The Specialty Crop Cast

Irrigation decisions can make or break a season—and too often, growers are left guessing when and how much to water. In this episode, we sit down with Eugene and Val from Verdi to talk about how data-driven irrigation is helping growers make smarter, more efficient decisions in the field. From timing and water use to improving crop performance, this conversation breaks down what better irrigation management really looks like in modern agriculture.A big thank you to Eugene and Val from Verdi for joining the podcast and sharing their insights with growers. Learn more about Verdi and their technology here: https://www.verdi.ag/ Follow them on all socials @verdi.agThis episode is sponsored by Nichino—supporting growers with innovative crop protection solutions and trusted expertise in the field. Find out more in the link below.www.nichino.netBe sure to subscribe and follow for more conversations on farming, orchard management, irrigation, and ag technology.

Independent crop consulting, agronomy insight, and practical specialty crop advice are at the center of this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast with Kyle Kelley of Crop Watch LLC. As an independent CCA, Kyle shares valuable perspectives on crop scouting, decision-making, pest management, and helping growers navigate challenges with unbiased agronomic recommendations.In this conversation, we dig into what it means to be an independent Certified Crop Adviser, why trusted crop intelligence matters, and how sound agronomic decisions can impact orchard performance from season to season. Whether you grow apples, cherries, seed corn or other specialty crops, this episode is packed with insight for growers looking to make better decisions in the field.A big thank you to our sponsor, Nichino America, for supporting this episode and supporting growers with innovative crop protection solutions.👍 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and follow The Specialty Crop Cast, and share this episode with a fellow grower or agronomy enthusiast.Learn more about Crop Watch LLC:https://www.cropwatch.us/#SpecialtyCropCast #CropConsulting #AgronomyPodcast

In this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast, we sit down with Lauren to break down regenerative agriculture in Michigan and how it connects to the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). We dive into what MAEAP is, how it functions to support farmers through environmental stewardship and risk management, and take a closer look at the new regenerative agriculture program and what it could mean for specialty crop growers.From soil health and sustainability to real-world applications in apple and cherry orchards, this conversation explores how regenerative ag is being discussed, measured, and applied across modern farming systems in Michigan. Whether you're a grower, agronomist, or just interested in the future of agriculture, this episode brings practical insight into where regenerative practices fit in today’s specialty crop industry.👉 Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow The Specialty Crop Cast for more conversations from the field.📲 Follow Lauren here: Instagram: laur.shaf Facebook: Lauren Shaffner 🌱 Learn more about MAEAP: https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/environment/maeap🎧 This episode is sponsored by Nichino America!

In this episode of the Specialty Cropcast, we sit down with Kait Thornton to talk about bridging the gap between farmers and consumers through education, storytelling, and transparency. Kait shares her mission to reconnect people with where their food comes from and why understanding modern agriculture matters now more than ever. If you’re a grower, ag professional, or consumer who wants a closer connection to the farm, this conversation is for you.👉 Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe to the Specialty Crop Cast for more conversations that connect you directly to the people shaping agriculture today.🔗 Follow Kait Thornton on all socials @applegirlkait 🎧 Listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Acres TV📲 Follow us for more clips on TikTok & Instagram: @SpecialtyCropcastHuge thanks to our sponsor Nichino for support specialty crop conversations like this!

Federal crop insurance for farmers is one of the most important risk management tools in agriculture, helping protect crops, revenue, and farm stability from weather events like frost, hail, and drought. In this episode of the Specialty Crop Cast, we sit down with Cory Blumerick, a federal crop insurance expert with Greenstone Farm Credit Services, to break down how crop insurance works and why it’s critical for specialty crop growers.We cover the fundamentals of federal crop insurance, including coverage options, policy structure, and how growers can use these programs to reduce risk and protect their operations. Cory shares real-world insights on how farmers can prepare for unpredictable weather and make smarter decisions when selecting crop insurance that fits their farm.Whether you grow cherries, apples, or other specialty crops, this episode highlights how crop insurance supports long-term farm resilience, financial protection, and peace of mind in an industry impacted by Mother Nature. If you found value in this episode, make sure to like, follow, and share the Specialty Crop Cast with other growers and ag professionals—it helps us keep these conversations going. Big thanks to Cory for sharing his expertise and helping simplify federal crop insurance for today’s farmers.This episode is brought to you by Nichino. Thanks for supporting conversations that help move specialty crop growers forward. Find more information about the solutions they can bring you in the link below! https://nichino.net/

In this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast, we sit down with Leon Miller to talk about the story behind Brush Tamer and how a practical idea from the field turned into a valuable tool for orchard and specialty crop growers. Leon shares the inspiration behind the Brush Tamer, the challenges of managing prunings and brush in orchards, and how farmer-driven innovation can lead to better solutions for growers.We also dive into the process of developing new equipment for specialty crop agriculture, the importance of efficiency in orchard systems, and what Leon has learned along the way building a service designed specifically for growers. If you work in orchards, vineyards, or specialty crops, this conversation highlights how real-world farm challenges often lead to some of the best innovations in agriculture.👍 If you enjoy conversations with growers, innovators, and leaders in specialty crop agriculture, make sure to LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to the channel so you don’t miss future episodes of The Specialty Crop Cast.Learn more about Brush Tamer:🌐 Website: https://brushtamer.com/This episode is brought to you by our sponsor:Nichino America – delivering crop protection solutions designed to help specialty crop growers protect their investment and maximize crop quality.Learn more about Nichino America here:🌐 Website: https://nichino.net/

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-associationA 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-92ev1x1f7K2Facebook: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_UdkGSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2XfbpXKLFZlB9y1QP4HLdZ?si=ykkDpbusQOKanJWWXYOZrQPresident 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!

