Michigan Agriculture 2014

MICHIGAN AGRICULTURE
A GUIDE TO THE STaTE'S FaRMS, FOOD aND COMMERCE
Sustainable Farming
FARMER-SUPPORTED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSURANCE PROGRAM ENSURES OPPORTUNITIES fOR THE NEXT GENERATION
In Partnership with Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development // www.MIagriculture.com // 2014
Harvest
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
9 Governors Welcome Letter 11 Directors Welcome Letter 12 Michigan Agriculture Overview 15 Michigans Top Ten 16 Caring for the Land
A GUIDE TO THE STaTE'S FaRMS, FOOD aND COMMERCE

2014
Michigan farmers support environmental assurance program
Crops, Plants & Forestry

20 Flower Power
Michigans floriculture producers grow with pride Invasive species pose risk to Michigan crops Long-time fruit industries reach new markets Proper tree management improves wildlife habitat Potato industry thrives in Michigan
25 Plant Protectors
26 Pickin Progress 29 Healthy Forests
30 Spectacular Spuds
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Michigan AgRicULTURE 2014
Livestock & Animals

34 Cream of the Crop
Dairy processors provide markets, growth in state Animal ID program increases efficiency and improves marketability of cattle
Agricultural Education
50 Calling All Job Seekers 55 Schooled on the Farm
You dont have to be a farmer to work in agriculture Ag in the Classroom promotes ag literacy
39 Animal Traceability
Local Flavor
40 Farm Fun
Tourists and locals enjoy the variety Michigan agritourism has to offer Agritourism draws visitors to Michigans vineyards and restaurants Michigan food hubs are thriving, connecting farmers and consumers
Leading Industries
56 Upward Trend
States agricultural exports keep growing Inspectors view education as primary duty How Michigans Ag Department works to protect farmers and consumers
45 Tasty Tourism 46 Buying Local
60 All in a Days Work 63 Pulling Its Weight
On the Cover Scott and Ali Ferry, with daughter Amelia, feed dairy cattle on their farm in Litchfield.
PHOTO BY FRANK ORdOEZ
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Each article can be read online, as a web article or in our digital magazine.
WELCOME TO ThE fIRsT IssUE Of MICHIGAN AGRICULTURE magazine. I hope that as you read it you will get a sense of the history and rich background of our Michigan farmers and what lies ahead for this dynamic industry. Michigans food and agriculture sector is one of our most important industries. I like to say its one of our big three. We have autos and manufacturing, tourism, and food and agriculture. The impact on our states economy is overwhelming at more than $91.4 billion and quickly on its way to surpassing $100 billion. What a tremendous hallmark! Future opportunities for Michigans food and agriculture-based businesses and emerging entrepreneurs are tremendous. When you think about it, we grow things in Michigan, we make things in Michigan and we supply the rest of the world. Anyone who visits Michigan will see first-hand what unique assets we have to offer. Thank you for picking up this first issue of the Michigan Agriculture magazine. I encourage you to read through the pages ahead and see some of the incredible stories straight from our own farmers. Enjoy all Michigan Agriculture has to offer! Sincerely,
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2014
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Rick Snyder Governor of Michigan
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2014 EDITION, VOLUMe 1 JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS INC.
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DIRectoRs WelcoMe
Agriculture magazine. This publication is designed to showcase Michigans dynamic food and agriculture industry. As Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, I have the extreme privilege of working with farmers and agribusinesses across our Great Lakes state. Our industry is not only impacting the life of Michiganders every day, we also have a direct impact on the global marketplace. Around the world, Michigan is known to be a key source of high-quality food and agricultural products. Michigan is fortunate to have such dedicated and innovative farmers raising and growing the food we all use in our everyday lives. Our state is home to nearly 55,000 farms on 10 million acres of farmland with more than 2,000 food processors. Hundreds of products from fruits to vegetables to flowers and more are cultivated right here, more than 300 different commodities in fact! That being said, Michigans food and agriculture industry is uniquely positioned for continued expansion of the states economy where it is currently contributing $91.4 billion annually. Through this publication, I hope we can help you, as a consumer, get to know more about how these products are raised and the people who are doing the work. I personally would like to thank you for your interest in Michigan Agriculture and encourage each one of you to take advantage of our agriculture diversity. Enjoy everything Pure Michigan Agriculture has to offer! Sincerely,
Welcome to
WELCOME TO THE FIRST EDITION Of THE MICHIGAN
Michigan Agriculture is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com.
MICHIGAN DEpARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOpMENT:

Director JAMIE CLOVER ADAMS Special thanks to all Department staff for their support. For more information about the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, contact: Heather Throne, Deputy Public Information Officer 525 West Allegan Street, Lansing, Michigan 48909 1-800-292-3939 or by email at ThroneH@michigan.gov No public funds were used in the publishing of this magazine. Copyright 2014 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member Custom Content Council
Jamie Clover Adams Director Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
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oVeRVIeW
Michigan produced 3.5 billion eggs in 2012.
Michigan Agriculture
A closer look at Michigans diverse industry
is home to one of the most expansive and diverse agriculture industries in the nation. Ranking second only to California in agricultural diversity, Michigan produces more than 300 commodities on a commercial basis, a vital component of the states $91.4 billion food and agriculture business sector. Food and agriculture is one of Michigans top industries and employs about one out of every four residents. Farmland covers more than 10 million acres with nearly 55,000 farms. Michigan ranks third in the country for farmers markets, with a total of 349 in 2011. These markets give local producers an outlet to sell their goods, and encourage consumers to buy fresh, local products. Michigan ranks first in the country in the production of dry black beans, dry cranberry beans and dry small red beans. It is also first in the nation for various flowers such as begonias, potted Easter lilies, geraniums and petunias. Numerous fruits and vegetables top the national charts. Michigan produces a third of the countrys blueberries and 77 percent of tart cherries. Michigan pickling cucumbers and Niagara grapes also rank No. 1 in the nation.
MicHigaN HaS 349 FarmerS marKetS acrOSS tHe State.
T HE GREAT L AKES STATE
Livestock is an important part of Michigans agriculture industry. Dairy products are a major money-maker, with 366,000 dairy cows producing more than 8.4 billion pounds of milk in 2011. This milk can be sold directly or processed into cheese, butter, ice cream and other products. Michigan is No. 1 in the country for low-fat ice cream mix production. Michigan has expanded its agriculture and food industry to include various agritourism opportunities such as wine and food tours. With a booming wine industry, vineyards are a popular attraction for visitors who also patronize local restaurants and farmers markets. Recreational hunting, fishing and wildlife activities also attract visitors, who bring $3 billion to the states economy. A focus on conservation has led to the protection of farmland and wildlife habitats. Approximately 33 percent of the farmland in Michigan is in some type of preservation program. The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) is a program where producers utilize best practices to prevent pollution and save energy. With an impressive national presence, Michigans food and agriculture industry is an integral part of the states economy and identity. Hannah Patterson
MicHigaNS agricultural prOductiON HaS iNcreaSed BY
OVer tHe laSt 10 YearS.

Whats Online
Access more agriculture facts at MIagriculture.com.
85%
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MIChIGAN AGRICULTURE
Canada and Mexico account for
72%
of Michigans exports.
aBOut HalF OF MicHigaNS 36.4 milliON acreS are FOreSted.

The sugar industry employs approximately 11,000 workers.
Michigan agricultural exports have increased by 240% over the last 10 years.
MicHigaN LeadS tHe NatiON iN drY BlacK BeaN prOductiON.
micHigaN NOrtH DaKOta MiNNeSOta
WaSHiNgtON
NeW YOrK
OF FarmS iN MicHigaN are FamilY-OWNed.
94%
Soybeans accounted for $668.7 million in exports in 2012.

