Board Updates
This past winter, long-time Agricultural Preservation Board member, Russell Slater, made the decision to retire from the Board. Russ brought a fierce commitment to the environmental stewardship and brought a holistic understanding of how development and preservation can work together. The Agricultural Preservation Board extends a sincere thank you to Russ for his service to Kent County.
The Agricultural Preservation Board would also like to welcome its newest member, Elizabeth Brost who was appointed to the Agricultural Interest Representative. Elizabeth previously supported the Kent County Agricultural Preservation Board through her work managing the preservation grant at MDARD. She brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the Board and we are happy to have her join us more officially.
Culver's Restaurants in Kent and Ottawa Supporting Agricultural Preservation
 Farmland in Michigan is disappearing at an alarming rate. Did you know from 2017-2022, Kent County lost 39 farms and nearly 13,500 acres of agricultural land?
Culver’s recognizes the importance of agriculture in our communities. That’s why select Culver’s restaurants in Kent County are dedicating a day to support Kent County farmland preservation efforts. From 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. on June 25, a percentage of all sales will go toward the protection of farmland in Kent County, ensuring valuable agricultural land continues to produce for generations to come.
See below for the Culver's closest to you and show your support for agricultural preservation.
Cascade: 6300 28th St., Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Comstock Park: 4280 Alpine Ave., Comstock Park, MI 49321
Lowell: 1245 W. Main St., Lowell, MI 49331
Cedar Springs: 13960 White Creek Ave., Cedar Springs, MI 49319
Walker/Standale: 330 Wilson Ave., Walker, MI 49534
Wyoming: 245 54th St., Wyoming, MI 49548
Byron Center: 500 84th St., Byron Center, MI 49315
East Beltline: 2510 E. Beltline, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Last Day to Participate in Michigan’s Broadband Map Challenge!
Kent County is partnering with the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) to prepare to allocate the $1.559 billion federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) grant awarded to Michigan. This is a multi-phase effort, driven by federal guidelines, that begins with identifying the locations that do not have adequate access to quality high-speed internet service through a formal challenge process.
We request your support in getting the word out to constituents, businesses, clients, organizations, customers, neighbors, and friends. Let's ensure the map is correct!
Residents, businesses, and institutions are asked to:
- Visit the Challenge website: michiganbroadbandmap.com/map
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Enter your address on the top of the page
- Go to the “Connectivity Hub,” then click the “Take a Speed Test” button
- To challenge your internet access, click “Report Service Issue”
If the map has incorrect services or speeds listed, users will be guided through steps to challenge the incorrect information.
Kent County has been pleased to come alongside MIHI and the other Michigan counties to pursue the goal of universal availability of high-speed internet to every home, business, and institution across the state. Your support in spreading the word about the Map Challenge will help us get there. Thank you and please get in touch with us with questions at mapchallenge@kentcountymi.gov.
2024 Agritourism Summit
When: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Wednesday May 8, 2024
Where: Hagerty Center, 715 E Front St., Traverse City
Cost: $100 (Last day to register is Thursday, May 3)
If you’re a Michigan farmer, municipal official, agritourism business or other community leader with an interest in rural entrepreneurship and economic development, this groundbreaking event is for you. The intent is to share information and best practices while cultivating conversation and communication.
Agritourism encompasses entertainment and leisure experiences that contribute to a healthy lifestyle, strong family values and quality of life. Agritourism also focuses on finding the best route to encourage rural and regional economic development while preserving the landscape of each location. Agritourism cultivates strong local communities by connecting the tradition and heritage of area’s inhabitants with the best options for economic growth.
No-Till Drill Available for Rent
The Kent Conservation District has a new Great Plains No-Till 12 foot drill available to rent. It's good for cover crops for soil health, grass/wildflower plantings for pollinators, or your next crop of soybeans; this drill can handle it all.
Renter will pay District the sum of $200 per day of possession (not days of use) or
$20.00 an acre whichever is greater. If cost is prohibitive, please call as they want to increase use.
This drill has the ability to seed 3 different seeds simultaneously at different rates and includes a small seed box, native grass seed box, and a grain box, as well as the capacity to spread dry fertilizer, making it very versatile. Other features include 7.5-inch row spacing, 19 rows, 3×13 center rib press wheel, 5/8″ turbo coulters, clevis hitch, 3 seed boxes, and a seedbox agitator (native grass).
Want to rent our drill? Fill out the form, waiver, and call the office to get into contact with a technician with any questions about transportation and custom plantings.
Contact kcd@macd.org via email or phone 616-222-5846 to learn more.
Featured: Gay and Vern Nauta's Farm
Gay and Vern Nauta
74.5 Acres
Vergennes Township
- Preserved in 2010 for field crops
- The landowners contributed $10,800 toward the preservation of this farm.
- Also supported by: Dyer-Ives Foundation, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Lowell Area Community Fund, Wege Foundation, USDA Farm and Ranchland Protection Program.
- Cost of development rights: $1,800 per acre
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