Distinguished individuals and businesses were recognized for their contributions and dedication to the cattle industry during the Michigan Cattlemen’s Association Summer Round-Up in McBain. 

MCA Member of the Year was awarded to Plank Farms of Crystal; Agribusiness of the Year was awarded to Bill Sheridan of Sheridan Realty & Auction Co in Mason; Jack Thornton of Meadow Creek Ranch near Reed City was awarded Commercial Cattleman of the Year; and Young Cattleman of the Year was awarded to Cory Peterson of Peterson Farms in Big Rapids.

AGRIBUSINESS OF THE YEAR: Bob DeLong presented Bill Sheridan (right) from Sheridan Realty & Auction Co with his Agribusiness of the Year award.

Participants heard from multiple speakers, including Jerad Jaborek of Michigan State University Extension, who discussed beef on dairy breeding research. Tim Eagan of Northern Bovine Veterinary Clinic provided a holistic view of vaccination strategy in beef herds, and Kevin Gould and Frank Wardynski from MSU Extension discussed the Beef Quality Assurance transportation certification.

The tour destination included Dutchman Tree Farm and Cow/Calf operation in Manton, which is family-owned and operated by Joel and Gale Hoekwater and Chris and Sarah Maciborski. Joel and Sarah’s grandpa John Vanderweide planted the first tree, a scotch pine, on the farm in 1960. Now this growing farm and family has its fifth generation working on the farm.

Apply now for small distiller program

Applications are now being accepted, Sept. 1-23, for the new qualified small distiller program through the Michigan Craft Beverage Council (MCBC).

Michigan small distillers or an out-of-state entity that is the substantial equivalent of a small distiller may file an application with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to be certified as a qualified small distiller.

COMMERCIAL CATTLEMAN OF THE YEAR: Jack Thornton is the Commercial Cattleman of the Year.

This announcement follows a bill signing by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in June to cut costs for small Michigan distilleries and supports the state’s grain farmers. PA 135 of 2022, sponsored by Rep. Pat Outman aims to assist Michigan's growing craft distillery industry by lowering markup costs associated with the purchase of Michigan grain, increasing the number of bottles distillers can produce while allowing them to invest back into their companies to help create jobs and strengthen small businesses.

“Michigan is home to about 80 craft distillers, with many already using Michigan grain in part of their finished product,” says Jenelle Jagmin, executive director, MCBC. “This is a new incentive for craft distillers to use Michigan grown grain, and offer additional markets for our farmers. I encourage our craft distillers to apply for the small distiller qualification.”

View the online qualified small distiller application, and learn more about the qualified small distiller program, including fees and frequently asked questions here. Questions about the qualified distiller program can be directed to [email protected].

More information about MCBC, including research grants and industry communications, can be viewed here.

Make a nomination for 2023 Dairy Farm of the Year

The Michigan State University Department of Animal Science is seeking nominations for the 2023 Dairy Farm of the Year Award.

Since 1958, the Dairy Farm of the Year Award has been given to a farmer, farm partners or family that has distinguished themselves through excellence in dairy farming and outstanding involvement in the industry or their community.

The selection committee from MSU Animal Science seeks certain selection criteria for the award.

Nominees must be actively engaged in dairy farming. Where a partnership or corporations exists, two or more individuals may be honored as joint recipients.

The nominees should be outstanding managers of a dairy farm operation. Their operation should have statistical averages that are above those of Michigan state averages and be considered by others in the dairy industry as being an elite dairy operation.

The nominees should have demonstrated leadership in dairy industry-related or community organizations.

YOUNG CATTLEMEN OF THE YEAR: Seth Latimore presented Cory Peterson with his Young Cattlemen of the Year award.

Information about the award, a list of past recipients and the nomination form can be accessed online. Even if not all information requested on the form is available, nominations are still welcome.

Nominations are due to Miriam Weber Nielsen, chair of the selection committee, at [email protected], by Oct. 15.

The selected farm will be announced before the 2023 Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference and honored at the Michigan Dairy Industry Banquet as a part of the conference.

A portrait of the honoree will be added to the display wall at the MSU Livestock Pavilion, and notice of the award will be provided to the local newspaper of the recipient and to their legislators.

Brunner named GreenStone chief financial officer

GreenStone Farm Credit Services has promoted Kimberly Brunner as its executive vice president and chief financial officer. Brunner assumed the new role Aug. 1, in sync with the previous announcement of former CFO Travis Jones transitioning to CEO for the association.

Brunner began her career in the accounting and financial space more than 30 years ago, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa and becoming a certified public accountant.

She specializes in business financial analysis, auditing, internal controls and financial reporting. Brunner has served in several financial roles over the years, having spent the past decade working within the Farm Credit System, first at AgriBank prior to joining GreenStone in 2019. 

She most recently served as the senior vice president of finance and operations for GreenStone. As CFO, Brunner will be responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership to issues affecting GreenStone’s long-range financial viability, as well as day-to-day financial activities.

She will be focused on the association’s finance and accounting activity, as well as the operations and facilities management teams.