Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development

Connecting Michigan farms to Michigan families. MDARD’s new Regenerative Value Chains Grants will help 14 Michigan farms expand production and deliver more locally grown foods to their communities. Nearly all of today’s grant recipients are first-generation farmers. And they all use regenerative agriculture practices that improve soil health and protect our natural resources. For example: Campbell Crossing Farm in Ludington is using regenerative practices to improve soil health and restore biodiversity to a decades-old tart cherry orchard. Willowbrook Farms in Cassopolis uses rotational grazing and other regenerative practices to boost soil nutrients and maintain plant diversity in their pastures. The Woven Trifecta in Whitehall is using no-till, chemical-free growing and other regenerative practices to grow fresh produce and raise sheep and angora rabbits. Yooper Country Farms in Eben Junction integrates livestock into their farming operations and uses other regenerative practices to improve soil health on their Upper Peninsula Farm. Find out more about the Value Chains Grants: https://lnkd.in/eRNvXegH

“Both farmers and consumers recognize the monumental impact farming has on the environment.” Melissa Hiles got her start in the restaurant industry. But after a few years, she wanted a change that still involved the food industry. That’s when she found Idyll Farms, a regenerative farm and creamery in Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula. Melissa got her start tending to the Idyll Farms’ first twelve goats. Today, she’s the company’s Farm Manager and Head Cheesemaker. From day to day, she manages 180 goats and 500 acres of mixed-use fields. And along the way, she’s helped Idyll Farms win more than 70 national and international awards. Melissa and Idyll Farms remain committed to rotational grazing as a means of improving soil health in their pastures. And their Alpine dairy goats are Certified Humane®. The business has grown as big box stores and consumers alike demand locally produced foods that have a positive impact on the environment. For young women interested in a career in agriculture, Melissa believes that “there is a real opportunity for growth in the farming industry and starting in an entry position can quickly progress to higher levels by taking the initiative and reaching outside your comfort zone.” 2026 is the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Stay tuned for more MDARD spotlights on women leaders in Michigan agriculture!

“I love Michigan and supporting every part of Michigan.” Scott Quoss was on a mission when he bought American Fifth Distillery in downtown Lansing four years ago. A mission to make exceptional craft beverages from Michigan-grown grains.     Thanks to that commitment, American Fifth was able to join MDARD’s Qualified Distiller Program. This program lowers markup costs on spirits produced with at least 40 percent Michigan grown grain, corn, potatoes, etc. “Our bourbon is all Michigan grains, so the Qualified Distiller Program is great for us,” said Scott. “It’s a great incentive to promote local economies.” And it’s not only good for farmers and distillers. It also helps consumers find unique, handcrafted spirits and cocktails at a great price. “Especially when it comes to bourbon, people are hunting for the unicorns out there,” said Scott. “The unicorns are your local distillers.” Find your unicorn by visiting a local distillery for Michigan Craft Spirits Month this September. And remember - enjoy responsibly!

Proactive research to protect Michigan agriculture! MDARD just announced nearly $2 million to fund innovative research on how to prevent PFAS (aka “forever chemicals”) from harming our agricultural resources. These projects will: - Help understand how PFAS moves through crops, soil and water systems - Develop practical tools and strategies to address PFAS contamination where it occurs - Strengthen the long-term health of our food supply and communities Awardees are already busy working toward finding solutions to increase the resiliency of Michigan’s ag sector. Stay tuned for more updates on this new effort!

“People grow great food in the city of Detroit!” Linda Kay Pruitt is an urban farmer, cookbook author, and founder of Mrs. Pruitt’s Gourmet CHA CHA. Haven’t heard of cha cha? You’re missing out. This sweet and tangy relish is a great way to spice up everything from beans and greens to burgers and hot dogs. Linda Kay learned how to make cha cha from her mother-in-law, Ma Pruitt, who brought the family recipe from South Carolina. Today, Linda Kay uses vegetables from her Detroit farm to deliver high-quality relish, condiments, and seasonings to stores across the country. “I am first and foremost an urban farmer,” said Linda Kay. “And let me tell you, people in other states want what Michigan has. We have a gold mine with our water resources [and] our small businesses.” And it’s not just folks in other states who want what Michigan has to offer. Other countries do, too. That’s why Linda Kay recently joined MDARD and Food Export at the Summer in the Cities Buyers Mission in Detroit. “Working with MDARD has opened the door to new opportunities by connecting my business with international buyers and giving me the chance to grow into new markets,” said Linda Kay. “Meeting buyers from other countries has inspired me to know that there’s a place for my product from Detroit on store shelves across the world.”

Michigan’s agricultural community is bursting with local flavor... and innovative farm stops are making it easier for families to bring that goodness home. By blending farmers‑market freshness with everyday convenience, they’re expanding access to nutritious, locally sourced food across the state. Argus Farm Stop in Ann Arbor is a standout success. Launched by Bill Brinkerhoff and Kathy Sample, Argus connects neighbors directly with hundreds of Michigan producers through two vibrant markets and a café. This delivers more sales for farmers and brings more local food to Michigan tables. Last year, Argus received a Farm Stops grant from MDARD’s Farm to Family Program. These grants helped farm stops across the state expand their footprints and increase community access to fresh, Michigan-grown foods. Michigan’s farm stops aren’t just markets, they’re a movement reshaping local food access.

From Detroit to Traverse City, MDARD volunteers were honored to support 9/11 Day of Service events in communities across Michigan. We will never forget those we lost and those who rose in service on September 11, 2001.

Increasing opportunities for Michigan farmers and food businesses. MDARD announced grants to help 28 Michigan food producers and distributors expand, including: - A new meat processing facility in Shiawassee County - Additional cold storage for a food bank in Flint - New milling equipment for farms in Berrien and Oceana counties - New production equipment for dairy businesses in Oakland and Washtenaw counties - New equipment for fruit and vegetable processors in Kent, Newaygo, and Ottawa counties “Smart investments in our food and agriculture systems boost business growth, build stronger communities and improve quality of life for Michiganders,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “These grants will create new jobs, cultivate new economic opportunities for Michigan farmers and food businesses, and give more Michiganders access to nutritious, locally grown foods.” Learn more about all the grants that were announced https://lnkd.in/eVF2BDPY

Let's take a moment this Labor Day to honor the incredible dedication of Michigan's farmers, growers and our wonderful agricultural community. Their tireless work ensures Michiganders have high-quality food available and our state's agriculture industry continues to thrive. Thank you for all you do... bringing the food... from the field to the fork.

More locally grown foods for Michigan families? You can bank on it! It’s National Food Bank Day, and we’re celebrating the South Michigan Food Bank (SMFB). Earlier this summer, SMFB received a Last Food Mile Grant from MDARD’s Farm to Family Program to purchase a new refrigerated delivery truck. MDARD Director Tim Boring stopped by SMFB’s warehouse in Battle Creek to see how the new truck will expand the delivery of nutritious, locally grown foods to Michigan families in eight south Michigan counties. Healthy foods build healthy communities. That’s why we’ll keep working with farmers, food producers, and community institutions to give Michiganders more access to locally grown foods. Want to learn more about your regional food bank? Visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan’s website: https://www.fbcmich.org/