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Leading commodities, based on cash receipts

COrN
The top commodity in Michigan generated $1.86 billion in cash receipts in 2012. In 2011, corn exports were valued at $ 251.4 million.
Michigans Top 10
Sugar BeetS
Michigan ranked No. 3 in the nation for sugar beet production in 2012 with $ 389 million in cash receipts.
DairY PrOductS
Ranked No. 8 in the nation, dairy products in Michigan earned $1.68 billion in cash receipts in 2012.
pOrK
The Michigan swine industry earned $ 357 million in cash receipts in 2012, ranking the state No. 12 in the nation for hog production.
SOYBeaNS
In 2012, Michigan soybean farmers produced 85.6 million bushels, generating $1.1 billion in cash receipts.
WHeat
Wheat was planted on 570,000 acres in Michigan and generated $ 318 million in cash receipts in 2012.
GreeNHOuSe/NurSerY
Earning $ 594 million for greenhouse/ nursery products in 2012, Michigan is ranked No. 1 in the nation for potted Easter lilies, geranium pots and more.
cHicKeN eggS
Michigan earned $230 million in cash receipts in 2012, ranking No. 11 in the nation for chicken egg production.
Cattle aNd CalVeS

Cattle and calves account for more than a third of livestock production in Michigan and generated $480 million in cash receipts in 2012.
pOtatOeS
Michigan ranked No. 8 in the nation for potato production with $162 million in 2012.
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cRoPs, Plants & foRestRY
Caring
Story by Kim Madlom
Michigan farmers support environmental assurance program

sustainability are key concepts in todays agricultural community, and Michigan farmers are putting those concepts into action by earning verification from the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). Established in 1999, MAEAP is a partnership effort among farmers, commodity groups, Michigan State University, state and federal agencies, and conservation and environmental groups focused on the protection of natural resources and positive community and neighbor relations. This program actually started at the request of farmers, says Jan Wilford, MAEAP program manager. Michigan has such a strong history of farmers being voluntarily involved in good stewardship practices, so it
Land
for the
makes sense that the farmers led this initiative. That sustained interest and commitment from farmers also makes the Michigan program a model for similar programs around the country. MAEAP is a comprehensive, voluntary, proactive program designed to reduce farmers environmental and legal risks through education, farm-specific risk assessment and practice implementation. These actions are followed by an on-farm verification that ensures the farmer has implemented environmentally sound practices. Farms can earn verification in three systems Farmstead, Cropping and Livestock. One of the key elements is the strong partnership effort within the agricultural community, Wilford says. Representatives
CONSERVATION AND
Scott Welden holds harvested corn in the eld at Welden Farms in Jonesville.
Staff Photos by Frank Ordoez
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Scott Welden (back left) and his family surround their MAEAP sign that is displayed at Welden Farms in Jonesville.
FOr mOre iNFOrmatiON ON MAEAP, ViSit WWW.maeap.Org Or WWW.FaceBOOK.cOm/mimaeap. tHere are NearlY
MAEAP VeriFicatiONS, aNd tHat NumBer cONtiNueS tO grOW!
2,000
from all of the major commodities are actively involved. That sets Michigan apart. Farmers here have a high level of ownership in the program. On our farm, we recognize that if were going to be successful, we have to be good stewards of our environment, says Jay Williams of Waldron. The farm is our factory and the land, water and air are the resources we use to produce our crops. If those resources arent taken care of, we arent going to be successful. Williams grows corn, soybeans and wheat on 1,290 acres, and his farm has been MAEAP verified in the Cropping and Farmstead Systems. Cropping focuses on irrigation and water use, soil conservation, and nutrient and pest management, while Farmstead focuses on safe handling of fuels and proper storage of pesticides and fertilizers to protect surface and groundwater.
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Left: Stewart Welden checks on an irrigation unit to ensure proper water management. Right: Proper chemical storage, like the one on Welden Farms, is an important part of the MAEAP verication process.
Its not a simple program to undertake, Williams says. We were already doing some of the things that qualified us for verification in the program, but theres always room for improvement. We opened our farm up for inspection by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Its a big step for farmers, especially considering how independent we are as an industry. Michigans 55,000 farms are independent yes, but the states farmers have demonstrated a commitment to good stewardship, Wilford says, with 2,000 MAEAP verifications in at least one system, and another 10,000 farms have begun the process of verification. Our program sets a high environmental bar, she says. Verification demonstrates that the good stewardship farmers talk about

is really happening. Michigan farmers have stepped up. Wilford says the conversation about conservation has changed over the years, and Michigan farmers have been instrumental in that change. In the early stages, we spent a lot of time talking about why environmental issues are important, she says. Thats not part of the conversation anymore. Farmers understand why. They now ask how they can better protect the land and water. Welden Farms in Jonesville is among the farms committed to answering that question with action. Operated by brothers Scott and Stewart and their wives, Mary and Jennifer, Welden is a fourthgeneration farmer and grows corn, soybeans and occasionally winter wheat on a little more than 2,000 acres in Hillsdale County. The farm
became verified in Cropping last year for implementing a high standard of pollution prevention practices. To gain verification, Welden Farms invited the MAEAP program to review and inspect farm facilities, equipment, farming practices, management plans and written records. Its a good program, says Scott Welden. We are committed to protecting the land, and this program allows us to demonstrate that commitment to our community and our customers. Although Welden Farms history dates back to 1892, with each generation the farm has embraced the future. These are exciting times in production agriculture, Welden says. Our farm strives to keep up with the changing times by adopting the use of tools, technology and improved precision management practices.
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MIcHIGan AGRIcUltURe
Power
FlOWER
Story by Susan Hayhurst
Michigans f loriculture producers grow with pride

CENTERPIECES Of PRODUCTION
industry generates some major flower power in annual economic impact. The Michigan floriculture industry ranked third nationally in production output consists of 600 producers and growers that provide quality flowers, foliage plants and bedding materials statewide and throughout the country. Consumers are returning to indoor and outdoor beautification efforts at home and throughout the year, which helps them de-stress. Our businesses are incredibly important to consumers well-being and our states growth, says Don Marvaso, Jr., Michigan Floriculture Growers Council president. Nursery crops and floriculture operations comprise Michigans fourth-largest agriculture segment. Marvaso says the industry continues to flourish. In 2012, the wholesale value of such crops hit $376 million. Michigan led the nation in value of sales for flats of begonias and impatiens; hanging baskets of begonias, geraniums and petunias; potted seed geraniums, petunias and Easter lilies; and transplants of bedding plants and herbaceous perennials.
MICHIgANS BLOOMINg fLORICULTURE
Ask Tim Stiles, president of Henry Mast Greenhouses, Inc., what his business is about, and he proudly answers, We are flower farmers. The third-generation, family-owned company produces plants year-round for sales in garden centers and indoor floral departments. They also direct their own trucking business, Peak Transportation Solutions, Inc., so plants can be distributed to customers 52 weeks a year. Henry Mast Greenhouses, in business since 1958 and named after our founder, is the farming division based in Byron Center, Stiles says. Masterpiece Flower Company, LLC is our sales, marketing and distribution component. Our transportation arm is equipped with refrigerated trailers, and we also provide truckload freight service to other industries, including food processors, furniture manufacturers and horticultural plastics. Situated on more than 30 acres and employing 700 people, Masterpiece serves customers in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Missouri. Many of their indoor plants and flowers are sold in
Joseph Pinter raises mums and other owers at Pinter Brothers Greenhouse, Inc., in Ypsilanti, Mich.
Staff Photo by Frank Ordoez
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Pansies grow at Pinter Brothers Greenhouse Inc.
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Above: A worker moves green poinsettias at Pinter Brothers Greenhouse, Inc. Right: Henry Mast Greenhouses grows owers year-round to be sold at garden centers.
Meijer stores. They also distribute cut flowers grown in South America. We are involved with nearly all facets of floriculture, including cut flowers, annual bedding plants, cut greens, potted flowering and foliage plants, Stiles says. Another multi-generational operation, Pinter Brothers Greenhouse, Inc., in Ypsilanti, runs 12 acres of annual plugs, or little plants, spring annuals, poinsettias and mums in greenhouses. We started in 1936 and now employ 20 year-round staff and top at 50 in the spring, says Joseph Pinter, the companys president. My father, my uncle and I oversee the business, which is entirely wholesale. Our purpose is to make landscapes and gardens beautiful. Most flowers are shipped by truckload within a 200-mile radius, but we do ship the plugs by FedEx all over the country to other farms, growers and smaller greenhouses.
MicHigaN iS NO. 1 iN: BegONia BaSKetS aNd FlatS, pOtted EaSter lilieS, geraNium BaSKetS aNd pOtS, impatieNS BaSKetS aNd FlatS, NeW GuiNea impatieNS BaSKetS, aNd petuNia BaSKetS aNd FlatS.
The economic value of Michigan floriculture, ornamental crops and turfgrass is $1.2 billion.
floriculture products, he says. It is no wonder the ever-growing industry now boasts 1,077 acres of covered area and more than 3,000 acres of open ground crops. More than 9,000 Michiganders are employed in the states floriculture trade.
MIAGRICULTURE.COM
MicHigaNderS are emplOYed BY tHe FlOriculture iNduStrY.

