Traverse City Record-Eagle

Business

March 24, 2012

Agriculture in brief: 03/24/2012

FROM STAFF REPORTS ----

Event will focus on New Zealand trip

TRAVERSE CITY — Members of the Northwest Michigan New FARM Program will discuss their recent agricultural trip to New Zealand's South Island.

Nikki Rothwell, coordinator of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station in Leelanau County, and other New FARM members will present a slide show from their trip that highlights their farm visits in New Zealand and how the experience is relevant to local agriculture.

The free event is scheduled for April 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Black Star Farms. For more information, email Rothwell at rothwel3@msu.edu.

TC apple farmer honored for service

TRAVERSE CITY — An agricultural marketing group honored a Traverse City apple farmer for his years of service.

Third-generation farmer Josh Wunsch received the 2012 Distinguished Service Award from the Michigan Processing Apple Growers division of the Michigan Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Association.

Wunsch began serving on the MACMA board in 1988, and became its vice president in 1999. During his tenure, he often represented Michigan apple growers in Washington, D.C. He retired in November 2011.

Farmer selected for leadership program

TRAVERSE CITY — A local farmer is participating in a 15-month leadership program organized by the Michigan Farm Bureau.

Stephen Bott operates a 150-acre farm of corn, oats and hay along with beef cattle near Buckley.

He is one of 15 young farmers between 25 and 35 years old selected for the ProFILE program, which aims to strengthen their leadership skills and their role within the Farm Bureau. Graduates are encouraged to become county Farm Bureau members.

The training kicked off in January with an orientation, and workshops in February and March focused on politics, team-building and meeting management.

After the 2012 harvest, participants will attend a winter workshop on organizational management and building consensus. In February 2013, they will travel to other Farm Bureau offices across the country.

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