Wing family's remarkable legacy in preserving Michigan farmland

By Andi Anderson

The Wing Family, a long-time farming family in Barry County, Michigan, was honored by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Agricultural Preservation Board for helping preserve 483 acres of farmland for future farming. The Wings donated nearly 62 percent of the total easement value to the Barry County Easement Board to make the project possible.

The Wing Family has been part of Michigan's agricultural history for 170 years. 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.

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.”

In March of 2022, the Barry County Easement Board was awarded a grant from the Agricultural Preservation Fund Board to purchase an agricultural conservation easement on 438 acres of property owned by Paul and Sue Wing. The success of this project rested on Paul and Sue Wing who agreed to donate nearly 62 percent of the total easement value to the Barry County Easement Board.

Michigan is home to nearly 10 million acres of farmland; and the Agricultural Preservation Fund Board is charged with managing the distribution of grants to preserve farmland and help conserve Michigan's agricultural heritage. For more information on the Agricultural Preservation Fund Board, please visit their website.

The Wing Family's donation is a testament to their commitment to preserving Michigan's agricultural heritage for future generations. Their gift will help to ensure that Barry County remains a vibrant agricultural community for many years to come.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-jimfeng