Michigan State University was the first land-grant college and has always had a strong emphasis toward all types of horticulture. This has helped the industry grow and apply new research. Lastly, we are relatively close to a number of major population centers that provide good markets for
9,000
MOre tHaN
IDEAL fOR MICHIGAN
Why does Michigan have such significant floriculture commerce? Stiles gives three reasons. Immigrants who settled here were growers of vegetables and flowers in their homelands of the Netherlands, Germany and Italy. They brought production and the know-how and expertise with them. Secondly,
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Plant Protectors
ith 19 million forested acres contributing $12 billion to the Michigan economy and supporting 200,000 jobs, theres absolutely no room for troublesome pests to make the Great Lakes State their home. Detroit is the worlds busiest commercial border crossing. This contributes to Michigan being ranked in the top 10 states for risk of new exotic pest introductions and their negative impacts, says Jeffrey Zimmer, deputy division director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Developments (MDARD) Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division. He adds the pests can come in small numbers and with no natural enemies, they have the opportunity to grow significantly before being identified. Zimmer says the pest thats at the top of Michigans least-wanted list is the Asian Longhorned Beetle. This Asian native is a terror to forest and landscape trees. It attacks and kills many species of trees, but prefers maples. Currently, more than 1 billion maple trees grow in Michigan. The early detection and mitigation of invasive species is a cooperative effort and is critical to protecting and preserving Michigans agricultural and forest resources and maintaining viable export markets, Zimmer says. Both MDARD and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are aiding in this critical detection, monitoring pest pathways and encouraging quarantine compliance to help prevent importation of pests. Zimmer
Invasive species pose threat to Michigan crops
Maples, like those pictured here, are the preferred food of the invasive Asian Longhorned Beetle.
adds that education is key to detecting pests before they cause significant damage. Prevention through education is an important effort. We need the eyes and ears of professionals, Michiganders, and visitors to be on the lookout for pests and diseases, he says. MDARD has provided training on identifying pests to loggers, foresters, arborists and more, while Michigan State University (MSU) is teaching farmers and landowners how to be prepared to deal with pests like the spottedwing drosophila and the brown marmorated stinkbug both serious threats to the states fruit growers. As much as MDARD and others are doing to prevent pests, sometimes they can still manage to destroy a farmers crop. Zimmer
says if a farmer comes across an unknown pest, they should notify MSU Extension and MDARD immediately. The sooner farmers can detect them, the better chance they have of salvaging the crop. Information about monitoring for agricultural pests can be found on MSU Extension websites. As for future plans, Zimmer says MDARD, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality are developing an interagency cooperative program to help address and control terrestrial and aquatic invasive species. They also hope to establish long-term funding for invasive pest survey and response, which will help strengthen an ongoing commitment to protect Michigan from invasive species. Rachel Bertone
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Pickin Progress
Story by Joanie Stiers
Long-time fruit industries reach new markets
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APPLES, BLUEBERRIES, CHERRIES THIS VARIED list of fruits has one thing in common. Theyre known as super foods, packed with disease-fighting antioxidants, vitamins and other health benefits. Michigan cherry growers like Don Gregory, who operates Cherry Bay Orchards in Suttons Bay with his brother Bob, son-in-law and nephew, are trying to get the small red fruit added to the superfood list. Historically, tart cherries have been popular in desserts, but research shows that cherries contain antioxidants that help reduce pain from arthritis, gout and headaches, making them beneficial for much more than just pie. Were trying to reinvent our tart cherries as a hot new superfruit, says Phil Korson, president of the Cherry Marketing Institute. Its been an exciting time for us. Sales of dried cherries and cherry juice concentrate have accelerated as consumers learn more about the science that supports cherries and their new superfruit status. Michigans lake-effect climate places it among the nations major fruit-growing states. The state ranks No. 1 in the production of tart cherries, producing 75 percent of the U.S. supply, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. The state ranks fourth in sweet cherries. About 540 cherry farms operate in Michigan as of 2013. The states fruit industry remains deeply rooted in
experience with its family-owned farms, like High Acres Fruit Farm in Hartford. I think its an exciting time to be in fruit and vegetable production, says Trever Meachum, who operates High Acres Fruit Farm with his father and two brothers. I think people are more in tune with being healthy and conscious eaters. The families of Cherry Bay Orchards can relate. They added a drying and juice-making operation to their farm in the last 10 years. Thats the fastest-growing part of our market today, and its all related to the health benefits of tart cherries, Gregory says. Montmorency cherries dominate the tart cherry industry in Michigan and throughout the country. Today, the U.S. is the largest producer of this superfruit in the world, Korson says. Favorite apple varieties include Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Gala and Fuji, according to the Michigan Apple Committee. Additionally, Michigans large bumper crop and commitment to distributing Michigan apples to 26 states and 18 countries left apple shippers busier than ever. In fact, the Michigan apple industry set new shipment records two weeks in a row in October 2013, shipping
MICHIGANS APPLE GROwERS
Staff Photo by Michael Conti
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The states cherry and apple industries are concentrated on the western shores of the state, known as the Fruit Ridge.
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411,973 boxes of apples the week of Oct. 5, and 414,702 boxes of apples the week of Oct. 12. Michigans agriculture and apple industry are very significant to Michigans economy, says Mike Rothwell, president and general manager at BelleHarvest Sales, Inc. At BelleHarvest, one of the largest fresh apple marketers in the eastern U.S., we market a product that we are really excited about. We have a tremendous impact on a lot of peoples lives, whether its the people we employ, the growers we serve, or the customers we provide for. As far as economic activity, we are approaching close to a billion dollars based on the Michigan apple industry alone. Michigan the nations thirdlargest producer of apples produces on average more than 800 million pounds of apples per year. Sixty percent of those apples are processed for foods such as applesauce, pie filling, apple cider and apple juice. Likewise, Michigan slices more apples than any
other state for use in pies and fresh-cut slices. If you look at production and utilization figures, processing is at least half of that. Processing is still a big sector of the apple industry, says Eric MacLeod, processor for Cherry Growers, Inc. Right here in Michigan we are growing a lot of apples compared to two years ago. We feel partial that processing is a big contribution to the states apple industry and the economy. We have a growing apple industry, and production in the future certainly has the ability to be greater than what it has been over the last few years with new plantings and new planting systems. Moving forward, apples and processing will take on a great role in contributing to our economy.
Whats Online
See more photos of Michigan fruits at MIagriculture.com
Healthy Forests
R
ick Lucas thinks of a forest like a garden. Certain trees grow like weeds and certain trees are crops. He hopes to help landowners learn the difference between a weed tree and a crop tree. Lucas, an Osceola Conservation District forester, spends his time making site visits to landowners privately managed forests. Without proper forest management, forestland owners will likely have only one, maybe two, opportunities to sell timber from their forest during their lifetime, he says. Far too many hardwood woodlots in my part of the state continue to be harvested rather than managed. Hes on a mission to change that by giving an unbiased opinion to landowners on just how to manage a forest. Weve had a program in place close to 35 years, Lucas says. Its been real hit or miss in terms of being funded, but it now looks like we have the potential to be a higher priority in funding. Thats important because we have so many acres in private lands. Lucas engages many of those landowners by educating them on the benefits of forestry management for wildlife. People will engage if they know its going to benefit wildlife, he says. Michigan has several programs available to private landowners to help them come up with business plans and find suitable harvesters. One in particular is the Forest Stewardship Program, which provides financial and technical assistance to Michigans nonindustrial private forestland owners to create stewardship management.
Proper tree management improves wildlife habitat
In addition, under an agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development awards grants to conservation districts across the state to provide education and one-on-one technical assistance to private landowners and to communities regarding local forest health issues. Professional foresters, such as Lucas, work out of 17 district offices to provide coverage for more than 40 counties in the upper and lower peninsulas. The goal of the program is to provide and increase the active management of non-industrial private forestland owner outreach and technical assistance through collaboration and cooperation. A survey conducted by Michigan State University of non-industrial private forestland owners concludes that only 20 percent of the 11 million-acre resource is actively
managed. The Forestry Assistance Program works with local conservation districts to increase the number of landowners and acres that are managed under a sustainable forest management plan. Lucas knows there are economic and environmental benefits to a well-managed forest. Forest health is quite critical to keeping a forest renewable, he says. Its also important to know the enemies of a forest insects, diseases and invasive plants. Lucas adds, Managing a forest may mean removing some trees, planting new trees and planting wildlife enhancements such as shrubs or habitat enhancements. In Michigan, its been proven that once a landowner understands the importance of management, they are more likely to be more active in stewardship of that land. Charlyn Fargo
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Spectacular
Spuds
Story by Karen Ott Mayer
Potato industry thrives in Michigan
MICHIGAN DIGS POTATOES.
Literally. Ranked No. 6 in the nation for the value of potatoes and No. 8 in potato production, the state has approximately 45,000 potato acres. Michigan ranks first in the country for potato chip production, and potatoes generate $167 million for the state. The life of a potato begins with the tissue culture of plant cuttings. Seed producers like Don and Ben Sklarczyk of Sklarczyk Seed Farm work from tissue culture plants tested to verify freedom from all virus and bacteria, which means one important thing. Theyre working from a plant clone, so there are not hybrids, but genetic stock, says Mike Wenkel, executive director of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission.
From this infantile stage, a potato becomes a mini-tuber in hydroponic greenhouses. The mini tubers are then given to seed growers who grow them for three years. Next, the potato travels to a commercial farm that will grow them for one year before placing them into storage. From August to mid-October, we are busy harvesting and grading potatoes. About mid-September growers start filling storages, Wenkel says. Grower Jason Walther, a thirdgeneration farmer, manages potatoes on more than 13,000 acres on farms spread out across the country for Walther Farms. We grow potatoes in Michigans Upper Peninsula and on farms in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Indiana, Illinois, Nebraska and Colorado, Walther says.
Walthers Fresh Solution Farms packages microwavable potatoes at their facility in White Pigeon.
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Top: Jason Walther looks over potato harvest on his family farm in Three Rivers, Mich. Bottom: Potatoes are tested for quality at Walther Farms.
Walther Farms began growing potatoes in 1946 and now grows seed on 500 acres. This process takes three years, he says. Walther finds himself in the middle of Michigans potato supply chain, purchasing mini-tubers from Sklarczyk Seed Farm, and then delivering potatoes 52 weeks of the year. We supply all chip processors and retailers who sell to the fresh market, Walther says. Walthers grows the round white potato for the potato chip industry and russets for the fresh market. Although Walther Farms focuses on potatoes as their primary crop, they still practice crop rotation to ensure the health of the soil. We rotate with corn, soybeans and wheat, Walther says. The industry has continued to improve and evolve not only by improving yields, but also by improving efficiency. We have changed so much in terms of sustainability. We use fewer resources like water and fertilizer than we did 10 years ago, Walther says. For 11 months of the year, Walther ships potatoes to processors like Better Made Snack Foods located in Detroit. Founded in 1930, the regional family-owned company
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Potatoes are checked and sorted at Walthers Fresh Solution Farms packaging facility.
receives four to six truckloads of potatoes every day. Thats about 50,000 pounds of potatoes per truck load, says Phil Gusmano, vice president of purchasing for Better Made Snack Foods. But Michigan potatoes are not just plentiful, they are high quality. We cook everything we receive in one day, Gusmano says. Better Made Snack Foods employs 180 people at its Detroit facility, 75 percent of whom live within a five mile radius of the company. We hire local. In an area where a lot of minimum wage jobs exist, we pay a decent salary and provide benefits, Gusmano says. Of the 22 potato chip companies that once filled the city, Better Made Snack Foods is the only one remaining. However, Gusmano points back to the producers for much of the success. We have the best farmers in the country, he says. Recently named to the Michigan Potato Industry Commission, Gusmano stresses the importance of agriculture in general to the cities. Agricultural processing is very important to the city of Detroit, and Im not sure many people realize the impact that agriculture has on the economics in urban settings, he says.

