Fresh From The Field Podcast

Food safety. Public health. These are the partnership pillars between MDARD and the Michigan Association for Local Public Health. 

“I think people …

World Soil Day is Dec. 5th! To celebrate the importance of soil in our everyday lives, we sat down with well-known soil scientist, Karl Hausler, for an in-depth conversation about the origin of Michigan's State Soil, …

In this episode, we sit down with Cheryl Collins, Swine Program Manager and Emergency Coordinator for Animal Industry Division at MDARD and Stevie …

In this episode, we sit down with Nancy Barr, Assistant State Veterinarian with MDARD's Animal Industry Division and Emily Sewell, Wildlife Health …

Michigan is home to a little over 500,000 acres of wheat in 75 of Michigan’s counties. The economic impact of wheat in Michigan is $180 million. Michigan farmers produce over 35 million bushels of wheat annually. In …

Even though it’s not an official holiday, Halloween is much beloved by children and adults alike. Trick-or-treating, games, and costume parties are …

September is Emergency Preparedness Month. To celebrate we sat down with, Brad Deacon, Emergency Management Coordinator with MDARD and Elizebeth Weier, Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator with MDARD to discuss how …

September is National Food Safety Month. To celebrate we sat down with James Padden, Food Program Manager, with the Food & Dairy Division at MDARD to discuss proper food preparation, how MDARD inspectors keep the …

MIFMA was established in 2006 as a statewide association to promote local food consumption in Michigan by connecting more farmers to consumers through farmers markets. In this episode, we sit down with Hailey Lamb, …

August is National Tree Check Month - time to be on the lookout for invasive, destructive pests threatening Michigan's urban and forest landscapes. In this episode, we sit down with Robin Rosenbaum and Rob Miller from …

During the hot summer months, just like humans, pets and livestock are affected by high temperatures. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Calogero and Dr. Mike Thome to discuss how to protect pets and …

In this episode, we sit down with Slagle's Family Farm owners to discuss their grant from MDARD to expand their kitchen. 

In this episode, we sit down with Susannah lott, Invasive Species Program Specialist, and Mike Bryan, Export and Compliance Program Specialist to talk about the importance of burning firewood where you buy it. 

In this episode, we sit down with Gerald Miller, President of the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts to talk about Conservation day and how MACD and MDARD work together to preserve Michigan's soil and water. 

In this episode, we sit down with Tim Lyons, Feed Safety and Fertilizer Section Manager, to talk about how MDARD keeps animal feed safe. 

In this episode, we sit down with dairy farmer Ashley Messing-Kennedy, owner of Sheridan Dairy in Bad Axe. Ashley will talk about what it’s like to be a dairy farmer and also touch on Michigan’s dairy industry and dairy …

June is Dairy Month, and MDARD will be releasing one podcast per week to celebrate the people and companies integral to Michigan’s dairy industry. In …

Michigan is known for having the best asparagus in the nation. What makes Michigan's asparagus so good? In this episode, we sit down with Dwight Fuehring to discuss the secret's behind Michigan's amazing asparagus. 

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June is Dairy Month, and MDARD will be releasing one podcast per week to celebrate the people and companies integral to Michigan’s dairy industry. In this episode, we highlight, MWC and its impact on Michigan dairy …

In this episode, we sit down with plant experts Jan Meeuwsen, manager at De Bruyn Seed, and Keith Eldred, inspector at MDARD. We discuss the best approaches to keeping your plants strong and healthy. 

This year St. Julian Winery celebrates 100 years of Michigan wine!!! St. Julian Wine Co. has been owned and operated by the same family for four …

In this episode, we sit down with a panel of experts to discuss Mosquito-borne illnesses and mosquito abatement. This episode is packed with great mosquito prevention information and tips on what to do if you, your …

In this episode, we sit down with "The Tree Guy" Eric Brandon to discuss the history and future of Michigan forests. We also talk about the importance of Stewardship Week. If you love forests, you'll love this episode!! 

The McDonald's system has purchased $154 million in raw products from Michigan suppliers. In this episode, we sit down with two Michigan McDonald's owners and operators to discuss McDonald's relationship with Michigan's …

In this episode, we sit down with Polly McKillop, from AID of MDARD, Becky Neal, MAACO President, and Michelle Reid, Animal Control Officer. We talk …

In this episode of Fresh From the Field, we discuss Food and Agriculture jobs within MDARD and the Michigan food and ag industry. We discuss:

1. …

In this episode, we sit down with, Mike Bryan and Rob Millier of MDARD's Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division to discuss the Mountain Pine Beetle and Japanese Knotweed's potential impact on Michigan. 

In this episode, I sit down with Robert DeRubeis, Program Manager Weights, and Measures at MDARD. We discuss: 

• National Weights and Measure's week

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Szynski, a pesticide lead inspector at MDARD, and Patrick Nellenbach, Director of Safety and Security for Star of the West Milling Company. 

