Update on 2019's Farming Hardships

'Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful and most noble employment of man.' -George Washington Listen in to hear the update on the detrimental role that the weather played in the fields this spring and fall from Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development - MDARD Director Gary McDowell. Director McDowell, Phil, and Gerry discuss the extreme hardships that Michigan's farmers went through and quite honestly, most are still going through. MDARD and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are working to prepare for yet another wet year while putting commodity groups in place to be prepared as possible. Although Michigan's growing season is short, we remain the second most agriculturally diverse state with the agriculture sector contributing $1.5 billion into the state’s economy. The Food Bank Council of Michigan and its 7 member food banks distributed 205 million pounds of food across Michigan in 2019, with 80 million pounds being produced. Having a plethora of produce enables the clients to have a choice - a choice provides dignity and helps reduce waste. *If you haven't already, thank a farmer*