Dig THeSe POtatO FactS:
IF a pOtatO iS SligHtlY greeN, tHat dOeSNt meaN itS NOt ripe. It meaNS tHe pOtatO WaS eXpOSed tO tHe SuN duriNg itS grOWtH.
Michigan potato growers have increased yields by
50%
in the last decade.
One potato has more potassium than one banana .

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anIMals & LIVestocK
Cream of the Crop

Story by Joanie Stiers
Dairy processors provide markets, growth in state
Ferrys grandpa used to haul milk to town in a 10-gallon container. He waited in line at the local dairy with hopes the facility would buy his milk. The farms risk minimized when his grandpa established a relationship with the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA), a milk marketing cooperative, 70 years ago. Today, fourth-generation farmers Scott and Ali Ferry maintain that relationship, which guarantees a daily market for their milk in southern Michigan. Their farm produces about 3,000 gallons of milk per day from 320 cows. That milk goes to the MMPA Constantine Plant, which produces instant non-fat dry milk, condensed skim milk, bulk butter and other dairy ingredients.
DAIRY fARMER SCOTT
With my relationship with MMPA, they find the market for me, Scott says. It has been a great partnership we have had for many decades. Throughout the state, dairy processors provide a reliable market for Michigans 1,800 dairy farms. For the Ferry family, this processor relationship means they continue the dairy tradition his great-grandfather started in 1906 and allows them to raise their kids on the farm. The state of Michigan benefits, too. Dairy is in the top-ranking segments of Michigans agriculture industry contributing in the neighborhood of 20 to 25 percent of Michigans agriculture cash receipts. The dairy industry generates an economic impact of $14.7 billion in
Scott and Ali Ferry, with their daughter, Amelia, operate Ferry Farms in Litcheld, Mich.
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Michigan Milk Producers Association finds the market for me. It has been a great partnership we have had for many decades.
ScOTT FERRY, DaiRY FaRmER

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Cows eat between milkings at Ferry Farms in Litcheld, Mich. The farm produces about 3,000 gallons of milk each day from 320 cows.
the state, according to a report by the Michigan State University Product Center. The industry employs nearly 40,000 people on farms and in Michigans 86 dairy processing plants, reported by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in 2012. Those plants bottle fluid milk and produce cheese, ice cream, butter, milk powders and more. Michigan ranks eighth in milk production nationally, producing 8.9 billion pounds of milk (the equivalent of more than 1 billion gallons). Yet, dairy farmers are most proud of their productivity: the state ranks fifth in milk production per cow. Michigan is the only state east of the Mississippi River in the top 10 for productivity, says Ken Nobis, dairy farmer and MMPA President. MMPA, headquartered in Novi, serves about 1,300 dairy farmers throughout Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin. The cooperative owns processing plants in Ovid and Constantine. They produce butter, milk powders, cream and other products used by bakeries, ice cream manufacturers and other dairy ingredient customers. We are seeing trends in greater efficiency, more focus on Michigan

