The Wing Family has been part of Michigan's agricultural history for 170 years. In September, the long-time farming family was honored by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Agricultural Preservation Board for helping preserve 438 acres of Barry County farmland for future farming.
"Farming isn't just their career choice and how they pay their bills, it's an integral part of this family s DNA and now it will also be part of the long-term legacy of Michigan farming," said Tim Boring, MDARD Director. "I am honored to join the Agricultural Preservation Fund Board honoring Paul Wing and his family for supporting Michigan agriculture and for a lifetime of dedication to conserving and protecting agricultural properties for future generations."
In 1853, Thomas Wing emigrated from England and purchased the original family homestead near Bellevue in Barry County. Several parcels of land were gifted to family members over the years and Howard and Paul Wing spent years reassembling the parcels. The Wing Family Farm, known now as Wing Acres Dairy, is also a certified centennial farm. Additionally, Paul Wing has a long and active history of both stewardship and collaboration with the Barry County Conservation Easement Board, Barry County Farm Bureau, Barry Conservation District Board, and the Agricultural Preservation Fund Board. When asked why he became involved in the farmland preservation movement, Paul stated: Who else is going to feed everyone? They needed people to protect farm ground so that the world would not go hungry.
Source: michigan.gov
Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer
Categories: Michigan, Sustainable Agriculture