By Andi Anderson
Main Farms was honored with the prestigious 2023 Master Farmer Award by the Michigan Vegetable Council, recognizing their exceptional farming practices and collaborative efforts with Michigan State University researchers, Extension educators, and leaders in the vegetable industry.
Owned by the Main family—Paul, Joan, and Dan—Main Farms is a fourth-generation family farm covering 14,500 acres. The farm's diverse cultivation includes 11 varieties of potatoes, along with corn, soybeans, wheat, green beans, and peas. The potatoes are managed through various harvesting and processing methods, with some early-harvested varieties sent to a processing plant on semis, while others harvested mid or late season are taken to the farm's potato storage facility in Greenville for conditioning.
Chris Falak, the category manager for the baby-food giant Gerber, expressed admiration for Main Farms' contributions to the industry, citing the invaluable partnership and learning experience with Paul Main and his sons Dan and Joe. Falak reminisced about his first encounter with a green bean field, which happened to be one of Paul's, emphasizing the significance of the relationship and knowledge exchange with Main Farms.
The award was presented to Main Farms at the 23rd annual Great Lakes EXPO banquet in Grand Rapids, a testament to their commitment to excellence and their significant role in advancing agricultural practices in the region.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-univsersity-msu
Categories: Michigan, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables