The Specialty Crop Cast

In this episode, we sit down with Amy Cohn, President of the Cherry Marketing Institute and the Cherry Industry Administrative Board, to talk about the future of tart cherries and the power of unity in agriculture. Amy shares her background, what led her to champion the tart cherry industry, and how strategic marketing, grower collaboration, and strong leadership are helping move the industry forward.

We also dive into the importance of the Federal Marketing Order (FMO) ahead of the vote at the end of March — why it exists, how it supports growers, and what’s at stake for the tart cherry industry. Amy explains how structure, supply management, and collective action play a critical role in long-term stability.

Plus, we discuss the launch of the True Tart marketing campaign and how it’s helping differentiate U.S. tart cherries in an increasingly competitive global market. From positioning to branding, this effort aims to clearly define what sets American-grown tart cherries apart from the rest of the world.

If you care about Michigan agriculture, specialty crops, and the business behind the fruit, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Also, a huge thank to our sponsor Nichino for supporting conversations like this, that help move specialty crop growers forward! Find out about them at the link below!

https://nichino.net/

Solar is showing up on more Michigan farms — but does it actually make sense for specialty crop growers?

In this episode, we sit down with a Harvest Solar professional Jake Schuster to talk specifically about what solar looks like in Michigan agriculture. From orchards and specialty crops to grain operations, we break down how solar systems are designed around real farm energy use and what growers need to understand about incentives, tax credits, and long-term return on investment.

We also discuss how solar fits into the broader financial strategy of a farm — reducing overhead, stabilizing energy costs, and planning for the next generation. With rising input costs and tight margins, every business decision matters, and solar is no exception.

If you're a Michigan farmer considering solar, we encourage you to reach out to Harvest Solar directly to evaluate whether it makes sense for your operation. Having a conversation with a professional who understands agriculture is the first step in making an informed decision.

For more information or to schedule a meeting with a harvest solar professional, check out the link below!

https://harvestsolar.com/

A special thank you to Nichino America for supporting this episode and continuing to invest in specialty crop agriculture. We appreciate partners who are committed to bringing targeted solutions to growers across Michigan and beyond!

This episode of the Specialty Crop Podcast dives into the role advocacy, policy, and grower representation play in the future of specialty crop agriculture. Joined by Nick Nadai of the Michigan Agri-Business Association (MACMA), the conversation breaks down how specialty crop growers are supported at the state and national level—and why that work matters now more than ever.Nick shares insight into Michigan specialty crops, including tree fruit, berries, and vegetables, and explains how organizations like MACMA help navigate regulations, labor, crop protection, and industry challenges unique to specialty agriculture. The discussion also covers grower engagement, real-world policy impacts, and what producers should be paying attention to heading into future seasons.If you’re involved in specialty crop production, orchard management, or agricultural advocacy, this episode connects podcasting and farming through real conversations that directly affect growers on the ground.

Find out more about MACMA:

https://www.michfb.com/agriculture/farming-resources/michigan-agricultural-cooperative-marketing-association

A huge thanks to our sponsor Nichino for support these conversations that move specialty crops forward! Also, find this episode and all the rest anywhere you get your podcasts!Check out TikTok for clips from the show!

In this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast, we’re joined by Tim Schrank of Nichino America to talk about crop protection from a true specialty-crop-first perspective. Nichino is unique in the crop protection industry as the only company dedicated exclusively to specialty crop farmers, and Tim shares how that focus shapes everything from research and development to real-world, on-farm solutions.

We discuss why specialty crops require different approaches than broad-acre agriculture, how targeted chemistry helps manage pest pressure and resistance, and why having products designed specifically for fruit and vegetable growers matters now more than ever. Tim also offers insight into how Nichino works directly with growers and agronomists to solve challenges unique to specialty crop operations.

Thank you to our sponsor, Nichino America, for supporting this episode and for their continued commitment to developing crop protection solutions built specifically for specialty crop farmers.

Learn more about Nichino and their specialty-crop-only approach at www.nichino.net

In this episode of the Specialty Crop Cast, we sit down with Greg Kugel to discuss what’s really happening in the specialty crop industry today. Greg shares insight on current market conditions, key challenges growers are facing, and how decisions made now can shape the long-term success of an operation. We cover real-world perspectives from the field, where opportunities still exist, and what growers should be paying attention to as they plan for the upcoming season. This episode delivers practical takeaways and honest conversation for anyone involved in specialty crop production.

Special thanks to Nichino America for sponsoring the Specialty Crop Cast. Nichino America supports specialty crop growers with innovative crop protection solutions and a continued commitment to agriculture. We appreciate their support in helping bring real, grower-focused conversations to the industry.

Follow the Specialty Crop Cast for episode updates, clips, and behind-the-scenes content on TikTok, apple and youtube.

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 

In this episode, we sit down with Nikki Rothwell, Coordinator of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center and longtime MSU Extension Specialist, to talk about the future of fruit farming in Michigan. Nikki shares insights from more than 20 years of research—including IPM breakthroughs, SWD modeling, climate resilience, high-density orchard systems, and the economic realities growers face today.

We are talking about issues in apple trees, MSU extension and the yearly IFTA trip this year in Fresno California!

In this episode, we sit down with Nikki Rothwell, Coordinator of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center and longtime MSU Extension Specialist, to talk about the future of fruit farming in Michigan. Nikki shares insights from more than 20 years of research—including IPM breakthroughs, SWD modeling, climate resilience, high-density orchard systems, and the economic realities growers face today.

Whether you’re an orchardist, cider maker, or ag enthusiast, this episode brings real-world perspective from one of the industry’s most trusted voices.

A huge thanks to our sponsor of this video Wilbur-Ellis for supporting these types of conversations!

On this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast on Pomes and Stones we are joined by Isaiah Wunsch! A Northern Michigan specialty crop grower on Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City Michigan. He focuses on growing Apples and cherries farming 1000 acres. In this epsiode we talk about the challenges of farming cherries, equipment struggles and his own cherry packing house! All that and much more in this episode!

Thanks again to the sponsor of this episode Wilbue-Ellis!

Don't forget to give the show 5 Stars and follow so you dont miss any specialty crop talk action!Follow On All The Socials! https://www.tiktok.com/@pomesandstoneshttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569675538713https://www.instagram.com/pomesandstones/https://youtube.com/@PomesandStones?si=MI2TCk3iLtjQ164B

On this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast on Pomes and Stones we are joined by Nate Kulpa! A Northern Michigan specialty crop grower who grows a large variety of crops like tart cherries, sweet cherries, grapes, and much more! He manages 350 acres to bring the highest quality fruits to market!

Nate shares his experience launching his own wine brand and reflects on his time with Wilbur-Ellis as an agronomy specialist. We dig into the future of specialty crops and grapes in Michigan, the cost of labor and inputs, and the challenges growers face in today’s ag economy.

A big thanks to Wilbur-Ellis for sponsoring this episode and supporting Michigan’s specialty crop growers.

Don't forget to give the show 5 Stars and follow so you dont miss any specialty crop talk action!