$14.7B
in the state.
The dairy industry generates an economic impact of
DairY FarmS raNge WidelY iN SiZe FrOm 10 cOWS tO mOre tHaN 5,000 cOWS.
Milk production works well in Michigan because of the states climate, water supply, processing infrastructure and access to population centers.
CONtiNuOuS ImprOVemeNt
Since 2010, the Michigan Milk Producers Association has invested more than $ 85 million to increase capacities and efficiencies in its Ovid dairy processing plant.
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Top: Scott and Ali Ferry in their dairy barn with daughter, Amelia, at Ferry Farms in Litcheld. Bottom: Scott Ferry climbs a silo to check stored silage, a food source that will be fed to his dairy cows.
as a whole and what it has to offer the dairy industry, he says. Today, Michigan dairy farmers are producing more milk with fewer cows which in turn lowers the impact on the environment. Milk production in Michigan increased 56 percent between 2000 and 2012. Meanwhile, cow numbers have increased only 25 percent during this timeframe, the MMPA reports. This increased productivity creates both opportunities and challenges for Michigan. Plant capacities must increase and demands for labor grow, Moser says. Dairy farmers also face ongoing needs to communicate with a public increasingly distanced from the farm and food production, Ferry says. Meanwhile, demand for American dairy products continues to escalate and provides another outlet for the states increased production. One of the bright spots for the Michigan dairy industry is the export market, Nobis says. Were seeing a large increase in the products were shipping out of the country. MMPA exported dairy products to nine countries in 2013, including about 40 percent of its butter production. Nobis says, American dairy products are really at a premium right now in certain parts of the world.
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anIMals & LIVestocK
Animal Traceability
Animal ID program increases efficiency and improves marketability of cattle
n the case of animal and food safety, timing is everything. Michigans animal identification program, which uses radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, is a true testament to this fact significantly decreasing the amount of time it takes the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to trace livestock to the farm of origin. RFID tags make very few mistakes and accuracy is very valuable, says dairy farmer Kevin Kirk. The RFID tags allow MDARD to track the animal back to the original source if a food safety issue should occur. The states previous system used metal ear tags, but Kirk says there were a lot of inaccuracies and it took longer. Dr. Michael Vanderklok, MDARD bovine TB program manager, agrees and says there are significant differences between the metal tags and the RIFD tags. RFID tags can be read at a distance, which is very efficient and very quick. Theyre virtually 100 percent accurate, he says. They also create data that can be transferred instantaneously. This is a huge savings in accuracy, time and efficiency. And a savings in time translates to savings in money. RFID tags are read with a scanner or reader. These can be set up in a central location where all cattle might pass, so all their tags will be read. The premises identification of the farm of origin
is downloaded into a database. Farmers use their system to record medical records, age, milk production (in the case of dairy cows), amount of feed a cow receives and more. This information stays with the farm and is not passed on to the state or federal government. The tags can be used on any animal, but Michigan is currently only using them on sheep, goats, cattle, bison, and most recently, deer and elk farms. Dr. Rick Smith, bovine TB program coordinator and assistant state veterinarian for ruminant diseases, says the state
started the identification program on bovines, but they expanded the program to cervids after seeing how efficient it was. In Michigan, RFID tags are required for movement of cattle and bison, and voluntary for other species. The only information we are interested in is the traceability the premises identification of the farm the animal was born on, Dr. Smith says. Using RFID tags to track livestock gives farmers more flexibility, Vanderklok adds. There are just so many great spin-off effects. Rachel Bertone
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local flaVoR
FARM FUN
Tourists and locals enjoy the variety Michigan agritourism has to offer
Story by Jill Clair Gentry Staff Photos by Frank Ordoez
Freshly picked apples at Uncle Johns Cider Mill
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John Beck, owner of Uncle Johns Cider Mill, started selling apple cider to farm visitors in the 1970s.
MicHigaN iS HOme tO a VArietY OF agritOuriSm deStiNatiONS, iNcludiNg creamerieS, cider millS, pettiNg ZOOS, pumpKiN patcHeS, tree FarmS aNd mOre.
AgRITOURISM IN MICHIgAN is a growing segment of the states $91.4 billion food and agriculture industry tourists and locals alike come to experience one-of-a-kind cider mills, creameries, vineyards, farmers markets and, of course, pumpkin patches and Christmas tree farms. Not only do the farmers involved in agritourism care for the land and grow a crop, raise animals or make a product, but they also invite the public to their farms and do much of their own marketing. The more than 270 agritourism destinations across the state and Michigans beautiful natural resources complement each other and draw tourists into the state, says Mike Beck, president and
co-owner of Uncle Johns Cider Mill in St. Johns. A lot of times, these people are experiencing everything at once with their trip up North, and it all works together, he says. We all play off each other a little bit, and work as a group. In the fall, going to farms and cider mills is very popular. Ill be out in the parking lot, and Ill see license plates from Ontario, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio there are people who come pretty far distances. Michigans apple growers, including farms like Uncle Johns, bring in more than $700 million to the state annually, and the state is ranked No. 3 in the nation for apple production and No. 1 for cider mills.
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VISIT MICHIGAN COUNTY FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Youth & OpenClass Exhibits Agriculture Education Carnival Rides Games of Chance
Families can enjoy pumpkin picking in the fall at Uncle Johns Cider Mill in St. Johns.
Commercial Exhibits Grandstand Shows Elephant Ears, Korn Dogs, Lemonade & Caramel Corn
Uncle Johns, a fifth-generation family-owned farm, is one of many cider mills in Michigan, but it is also a fruit and vegetable farm offering apples, cherries, blueberries, asparagus, sweet corn, strawberries, pumpkins, gourds, squash and Christmas trees. Beck says his parents, John and Carolyn Beck, began offering apple cider and doughnuts alongside the vegetables in the 1970s. Diversifying the farm has been the key to its lasting success. We do a lot of stuff here, Beck says. Were one of the few that still has an orchard. We also have train and wagon rides, a corn maze, wine tastings, a gift shop, a bakery, cider, doughnuts, caramel apples and a nature trail.

