In this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast, we’re joined by Chad Reenders — a fourth-generation Michigan blueberry farmer and President of the Michigan Blueberry Advisory Committee. Chad shares the history of Michigan’s blueberry industry and breaks down the major changes shaping it today, including farm consolidation, new plant genetics, pest and nutrition management, labor challenges, and what the future holds for specialty crop growers in Michigan.

We also dive into Chad’s advocacy work in Lansing and Washington, D.C., where he’s helped push important policy updates around blueberry crop insurance with USDA–RMA, labor and H-2A reform, EGLE permitting challenges, and the proposed USHBC checkoff increase. Chad also reflects on balancing farming 200 acres in West Michigan with family life, foster parenting, and podcasting — offering a real-world look at what it takes to keep family farms moving forward.

Thank you to our sponsor, Nichino America, for supporting this episode and their continued commitment to specialty crop growers through innovative chemistry, strong R&D, and on-the-ground support that helps protect crops and farms across the country.

Links & Resources:🔗 Michigan Blueberry Advisory Committee Youtube:

https://youtube.com/@miblueberry-123?si=636TQBnj_4lPHWvY

🔗 Short Form Socials:

Tiktok:https://www.tiktok.com/@joshspurr786?_r=1&_t=ZP-92ev1x1f7K2

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/share/14RN2ngCZah/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/frontporchdads?igsh=Y294aWFvbHh0Z3R5

🔗 Front Porch Dads Podcast:

Youtube:

https://youtube.com/@frontporchdads?si=UjaENgov2Yg_UdkG

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/2XfbpXKLFZlB9y1QP4HLdZ?si=ykkDpbusQOKanJWWXYOZrQ

President website:

www.mbbac.us