By Andi Anderson
The Nature Conservancy in Michigan recently recognized three farmers in the Saginaw Valley as Soil Health Heroes for their commitment to implementing healthy soil practices. These farmers showcase the importance of regenerative agriculture in Michigan and serve as examples for the industry. The 2023 Soil Health Hero Award winners are:
Legacy Category:
- Winner: Wayne Bierlein (Reese, Michigan)
- Farm: WMW Bierlein Farms
- Practices: Wayne has been employing no-till practices on over 1,500 acres for more than five years. He also incorporates cover crops on most of those acres annually. Wayne leads a Farmer-Led Watershed Group in his area, actively working with neighboring farmers to improve soil practices.
Innovator Category:
- Winner: James Weber (Vassar, Michigan)
- Farm: Weber Dairy
- Practices: James owns a medium-sized dairy farm with approximately 250 milking cows. His 550-acre farm utilizes a Recycled Manure Solids System, and about 20 acres are dedicated to a native harvestable buffer along surface waters. He serves on the Michigan Milk Producers Association Sustainability Committee.
Conservation Newcomer Category:
- Winners: Caleb and Cody Symons (Chesaning, Michigan)
- Farm: Symons Farm
- Practices: Brothers Caleb and Cody, who own Symons Farm, have a 550-acre farm verified by the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program. They participated in a grant-funded soil sampling program for the Saginaw Bay Watershed, leading to the development and active application of a nutrient management plan for their farm. They use Variable Rate Technology on all acres.
These farmers were nominated by their peers and selected by an independent review committee of agricultural partners. The recognition highlights their commitment to soil health practices, which not only reduce input costs but also contribute to the resilience of their fields against extreme weather conditions while protecting water quality.
Additionally, The Nature Conservancy in Michigan also awarded the Conservation Excellence in Agribusiness Award at the 2024 Michigan Agribusiness Winter Conference. The recipient, Sarah Michalek of the Michigan Milk Producers Association, serves as the sustainability supervisor and has overseen initiatives aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the dairy supply chain. Notably, the Feed in Focus project, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, enrolled over 15 Michigan dairies, leading to a reduct
The Nature Conservancy in Michigan recently recognized three farmers in the Saginaw Valley as Soil Health Heroes for their commitment to implementing healthy soil practices. These farmers showcase the importance of regenerative agriculture in Michigan and serve as examples for the industry. The 2023 Soil Health Hero Award winners are:
Legacy Category:
- Winner: Wayne Bierlein (Reese, Michigan)
- Farm: WMW Bierlein Farms
- Practices: Wayne has been employing no-till practices on over 1,500 acres for more than five years. He also incorporates cover crops on most of those acres annually. Wayne leads a Farmer-Led Watershed Group in his area, actively working with neighboring farmers to improve soil practices.
Innovator Category:
- Winner: James Weber (Vassar, Michigan)
- Farm: Weber Dairy
- Practices: James owns a medium-sized dairy farm with approximately 250 milking cows. His 550-acre farm utilizes a Recycled Manure Solids System, and about 20 acres are dedicated to a native harvestable buffer along surface waters. He serves on the Michigan Milk Producers Association Sustainability Committee.
Conservation Newcomer Category:
- Winners: Caleb and Cody Symons (Chesaning, Michigan)
- Farm: Symons Farm
- Practices: Brothers Caleb and Cody, who own Symons Farm, have a 550-acre farm verified by the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program. They participated in a grant-funded soil sampling program for the Saginaw Bay Watershed, leading to the development and active application of a nutrient management plan for their farm. They use Variable Rate Technology on all acres.
These farmers were nominated by their peers and selected by an independent review committee of agricultural partners. The recognition highlights their commitment to soil health practices, which not only reduce input costs but also contribute to the resilience of their fields against extreme weather conditions while protecting water quality.
Additionally, The Nature Conservancy in Michigan also awarded the Conservation Excellence in Agribusiness Award at the 2024 Michigan Agribusiness Winter Conference. The recipient, Sarah Michalek of the Michigan Milk Producers Association, serves as the sustainability supervisor and has overseen initiatives aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the dairy supply chain. Notably, the Feed in Focus project, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, enrolled over 15 Michigan dairies, leading to a reduction of 93 tonnes of CO2 equivalents.
The hope is that these examples set by Soil Health Heroes will continue to inspire conversations about conservation in the farming community, emphasizing the positive impact of healthy soil practices across the Saginaw Valley.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock
Categories: Michigan, General