Similarly, the variety found at the Flint Farmers Market in Flint attracts a diverse group of locals and sometimes even brings in tourists, although the market doesnt particularly focus on being an agritourism destination, says manager Dick Ramsdell. We really do not market ourselves as a tourist destination we are what we are, Ramsdell says. But if people are looking for a nice market with an old market feel, theyll find it here. Its a place that welcomes everybody. The Flint Farmers Market, which is open year-round and features vendors selling produce as well as wine, cheese, meat and bread is housed in a building that was constructed in the 1940s as a
www.michiganfairs.org
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Michigan agritourism offers something for everyone, from family activities to delicious local treats.
market giving it a vintage, authentic feel, Ramsdell says. Ramsdell says it has the feel, smell and looks of what you would expect from an old market. The market has become a gathering place, providing a venue for concerts and community events in a town that has been deeply affected by the recession and the crisis in the automotive industry. In a town like Flint that has had such an emotional 10 years, its been great to have a market that has revitalized itself in that time, he says. Its become a community center for everybody. And when locals and tourists alike are looking for a place to enjoy fresh apple cider, take home locally grown vegetables, make their way through a corn maze or taste wine made from Michigan grapes, they can find what the state has to offer on MichiganFarmFun.com , a free resource offered by the Michigan Agri-tourism Association.
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local flaVoR
Tasty Tourism
.S. Elliot once said, To know a place, you have to taste it. Michigan producers are embracing this sentiment and expanding culinary agritourism throughout the state. Local wine and food have visitors flocking to Michigan for foodie tours and vineyard visits. This new trend is positively impacting producers and the state economy. Producers who choose to engage in agritourism have the opportunity to engage with their consumers directly, for educational, product development, lifestyle and business reasons, says Linda Jones, program manager for the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council. For many producers, agritourism is an important supplement to other farm income. The Michigan wine industry is flourishing, employing 5,400 people and attracting $800,000 of winerelated tourism. And the number of vineyards continues to grow. Approximately 250 vineyards are greater than one acre in size, Jones says. The four major wine grape-producing counties are Van Buren, Berrien, Leelanau and Grand Traverse. The Michigan Grape and Wine Council promotes local wine producers through various promotions and events. The Council posts consumer and industry events on its online calendar, Jones says. The Council also sponsors wineries to participate in promotional events and organizes a few events during the year. Some of these events include the Michigan Wine Showcase in April, celebrating Michigan Wine Month,
Agritourism draws visitors to Michigans vineyards and restaurants
Michigan wineries like Willow Vineyards on the Leelanau Peninsula attract visitors year-round.
WILLOW VINEYARDS: JEFF GREENBERg
as declared by Governor Rick Snyder, and the Gold Medal Reception, in conjunction with the Michigan Wine Competition. The events have a huge impact on the growth and notoriety of Michigans wine industry. Trade restaurant, retailer, distributor and consumer audiences are very important to the Council to convey important messages about the changes in the Michigan wine industry improvements in wine quality, new wineries and more, Jones says. Foodie tours and sampling the local fare go hand-in-hand with the wine aspect of Michigans culinary agritourism industry. People who travel to visit individual wineries or wine-related events provide tremendous economic benefits to the local community, Jones says. People stay in the area overnight, dine out at local restaurants, shop at local
stores, and visit other attractions in the area. Pure Michigan, Michigans official travel and tourism site, offers information on attractions, camping, food tours and events. Visitors can easily identify their ideal locavore experience. Farmto-table restaurants are favored among those wishing for an authentic dining experience. Restaurants are finding local sources of food for their menus, Jones says. Travelers are looking for taste experiences when they travel. Michigan farmers supply the growing demand for locally grown produce and contribute to the states economy. Visitors seeking a taste adventure will certainly get a mouthful with Michigans delicious culinary agritourism industry. Hannah Patterson
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local flaVoR
Local
BUYING
Story by Keri Ann Beazell Staff Photos by Frank Ordoez
Michigan food hubs are thriving, connecting farmers and consumers
THE DAYS OF NOT KNOWING where your food comes from are coming to an end as food hubs alleviate the quagmires of supply and demand, and connect farmers produce with consumers needs. Todays food hubs assist with aggregating, distributing, storing and marketing food products at centralized locations so farmers can sell in bulk to restaurants, schools, grocers and caterers essentially any business seeking fresh, homegrown produce, as desired by customers. As the food hub movement continues to take root nationwide, Michigan is leading by example and working to ensure the continued success of its many existing and emerging local food markets, as well as the small- and medium-sized farmers who make it all possible.
Robert Ruhlig of Ruhlig Farms LLC, which has been distributing food and plants to the Detroit area for four generations, remains an active participant in the Eastern Market food hub selling 30-plus different types of vegetables, from broccoli and peppers to squash and bok choy. Five days a week, the farms trucks pull into market at 11:00 p.m. to set up produce pallets for customers. While some of these customers buy on the spot, Ruhlig says that 50 to 70 percent of the produce is pre-sold, which makes production more consistent and manageable. Yet the biggest challenge still remains supply and demand. Why weve been successful doing what we do is because we are there five days a week, Ruhlig says. You have to put your time in at the market to establish a
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Top: Detroits Eastern Market is home to a local food hub, as well as a booming farmers market. Bottom: In addition to the local food hub, the Allen Neighborhood Center also operates a community greenhouse (pictured).
consistent supply chain for the customers. It doesnt happen overnight. Sometimes farmers might get discouraged if it doesnt take off right away. But Ruhlig can attest that once trust is built, food hubs provide added value for the farmer. In mid-Michigan, on the east side of Lansing, the Allen Neighborhood Center draws 16,000-plus community visitors annually to its award-winning Allen Street Farmers Market and recently opened the first non-profit food hub in the region, Allen Market Place (AMP). Further demonstrating the innovation behind food hubs, this wholesale market is open 24/7 online. Buyers place pre-orders, and then farmers deliver to the buyers tables at AMP on Wednesdays year-round. This exchange is meant to be a dynamic time for conversations to ensure that growers and buyers can better communicate future needs, says Lynne Brown, a director of AMP. Brown works closely with each farmer to identify the best way to sell the products and address any obstacles that might arise. She encourages hesitant farmers who are looking to increase sales to register with AMP and post some products on the website to see if the program is a good fit.
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According to Michigan State Universitys (MSU) 2013 National Food Hub Survey, the top three challenges for food hubs remain managing growth, balancing supply and demand, and access to capital. However, food hubs are an extension of the local food movement, according to Rich Pirog, senior associate director of MSUs Center for Regional Food Systems. Pirog also leads the new Michigan Food Hub Learning and Innovation Network. Pirog says that, contrary to stereotypes, about two-thirds of food hubs surveyed dont rely heavily on grant funding. Most are sustainable, and those that have been in business for longer periods of time are quite profitable. They also provide economic benefits such as employment opportunities for the region. For communities and farmers interested in getting started, Pirog recommends learning as much as possible from other food hubs. The benefits are immeasurable at many levels truly a win-win for everyone.
Whats Online
See more photos of Michigan food hubs at MIagriculture.com
Top: Jason Ruhlig of Ruhlig Farms LLC checks a eld before it is harvested. Bottom: Freshly picked broccoli is loaded up to be sold by Ruhlig Farms LLC at the Eastern Market food hub.
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aGRIcUltURal edUcatIon
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Calling All Job-Seekers

Story by Jessica Mozo
You dont have to be a farmer to work in agriculture

and agriculture industry is just for farmers, think again. This industry has a vast number of career opportunities extending well beyond the farm. The heart and soul of the food and agriculture industry are the farmers and their families. Their hard work and dedication is what fuels Michigans $91.4 billion food and ag industry, says Mike Niesyto, a financial services officer for GreenStone Farm Credit Services in Ann Arbor. With that said, many other professionals contribute to the success of the industry, such as lawyers, accountants, title insurance providers, commodity
If YOU THINK THE fOOD
pricing specialists, economists, estate planners and the list goes on. Michigans food and agriculture sector employs a whopping 923,000 people. Roughly 73,000 of them work on the farm; the other 850,000 fill support positions off the farm. In his role, Niesyto provides farmers and rural residents with financial products and services, including loans, leases and financial services such as crop insurance and tax and accounting products. Niesyto is a Central Michigan University graduate who majored in finance and minored in accounting. Prior to my experience with GreenStone FCS, I knew very little
Meat lab assistant manager Ryan Varner (left) and sophomore Katelyn Burns (right) work at the Michigan State University meat plant, which allows students to get hands-on food safety and processing skills.
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Michigan State University students work in the packaging lab. More than half of all packaging graduates employed in the U.S. come from Michigan State.
Its really exciting to see the huge number of job opportunities available in agriculture. Were way more than cows, plows and sows.
JiLL cORds, FiELd caREER cOnsULTanT, Michigan STaTE UniVERsiTY
about rural America and farming, Niesyto says. Growing up in a city environment, I didnt realize how much of an impact agriculture has on Michigan and the U.S.s economy. A city boy knows little about farm operations, but with my strong desire to learn, Ive given 110 percent to gather as much knowledge as possible about the industry, as well as each of my customers operations. Getting out of the office and onto the farms, riding in tractors and combines, and observing operations firsthand, have helped immensely. Jill Cords is a field career consultant for Michigan State Universitys (MSU) College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and she helps plan the colleges Agriculture and Food Industry Career Fair every fall. Many students who attend find internships that lead to full-time jobs.
Its really exciting to see the huge number of job opportunities available in agriculture. Were way more than cows, plows and sows, Cords says, chuckling. The industry is constantly growing and changing, and we have the huge challenge of feeding the worlds growing population. We prepare students for a whole host of careers some we train to work on farms in hands-on production agriculture, but also in the sciences, technology and the financial side. A record number of employers attended MSUs Agriculture and Food Industry Career Fair in 2013, all of them looking for the next class of problem-solvers, Cords says. There is a lot of technology used in food and agriculture. One area we are hearing a lot of chatter about from employers is using iPads and other devices to collect data from
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Michigan State University is a U.S. leader for agricultural education, from academics to hands-on opportunities.
the field, she says. Companies need students who know about software, packaging, processing, food safety, meat science and natural resources like protecting our water and the environment. MSUs College of Agriculture and Natural Resources offers 19 different undergraduate majors, ranging from Animal Science and Biosystems Engineering to Entomology and Food Science. Our state is the second most diverse agriculture industry in the nation, so the opportunities are broad, Cords says. We have row crops and orchards, specialty crops like asparagus and blueberries, strong apple and cherry production, greenhouses and landscaping. Theres a misconception that you have to grow up on a farm to work in agriculture, but theres always a need for new talent.