Most people have heard of Personal …

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Michele Schalow of MDARD who shares tips on how to keep your pets and farm animals safe during the cold winter …

In this episode, we sit down with guests Gina Alessandri and Molly Mott from MDARD and Blain Becktold iHemp Michigan. We talk about the: 

• Recently …

The holidays are over, but your Christmas Tree may still be hanging around. If you don't know how to safely recycle your tree, in this episode of …

In this episode, MDARD Director Gary McDowell shares the challenges and the successes of 2020. He also shares the departments' priorities in 2021. 

In this episode, we sit down with Ed Carpenter owner of Peacock Road Family Farm. We talk about his participation in Trees For Troops over the years …

In this podcast we share information with growers that will help them comply with WPS on their farm.

In this podcast we share information with growers that will help them implement WPS standards on their farm. 

In this episode, we sit down with Amy Start, Executive Director at the Michigan Christmas Tree Association and Mike Bryan Plant Industry Specialist. We talk about: 

Where to find different varieties of Christmas …

Thanksgiving is the #1 day for cooking fires! The holidays are a wonderful time to spend with family, but you must take the necessary precautions …

We sit down to discuss everything apples with Dian Smith of Michigan Apple Committee. 

In this episode, we sit down with Rob Kukowski of Kamps Hardwood. Kamps is the 2020 recipient of the Ag Exporter of the Year award. We talk about their company, their history, their success and what the accomplishment …

In this episode, I sit down with Louis Ognjanovski, Michigan Food Field Supervisor with Food & Dairy Division (MDARD

and Justin Henderson, Infectious Disease Unit Manager - MDHHS to discuss how they keep Michigan's …

In this episode, we sit down with Captain Kevin Sweeney of the Michigan State Police Department to talk about the importance of preparing for …

In this episode I sit down with Theresa Sisung, Field Crops and Advisory Team Specialist with Michigan Farm Bureau and Mike Bryan, Plant Industry Export and Compliance Program Specialist with Pesticide and Plant Pest …

In this episode we sit down with Robert Miller, Invasive Species Prevention and Response Specialist to talk about what MDARD is doing to treat and prevent invasive species in Michigan. 

Learn more about PPPM here: 

…

In this episode we sit down with Amanda Shreve to talk about how Michigan's Farmers Markets have pivoted during COVID-19. 

Learn more about MIFMA here: 

http://mifma.org/

In this episode I sit down with Amanda Smith who is the Executive Vice President of Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association. We discuss how COVOD-19 has impacting Michigan's restaurant industry and how they are …

In this episode we sit down with Jolene Griffith Director of Industry Relations for United Dairy Industry of Michigan. We discuss: 

1) The shift UDIM …

In this episode. We talk with Brian Verhougstraete of MDARD and Emily Dinh of Department of Health and Human Services about the impact and control of …

Tom LaGrasso of LaGrasso Bros Produce talks about being chosen for the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program, and shares the origins of the historic LaGrasso Brothers company. 

In this episode we discuss: 

1) 2019 Hemp Report

2) Changes in testing for THC 

3) The many uses of Hemp 

and much more!! 

Guest include: 

Gina Alessandri - Industrial Hemp Program Director, MDARD 

Craig VanBuren - …

Think you know everything about milk? Think again! Jolene Griffin, Director of Industry Relations for United Dairy Industry of Michigan, dispels …

Farmers Market's are vital in creating a thriving marketplace for local food and farm products. Amanda Shreve, Executive Director of Michigan Farmers Market Association, shares the behind the scenes of what it takes to …

Who knew potatoes were so awesome!! Chris Long, a Potato Extension Specialist at Michigan State University, dispels myths about potatoes being unhealthy, reveals an awesome superpower potatoes possess, shares the best …

In this episode we sit down with Gary McDowell Director of Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development to talk about his crop disaster …

MDARD Director Gary McDowell talks about USDA relief funds, Michigan's agriculture and infrastructure crisis, and Algae Blooms in Lake Erie.

Director McDowell of MDARD speaks about Farmer Markets and Infrastructure. 

Are you properly prepared if disaster strikes? Check out this very informative episode about how to best prepare yourself and your family, in case a disaster strikes.

Director McDowell discusses his trip to the NASDA conference, McDonald's relationship with Michigan Ag and The company that won exporter of the year!

Gary shares a year in review of 2019 at MDARD.

A behind the scenes conversation about Hemp production in Michigan. (2019) 

Cherry Capital Foods is a unique food distributor based in Traverse City, Michigan. Officially classified as a food hub, we work with farmers, growers and producers both locally and regionally.

By focusing on local and …

Tony D'Anna speaks to MDARD about McDonalds' contributions to the Food Shelters of Michigan during COVID-19. 

The impact of this pandemic has not been easy, and it is not over. While Michigan’s meat supply chain may experience occasional and temporary suspensions of operations, these breaks are necessary to implement new worker …

The Food Bank Council of Michigan has been doing an incredible job around the state during this difficult time. In this podcast MDARD speaks with Dr. …

DeRuiter Farms, Inc. is a family farm that was started in 1968. Along the beautiful West Michigan shoreline they grow tart cherries, apples, and …

MDARD interviews Peterson Farms