MAEAP Verifies 50 Farms in September

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD) Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) is recognizing 50 farms for implementing appropriate pollution prevention practices. The program assists farmers to comply with state and federal environmental regulations and with Right to Farm practices. Technical assistance was provided by local Conservation Districts.

The Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program recognized:

  • Laman Farm, LLC, of Honor, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Stardust Hill Farm, of Lake, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead, and Livestock Systems
  • McNeil Farms, LLC – Dickerson, of Unionville, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • McNeil Farms, LLC – Vader, of Unionville, as a verified farm in Farmstead System
  • Bee Wise Farms, LLC, of Newberry, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Buchan’s Blueberry Hill, LLC, of Traverse City, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Northern Natives E.C. (Erosion Control), of Newberry, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Campobello Farm, of Maple City, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • JSQ MSQ, LLC, of Charlevoix, as a verified farm in Cropping and  Farmstead Systems
  • B & B Brown Farms, LLC, of Sandusky, as a verified farm in Cropping System
  • G & D Rich Farms, Inc., of Deckerville, as a verified farm in Cropping System
  • Bernath Farm, of Morenci, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Camp Northfolk, of MacFarland, as a verified farm in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System
  • Don Drews Farm, of Charles, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Crooked Creek Vineyard & Orchard (Previously Wagner 8th Day Vineyard), of Levering, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Maplewood Farmstead, of White Cloud, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead, and Livestock Systems
  • Roossinck Orchards, Inc – Baseline Farm, of Fremont, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Roossinck Orchards, Inc – Home Farm, of Fremont, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Roossinck Orchards, Inc – North Ridge Crest Farm, of Fremont, as a verified farm in Farmstead System
  • Roossinck Orchards, Inc – South Ridge Crest Farm, of Fremont, as a verified farm in Farmstead System
  • Sweeten Farm, LLC, of Dafter, as a verified farm in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System
  • Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club, of Engadine, as a verified farm in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System
  • Hickory Gables, Inc. Dairy, of Hickory Corners, as a verified farm in Farmstead and Livestock Systems
  • North Gould City Tree Farm, of Gould City, as a verified farm in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System
  • Regal Bison Company, LLC, of Freeport, as a verified farm in Farmstead and Livestock Systems
  • Squash Blossom Farm, of Imlay City, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead, and Livestock Systems
  • Stone Oak Farm, of Metamora, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead, and Livestock Systems
  • MSU – Department of Forestry, Tree Research Center, of Lansing, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Visser Family Farms, LLC, of Zeeland, as a verified farm in Livestock System
  • Circle H Farm, of Eau Claire, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead, and Livestock Systems
  • Joseph Rydwelski Farms, of Buchanan, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead, and Livestock Systems
  • Stump Lane Farm, of Metamora, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead, and Livestock Systems
  • Cooper Farm, LLC, of Marlette, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • South Maple Farm, of Dafter, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead, and Livestock Systems
  • Taylor Hops, LLC, of Greenville, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Harrietta Hills Trout Farm, LLC, of Harrietta, as a verified farm in Farmstead and  Livestock Systems
  • John and Mary Arnott Farm, of Dafter, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Livingway Greenhouse, of Falmouth, as a verified farm in Cropping (Greenhouse) and  Farmstead (Greenhouse) Systems
  • MacNaughton Farm, of Grand Ledge, as a verified farm in Farmstead and  Livestock Systems
  • Northern Lavender, LLC, of Mesick, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Northwinds Forestry, of Pickford, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Back Acre Farm, of Rapid City, as a verified farm in Farmstead and Livestock Systems
  • Fitzner Farms, of Wolverine, as a verified farm in Cropping, Farmstead, and  Livestock Systems
  • Pendergast Farms, LLC, of Empire, as a verified farm in Cropping and Farmstead Systems
  • Zmitko Farms, of Owosso, as a verified farm in Cropping System
  • Brad Love Farms, LLC, of Coldwater, as a verified farm in Cropping System
  • Windhill Orchards, of Benzonia, as a verified farm in Cropping and  Farmstead Systems
  • Allen Oomen Farm, of Custer, as a verified farm in Cropping System
  • Cornell 80, of Cornell, as a verified farm in Forest, Wetlands, Habitat System
  • Steve Findlay Farm, LLC, of Reese, as a verified farm in Cropping System

“Farmers across the state of Michigan understand how fortunate we are to be surrounded by fertile lands and abundant fresh water, and they are committed to protecting these amazing resources,” said MDARD Director Gary McDowell. “Participation in the program increases year after year, and it has been used as a model by many other states. By earning MAEAP verification and putting that sign out front, they are letting their neighbors know that they are excellent stewards of their land so that it can be sustainable for future generations.”

MAEAP is a collaborative effort of farmers, commodity organizations, universities, conservation districts, conservation and environmental groups, and state and federal agencies.  Michigan conservation districts house technicians that provide technical assistance to assist farmers as they move through the MAEAP process toward verification. An average of 5,000 Michigan farmers attend educational programs annually, 10,000 Michigan farms have started the verification process and over 5,000 verifications have taken place to date.

To become MAEAP verified, farmers must complete three comprehensive steps which include attending an educational seminar, conducting a thorough on-farm risk assessment, and developing and implementing an action plan addressing potential environmental risk. MDARD conducts an on‑farm inspection to verify program requirements related to applicable state and federal environmental regulations, Michigan Right to Farm guidelines, and adherence to an action plan. When completed, the producer receives a certificate of environmental assurance. To remain a MAEAP verified farm, inspections must be conducted every five years and action steps must be followed.

MAEAP is a multi-year program allowing producers to meet personal objectives, while best managing both time and resources. The program encompasses four systems designed to help producers evaluate the environmental risks of their operation. Each system – Livestock, Farmstead, Cropping, and Forest, Wetlands and Habitat – examines a different aspect of a farm, as each has a different environmental impact. By participating in all four systems, producers can comprehensively evaluate their entire farming operation for potential environmental risks.

For more information, visit the MAEAP website at https://www.maeap.org or contact Joe Kelpinski, MDARD’s MAEAP Program Manager, at (517)284-5608.