The Specialty Crop Cast

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...

In this episode, we sit down with Nikki Rothwell, Coordinator of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center and longtime MSU Extension Specialist, to talk about the future of fruit farming in Michigan. Nikki shares insights from more than 20 years of research—including IPM breakthroughs, SWD modeling, climate resilience, high-density orchard systems, and the economic realities growers fa...

In this episode, we sit down with Nikki Rothwell, Coordinator of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center and longtime MSU Extension Specialist, to talk about the future of fruit farming in Michigan. Nikki shares insights from more than 20 years of research—including IPM breakthroughs, SWD modeling, climate resilience, high-density orchard systems, and the economic realities growers fa...

On this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast on Pomes and Stones we are joined by Isaiah Wunsch! A Northern Michigan specialty crop grower on Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City Michigan. He focuses on growing Apples and cherries farming 1000 acres. In this epsiode we talk about the challenges of farming cherries, equipment struggles and his own cherry packing house! All that and much more in thi...

On this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast on Pomes and Stones we are joined by Nate Kulpa! A Northern Michigan specialty crop grower who grows a large variety of crops like tart cherries, sweet cherries, grapes, and much more! He manages 350 acres to bring the highest quality fruits to market! Nate shares his experience launching his own wine brand and reflects on his time with Wilbur-Ellis as an...

On this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast on Pomes and Stones we welcome Nels Veliquette into the studio! A cherry and apple grower in Kewadin Michigan, Nels is passionate and an advocate for the industries he's involved in. He's been featured in the Chicago Tribune and The Wall Street Journal for his testimony in Washington D.C. in an lawsuit in front of the International Trade Commissio...

On this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast on Pomes and Stones we welcome Jake Campeau manager at Cherry Bay Orchards into the studio. A second generation farmer who started on the farm and was always pulled back to the farm through is early 20's. Jake does a variety of jobs across the farm from the field to the shop! Cherry Bay is located in Suttons Bay Michigan, and is large producer of tart...

In this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast on Pomes and Stones we are back in the studio discussing where we have been this summer! We catch up on cherry harvest went and what the apple crops look like on our farms! Were talking drone crashes, harvest stories and much more in this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast! Thank you for listening! Dont forget to follow on all the socials for more content...