On this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast on Pomes and Stones we welcome Nels Veliquette into the studio! A cherry and apple grower in Kewadin Michigan, Nels is passionate and an advocate for the industries he's involved in. He's been featured in the Chicago Tribune and The Wall Street Journal for his testimony in Washington D.C. in an lawsuit in front of the International Trade Commission. In this episode we will be talking what is next for the cherry industry after a short crop. Also, we touch on government support for farmers, how to connect the community with farming, and crop insurance! We talk about all that and much more in this weeks episode of The Specialty Crop Cast!Thank you Nels for coming into the studio and sharing your farming journey! Also thank you to Wilbur-Ellis for sponsoring this weeks episode of The Specialty Crop Cast on Pomes and Stones!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 welcome Jake Campeau manager at Cherry Bay Orchards into the studio. A second generation farmer who started on the farm and was always pulled back to the farm through is early 20's. Jake does a variety of jobs across the farm from the field to the shop! Cherry Bay is located in Suttons Bay Michigan, and is large producer of tart cherries and a large number of different varities of apples including Sweet Tangos and Honeycrisp! Jake and the guys talk about the future of farming with new technology, managing massive apple picking crews, and much more in this weeks episode of the Specialty Crop Cast!Thank you Jake for coming into the studio and sharing your farming story!Next week will feature a former CIAB board member and advocate for the cherry industry Nels Veliquette!

In this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast on Pomes and Stones we are back in the studio discussing where we have been this summer! We catch up on cherry harvest went and what the apple crops look like on our farms! Were talking drone crashes, harvest stories and much more in this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast!Thank you for listening! Dont forget to follow on all the socials for more content on specialty crop farming!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 welcome Travis Bratschi owner of Bratschi Orchards. A first generation farmer started small and has grown himself a beautiful apple farm located in Traverse City Michigan! Travis breaks down what it takes to grow beautiful fruit in a sometimes non-cooperative often volatile growing season. In this episode we will be learning what it takes to run a high production apple farm. What varieties does travis grow? How does he deal with damaging hail storms? How does he color up fruit and keep quality apples through long storage windows? We answer all that and much more in this weeks episode of The Specialty Crop Cast!Thank you Travis for coming into the studio and sharing your farming journey! As chery harvest approaches we will be taking an break through the month of July! Talon and the guys will be back in August with harvest updates and a lineup of new guests!

On this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast on Pomes and Stones we welcome Sadie Merchant owner of Myrtle and Maudes into the studio! Sadie is a 4th generation farmer in Northern Michigan! Not only has her family been farming fruit for generations they also have in the last 5 years opened Myrtle and Maudes. What started out as a small roadside stand has evolved into a local and out of town favorite stop for all travelers! In this episode we will be learning what it takes to run a farm market, events, farm animals and 1000+ cherry pies sold. You can find Sadie and all the Myrtle and Maudes information with these links down below and don't forget to get you favorite Michigan made products next time you stop in!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myrtleandmaudes/Website:https://myrtleandmaudes.com/If you enjoyed the show drop a follow and give us a 5 star rating as it is the best way to support the show!

On this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast on Pomes and Stones we welcome Travis Schock from Cherry Bee Inc into the studio! Travis is a bee keeper tending to honey bees here in northern Michigan! Years of bee keeping across the country has landed him here in northern Michigan pollinating specialty crops across the state! We are talking pollinating, honey, saving the bees and , much more! As always, Thanks to Wilbur-Ellis for sponsoring this weeks episode of the Specialty Crop Cast on Pomes and Stones! Next week we will be talking with Sadie Merchant, owner of Myrtle and Maude's farm market here in Traverse City!

On this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast on Pomes and Stones we welcome Alec Altonen from Altonen Orchards into the studio! Alec is a 4th generation farmer in Northern Michigan. Altonen Orchards grows a variety of crop from apples and cherries all the way down to pumpkins and their famous sweet corn! We are talking farming, cider, helicopter rides and , much more! As always, Thanks to Wilbur-Ellis for sponsoring this weeks episode of the Specialty Crop Cast on Pomes and Stones! Next week we will be talking with Cherry Bee Inc bee keeper Travis Shock! put your questions down below if you have any about being a bee keeper, honey or pollination!!

In this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast we visit with Wilbur- Ellis Technical Nutrition Specialist Megan Barlow! She is very knowledgable in all things plant nutrition, geology and soil sampling. We talk about all those things and more in this episode. This will be the most educational thing you hear today! Lock in and hit play! Thanks to Wilbur-Ellis for sponsoring this video! They have been partnering with specialty crop growers for more than 100 years!

Welcome to back to The Specialty Crop Cast on Pomes and Stones! Welcome to The Specialty Crop Cast on Pomes and Stones. Where we talk about farming, agribusiness and products from the people who know it best! This week our guest in studio is Brennen Hitchcock! He is a Senior Operations Manager for Wilbur Ellis. He explains the ins and out of managing multiple different locations across the midwest. Thank you Wilbur Ellis for sponsoring this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast

This week on The Specialty Crop Cast we are talking about insects, spray programs and protecting your crops! Come along with Talon, Zach and Steve as we tackle those topics and more in this weeks video!

This week Bruce Veliquette from Cherry Ke, Shoreline Fruit and the CIAB. Join us as we talk harvest stories, growing up on the farm and the future of the cherry industry in this weeks episode!

Episode 1: Welcome to the Specialty Crop Cast on Pomes and Stones! In our very first episode, get to know your hosts—three passionate farmers from Northern Michigan—as we kick off the Pomes and Stones Podcast - The Specialty Crop Cast!! We’re diving into what this podcast is all about: real stories from the orchard, behind-the-scenes farm projects, and honest conversations about growing specialty crops like apples and cherries.