MicHigaNS FOOd aNd agriculture SectOr emplOYS a StaggeriNg 923,000 peOple.

About 8 percent of these people work on a farm. About 92 percent fill support positions off the farm.
MicHigaNS FOOd aNd agriculture SYStem accOuNtS FOr aBOut
OF tHe StateS emplOYmeNt.

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aGRIcUltURal edUcatIon
Schooled on the Farm

he Michigan Farm Bureau cultivates curiosity and learning in the minds of the states youngest farmers through the Ag in the Classroom program. Hundreds of schools across the state participate in the program exposing their students to classroom presentations, farm visits, and other agricultural activities and events. Ag in the Classroom is funded by Michigan Farm Bureau and county Farm Bureaus in Michigan, says Debra Schmucker, Ag in the Classroom coordinator. We track more than 30,000 students, but there are additional activities happening across the state as well. Schmucker has been at the helm of the project since 1999, making agricultural literacy a priority in Michigan. Ag in the Classroom is connecting with schools, teachers and consumers on not only where their food and fiber comes from, but also on consumer food issues, scientific advancements and more, she says. With less than two percent of the population involved in production agriculture, we need to continue to find ways to connect with consumers of all ages and communicate the importance of food and agriculture in Michigan. The Ag in the Classroom program distributes resource guides and conducts workshops that reach more than 3,000 teachers. Lesson plans about the land, animals and the environment give teachers the tools to integrate agriculture into their curriculum. Lesson plan downloads have
Ag in the Classroom promotes agriculture literacy
Michigan Farm Bureaus Ag in the Classroom educates students about farming and agriculture.
increased since the program participated in the annual Michigan Science Teachers Conference and Michigan Social Studies Conference and their associated trade shows. Resource downloads are not the only thing to see an increase. Farm Bureau volunteerism has grown by 30 percent since 2010. Volunteers are instructed how to teach Ag in the Classroom at local fairs and festivals. Nearly 80 percent of volunteers trained at the state level bring their newly-acquired skills back to their communities.
The program has grown by innovation adopting a classroom, utilizing media centers, libraries and other locations where families are, along with using technology to communicate with classrooms, and bringing agriculture to the students and schools through career opportunities and more, Schmucker says. I believe the future of Ag in the Classroom continues down a path of innovation and connection. With agricultural literacy on the rise, Ag in the Classroom has ensured a bright future for one of Michigans leading industries. Hannah Patterson
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leadInG IndUstRIes
Staff Illustration by Kris Sexton
Upward
export business, Michigans food and agriculture industry is in the right place at the right time. Thats the assessment of Jamie Zmitko-Somers, international marketing program manager for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). She points not only to a steady growth in food and agriculture exports in recent years, but also to the states initiative to increase its presence even more in the international market. We exported just under $3.2 billion in 2012, ZmitkoSomers says, and weve seen continued growth year after year. We have an emphasis from Governor Snyder and a goal to double our agricultural exports within five years, she says.
States agricultural exports keep growing

WHEN IT cOMES TO THE
Exports of food and agricultural products have a tremendous impact on Michigans overall economy. More than one-third of agricultural products grown in the state are exported each year, and the industry accounts for nearly 22,000 jobs. The state has 24 ports on the lakes and waterways that surround it, including the largest at Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority. Its a major port for products being shipped from the Midwest and from southwest Ontario. Top countries that import from Michigan are Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea and China. Leading agricultural commodities exported from the state are soybeans, corn, wheat, dairy products and fruit.
TREND
Story by John McBryde
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GPS CORNER SYSTEM GUIDANCE
Americas Best -Kept Secret ... Montmorency Tart Cherries

EFFLUENT APPLICATION
Michigan produces 75 percent of the United States supply of Montmorency tart cherries. Today, this robust fruit with powerful health benefits is recognized both domestically and internationally as Americas hottest new super fruit. Tart cherries come in dried, frozen and juice forms, so theyre readily available to enjoy all year long. Americas SUPER FRUIT also delivers on safety. As stewards of the environment, Michigan cherry growers have been at the forefront of sustainable growing practices and responsible pest management programs for many years. To learn more about the health benefits of cherries and to find recipes and tips, visit us online at www.choosecherries.com.
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FARM IRRIGATION CUSTOM GRAIN HARVESTING
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Much of the reason for the success in the states food and agricultural exports can be traced to the various initiatives and services of MDARDs International Marketing Program. The programs goal is to assist Michigan food and agriculture businesses in developing trade opportunities for moving their products overseas. To accomplish this, the program works in partnership with the Food Export Association of the Midwest, a nonprofit organization that is a cooperative effort among the 12 Midwest states and the U.S. Department of Agricultures Foreign Agricultural Service. Our goal is to assist primarily the small- to medium-sized companies to export their food and agricultural products, Zmitko-Somers says. We do that in a number of ways. The assistance has been beneficial for several companies.
FOOD EXPORT HELP
BIG FANS
Were big fans of what the Food Export program offers, says Brian Klumpp, director of business development for Cherry Central in Traverse City. They very often have a presence at the big trade shows were involved in. A bunch of international buyers come to these shows from all over the world, and what the Food Export program group has done has vetted these people so we know theyre good companies. We have also participated in the trade mission trips they do. Cherry Central, in business since 1973 and an exporter to countries in Western Europe since then, produces dried fruits, frozen fruits, fruit juices, applesauce and various ingredients. Our export business just continues to grow, Klumpp says. Around 10 percent of our business is export. Support from MDARD has been invaluable in Graceland Fruits export business, says Brent Bradley,
the Frankfort companys vice president of sales and marketing. As a small company in Northern Michigan, financially, we simply would not have been able to afford to participate in the trade shows and trade missions throughout the world without MDARDs support, he says. These activities have helped us meet new sales agents and distributors throughout the world. Graceland Fruit, founded in 1973, is one of the worlds largest providers of infused dried fruits. The company first began exporting in 1995 to Japan, and today exports account for about 40 percent of its dried fruit sales. International markets are just as important as our domestic market, Bradley says.
Whats Online
Find out more about Michigan commodities at MIagriculture.com
22,000
jobs, both on and off the farm.
Food and agriculture exports support more than
$3.2B
TOp eXpOrt cOmmOditieS iNclude:
IN 2012, MicHigaNS FOOd aNd agricultural eXpOrtS geNerated NearlY .
Michigan exports one in every three rows grown annually.
SOYBeaNS & SOYBeaN Meal

$ 802 million
OtHer
$ 671.5 million
cOrN
$251.4 million
DairY PrOductS
$231.9 million
FreSH & PrOceSSed VegetaBleS

