W...

In this episode of the Specialty Crop Cast, we sit down with Greg Kugel to discuss what’s really happening in the specialty crop industry today. Greg shares insight on current market conditions, key challenges growers are facing, and how decisions made now can shape the long-term success of an operation. We cover real-world perspectives from the field, where opportunities still exist, and what gro...

In this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast , we’re joined by Chad Reenders — a fourth-generation Michigan blueberry farmer and President of the Michigan Blueberry Advisory Committee. Chad shares the history of Michigan’s blueberry industry and breaks down the major changes shaping it today, including farm consolidation, new plant genetics, pest and nutrition management, labor challenges, and what...