Creating More Sustainable Agriculture

Each season farmers face growing environmental challenges and the need to adopt more sustainable practices on their operation continues to rise. Luckily, farmers seeking guidance along their journey in creating a more sustainable operation can turn to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP).

Responsible for promoting the growth and sustainability of the state's agricultural sector, MDARD is committed to supporting agricultural businesses, ensuring food safety and security, protecting animal and plant health, and promoting environmental stewardship. The department oversees various programs and initiatives related to agriculture, including crop and livestock inspection, pesticide regulation, food and dairy inspection, and promotion of local food systems. In collaboration efforts with farmers, industry stakeholders, and local community members, MDARD is working to advance Michigan's agricultural economy while preserving natural resources and supporting rural communities. Newly appointed in March 2023 as the Director of MDARD, Dr. Timothy Boring brings years of industry knowledge from prior leadership roles, his education on crop and soil sciences and experiences growing up on a dairy farm. His focus on conservation will be at the helm of MDARD’s goals and program development moving forward. This focus on conservation mirrors the same values farmers have: both provide vast benefit to the farm operation and surrounding communities.

“The value of conservation is around resiliency and sustainability, not only for the farms but for rural communities too,” Dr. Boring explains.

“Building stronger, more resilient systems, being able to weather increasing climate challenges, having increased biological capacity, more diverse cover crops and less tillage.”

MDARD continues to be a sound resource for farmers looking to implement conservation practices on their operation. One notable program, the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), assists farmers in environmentally conscious practices and being good stewards of the land.

“MAEAP has improved management of farms in a variety ways and has increased the overall average production capacity and environmental protection on farms today,” says Dr. Boring. “[MDARD’s goal] is to increase the understanding of how agricultural investments are consistent with improving conservation. You can’t grow different things if you don’t have the infrastructure or processing to support different things being grown in your community.”

While there are a plethora of both internal and external resources MDARD connects farms with, such as Farm Bill and state-level programs, much of the focus is on educating growers on the importance of it all. Conservation is here to stay and MDARD plans to continue offering support by defining what good management looks like and helping farms get there.

“The environmental conditions we are dealing with are not getting any less challenging and these challenges are becoming more consistent with farms looking to build and expand,” explains Dr. Boring. “The department is prioritizing connecting with growers and producers one-on-one and we recognize the importance those connections are. There are lots of face-to-face local workshops and field day meetings for growers to attend.”

As you begin to implement environmentally-conscious changes and conservation practices on your farm, turn to MAEAP and the programs available through MDARD. These resources are here to support your conservation journey and streamline your process.

GreenStone recognizes the proactive work of our agricultural community and the efforts of farmers n embracing environmentally conscious practices. For more information on becoming MAEAP verified, conservation practices to implement and how they can bring long-term value to your farm, visit www.maeap.org ■

GreenStone is meeting you where you are with real-time updates and information through text messaging! Whether you’re in the field, on the road, or at home you can now receive updates and deadline reminders straight to your phone. ■

GreenStone Members Re-Elect Four Directors to Cooperative Board

Four current board members have been re-elected to the GreenStone Farm Credit Services Board of Directors: Terri Hawbaker, Marilyn Thelen, Troy Sellen and Dale Wagner. Terri Hawbaker and Marilyn Thelen of Clinton County, Michigan were reelected to four-year terms representing voting region 6, located in six counties covering central Michigan. Hawbaker, a dairy farmer, has been a member of the GreenStone board for eight years, currently serving on the Legislative/ Public Policy Committee. Thelen, a grain and beef farmer, was appointed to the board last year and serves on the Finance Committee.

Troy Sellen of Oconto County, Wisconsin and Dale Wagner of Manitowoc County, Wisconsin were also re-elected for four-year terms representing voting region 7, located in northeast Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Sellen, a dairy farmer, is starting his second term having been a member of the GreenStone board for four years, and most recently serving as the Finance Committee Chair. Wagner, a dairy and grain farmer, has served on the board for 11 years and is the Legislative/Public Policy Committee Vice Chair.

“GreenStone is a member-owned cooperative governed by our members who understand that our success is their success,” said Travis Jones, President and CEO. “All four of our reelected board members have been outstanding representatives and leaders of GreenStone. I look forward to working with them and our entire 16-person board in meeting our mission of promoting the business success of our customers and the rural communities in Michigan and Northeast Wisconsin.”

Along with the board positions, GreenStone’s 28,000 members elected individuals to serve on the cooperative’s 2024 nominating committee. The nominating committee is comprised of GreenStone members from throughout the organization’s territory who are tasked with recruiting candidates for next year’s board elections and nominating committee. The 2024 nominating committee includes:

Region 1 – Nathan Clarke (Midland County, MI), Deidre Iciek (Gladwin County MI), and Joshua Schlicker (Saginaw County, MI)

Region 2 – John Ferkowicz (Lapeer County, MI), Timothy Ruggles (Tuscola County, MI), and

Darrin Wolschleger (Huron County, MI)

Region 3 – David VanBrunt (Lenawee County, MI), and Jason Winter (Monroe County, MI)

Region 4 – Edward Kretchman Jr. (Berrien County, MI) and Anthony Stocchiero (Van Buren County, MI)

Region 5 – Nicole Birkett (Mason County, MI) and Tyler Wilson (Gratiot County, MI)

Region 6 – Matthew Keilen (Clinton County, MI) and Kyle Shellenbarger (Ionia County, MI)

Region 7 – Ryan Brock (Oconto County, WI) and Scott Fenendael (Kewaunee County, WI) ■

GET INVOLVED – YOU OWN IT!

GreenStone is owned and governed by members who have a vested interest in seeing the association continue its successful mission of serving rural communities and agriculture. Our members are our owners and you have the right and responsibility to guide the cooperative forward.

The nominating committee members from GreenStone’s voting regions 1 & 2 will soon begin the candidate selection process for 2024. All other regions will meet in December to select candidates to run for the open 2025 nominating committee positions. We invite you to consider being a part of your cooperatives governance and submit your interest today!

The Nominating Committee role is a great place to start, it is a oneyear commitment to get you exposed to the process. The time commitment is approximately 5 hours to 3 days typically.

Are you ready to get involved? Go to www.greenstonefcs.com/ governance to learn more about the nominating and director roles. Complete a profile to express your interest or contact our corporate governance coordinator, Cheryl Motz at Cheryl.motz@greenstonefcs.com or 517-318-9557 to get involved! ■

Region 7

Region 1

Region 5

Region 6

Region 4

Region 2

Region 3