$186.7 million
MIAGRICULTURE.COM
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leadInG IndUstRIes
Staff Photo by Frank Ordoez
Days
All in a
Work
Story by Matthew D. Ernst
Inspectors view education as primary duty

are unannounced, says Tom Tederington, MDARD food policy specialist. Inspections occur anywhere food is prepared for sale in the state with the exception of restaurants and food service facilities (e.g., school cafeterias), which are inspected by county agencies. Inspectors present their credentials and meet with the facility manager, discussing the processes used to prepare and handle food while addressing any past food safety concerns. I find only a small handful of my clients to be combative, Horne says. Most realize the inspectors role is to protect everyone including their businesses. To that role, food safety inspectors bring science degrees and prior experience: Horne has a masters
ITS BEfORE 8 A.M., AND fOOD safety inspector Karla Hornes cellphone buzzes but not for the reason you might suspect. Its not unusual for a food business I inspect to call me when theyre thinking about adding a new product or process, and sometimes thats early in the morning, says Horne, who works for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). She welcomes those questions from the businesses in her territory half of Grand Traverse, plus Benzie, Leelanau and Manistee counties. I like to say we spend 95 percent of our time doing food safety education and 5 percent enforcement, she says. That education helps when inspectors arrive on-site. Ninety-nine percent of inspections
Growth samples are tested at William C. Geagley Laboratory in Lansing.
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degree in biology and formerly worked in drinking water quality regulation. She also completed rigorous training at MDARD. Our new hires have at least six months of total training 1,040 hours of classroom and field training, says Tederington. And that does not include the 40 to 50 online courses required by the Food and Drug Administration. Karla Horne asks plenty of openended and what if questions during an inspection. She also inquires about customer complaints. A lot of times when people think they got sick from a food, theyll call the food business before the health department, she says. But more than anything, she watches. Food contamination frequently happens from an employees bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods, Horne says. The whole time Im there, Im watching employees for bad foodhandling habits. Were trained to always observe.
Those observations go into the inspectors final report. A MiSafe database of food inspection reports logged since 2011 is available for public search at MDARDs food safety web page, www.michigan.gov/foodsafety. In one day, food inspectors might inspect three or four small food businesses, like gas stations serving a variety of prepared foods. Inspecting small food manufacturers bakeries, wineries could take all day. Large manufacturers, like one in Karla Hornes territory producing ready-toeat frozen pumpkin pies, may take multiple days. Food safety inspectors also collect random food samples and environmental samples (swabs) from food preparation surfaces in their territories. Samples are tested for the presence of Salmonella, Listeria and pathogenic E. coli at MDARDs Geagley Laboratory. We test about 1,000 environmental swabs per year, plus more than 100 produce and ready-to-eat food samples each month, says Ted Gatesy,
Geagley Lab microbiology manager. In 2013, we recovered Salmonella in a sample of imported tahini [sesame seed paste] during testing ordered by the FDA, Gatesy says. At the very least that prevented some people from getting sick. Horne often relies on the Geagley Lab staffs expertise when taking imported food samples. The FDA ordered a sample from a 1,000-pound container of brine cherries that had been re-imported into the country, she says. The cherries were suspended in a brine solution, and the lab staff guided me through pulling a representative sample without sticking my hands into a bunch of irritating stuff! It was just another day in the life of a Michigan food inspector.
Whats Online
Learn more about consumer protection at MIagriculture.com
Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board

www.michiganasparagus.org
Highest quality fresh, frozen or canned Michigan ranks 2nd in total U.S. production Michigan fresh available late April through June
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leadInG IndUstRIes
Pulling Its Weight

hen you think of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), you may think of services for farmers such as livestock dealer licenses or farmland preservation. But something that might escape notice is the consumer protection the department offers to everyone in the state. MDARDs Weights and Measures program ensures that everything bought or sold on the basis of weight, measure or count is done in accordance with the requirements of state law. And that entails hundreds of thousands of products. According to Craig VanBuren, MDARD Consumer Protection director, the Michigan Weights and Measures Act ensures everyone be they consumer or business gets a fair measure of what they are selling or what they paid for. More than $170 billion worth of goods sold annually in Michigan are inspected by MDARDs Weights and Measures program, he says. This maintains a level playing field and promotes fair competition. The Weights and Measures program makes sure all gas and diesel pumps provide the correct amount of fuel; checks all scales used in commerce are accurate; and ensures all packaged products sold in the state have the correct weight. If a farmer buys a 50-pound bag of feed for their cattle, were the ones that make sure there are actually 50 pounds of feed in those bags, VanBuren says. The same is true for any product: the responsibility falls to us.
How Michigans Ag Department works to protect farmers and consumers
A Weights and Measures inspector checks a scale to ensure accuracy of measurement.
Through the first nine months of 2013, the department conducted more than 15,000 package checks. The usual compliance rate is only about 50 percent, leading to investigations. If there is a problem, a sample size of the product is randomly removed and measured, and the average sample size must equal the weight claimed on the product label. If we find out package weights fall short of the label claim, we detain the product until our investigation is complete, VanBuren says. If we dont believe the shortage to be intentional, we will issue fines, and there is usually some stipulation for what the seller
needs to do either take the product back to manufacturer to refill or change the label to the real weight and its up to the consumer if he wants to accept it or not. A Weights and Measures inspector also has the responsibility of investigating consumer complaints throughout the entire state, and farmers and growers can be sure no one is trying to cheat them, thanks to MDARDs efforts. I dont think many farmers really know about us, VanBuren says. Were considered the third party on any transaction. There has to be a referee in this whole process and we fill that role. Keith Loria
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MICHIGAN AGRICULTURE

A GUIDE TO THE STaTE'S FaRMS, FOOD aND COMMERCE

Copyright 2014, Crop Production Services. All Rights Reserved.

Michigan farmers support environmental assurance program

Crops, Plants & Forestry

26 Pickin Progress 29 Healthy Forests

Michigan AgRicULTURE 2014

Livestock & Animals

45 Tasty Tourism 46 Buying Local

60 All in a Days Work 63 Pulling Its Weight

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The digital magazine is available for tablet and phone viewing.

Rick Snyder Governor of Michigan

WELCOME TO THE FIRST EDITION Of THE MICHIGAN

MICHIGAN DEpARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOpMENT:

Michigan produced 3.5 billion eggs in 2012.

MicHigaN HaS 349 FarmerS marKetS acrOSS tHe State.

T HE GREAT L AKES STATE

MicHigaNS agricultural prOductiON HaS iNcreaSed BY

OVer tHe laSt 10 YearS.

Canada and Mexico account for

aBOut HalF OF MicHigaNS 36.4 milliON acreS are FOreSted.

MicHigaN LeadS tHe NatiON iN drY BlacK BeaN prOductiON.

micHigaN NOrtH DaKOta MiNNeSOta

OF FarmS iN MicHigaN are FamilY-OWNed.

Soybeans accounted for $668.7 million in exports in 2012.

Leading commodities, based on cash receipts

Cattle aNd CalVeS

cRoPs, Plants & foRestRY

Michigan farmers support environmental assurance program

Staff Photos by Frank Ordoez

MAEAP VeriFicatiONS, aNd tHat NumBer cONtiNueS tO grOW!

cRoPs, Plants & foRestRY

Michigans f loriculture producers grow with pride

MICHIgANS BLOOMINg fLORICULTURE

Staff Photo by Frank Ordoez

Pansies grow at Pinter Brothers Greenhouse Inc.

MicHigaNderS are emplOYed BY tHe FlOriculture iNduStrY.

IDEAL fOR MICHIGAN

cRoPs, Plants & foRestRY

Invasive species pose threat to Michigan crops

cRoPs, Plants & foRestRY

Long-time fruit industries reach new markets

MICHIGANS APPLE GROwERS

Staff Photo by Michael Conti

cRoPs, Plants & foRestRY

Proper tree management improves wildlife habitat

cRoPs, Plants & foRestRY

Potato industry thrives in Michigan

MICHIGAN DIGS POTATOES.

Staff Photos by Frank Ordoez

Dig THeSe POtatO FactS:

Michigan potato growers have increased yields by

One potato has more potassium than one banana .

anIMals & LIVestocK

Cream of the Crop

Dairy processors provide markets, growth in state

DAIRY fARMER SCOTT

Staff Photos by Frank Ordoez

ScOTT FERRY, DaiRY FaRmER

The dairy industry generates an economic impact of

anIMals & LIVestocK

Freshly picked apples at Uncle Johns Cider Mill