Fall is Here - So is Farm Equipment on the Roads
As the leaves begin to turn and harvest season kicks into high gear, it's important to remember that rural roads will be busier with more than just commuters. Farmers across Michigan are moving large, slow-moving equipment between fields, and that means we all need to drive with extra caution and patience.
In this article from MSU Extension, learn how both motorists and farmers can safely share the road this fall. From understanding wide turns to recognizing slow-moving vehicle emblems, these tips can help prevent accidents and keep everyone safe during this busy season.
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The photo above shows a farm combine on the road and was taken by Paul Gross, from MSU Extension.
Get Ready to Crunch! Celebrate Michigan Apples with Us
 It’s time to take a big, juicy bite out of fall - the Michigan Apple Crunch is almost here! Join MSU Extension and communities across the state in celebrating Michigan-grown apples and supporting our local farmers.
Every October, schools, early childcare centers, businesses, and families come together to crunch into fresh, local apples at the same time. It’s a fun, healthy, and delicious way to highlight Michigan’s rich agricultural heritage and promote farm-to-school efforts.
How to Join the Apple Crunch:
- Pick a day in October to crunch with your group. 12 p.m. on Thursday, October 16th 2025 is the official Crunch date, but your Crunch is welcomed any time.
- Register your crunch to be counted in the statewide celebration.
- Share your crunchy moments on social media using #MIAppleCrunch!
Let’s show our love for Michigan apples - one bite at a time. 🍎
Learn more and register your crunch today!
Kent County Strengthens Farmland Preservation Efforts
At the August meeting of the Community, Health, and Safety Committee, Kent County Commissioners received an annual update on the County’s Agricultural Preservation efforts - highlighting the vital role agriculture plays in our local economy.
Kent County agriculture generates more than $400 million in market value, placing it among the top-producing counties in Michigan. The presentation emphasized recent data from the 2022 Ag Census showing Kent County is home to over 1,000 farms covering 144,000 acres. While the number of farms has slightly increased, we’ve lost 9% of our farmland in just five years. Underscoring the importance of farmland preservation efforts, including nearly 1 million in leveraged state and federal funds and the anticipation of protecting an additional 400 acres of farmland by early 2027.
Commissioners also learned about the Agricultural Preservation Board’s new strategic planning process, which - along with strong partnerships and community outreach - will help to preserve farmland, sustain the agricultural economy, and support the long-term vitality of Kent County’s farming community.
A recording of the presentation can be viewed here. For questions or comments, contact Haley Stichman.
MiFarmLink: Bridging the Gap Between Landowners and Land Seekers
As more Michigan farmers approach retirement, the question of who will take over their land becomes increasingly important. MiFarmLink is a free, statewide resource designed to help answer that question - by connecting farmland owners with beginning farmers and/or expanding farmers looking for land.
Think of it as Michigan’s “e-farmony” for agriculture. Landowners can create profiles to share details about their property, while land seekers can highlight their farming experience and goals. The platform helps match people with shared interests and values, making it easier to start conversations about leasing, selling, or partnering on farmland.
MiFarmLink also offers helpful tools and resources to support farm transition planning, including guides, webinars, and success stories from across the state. Whether you’re looking to retire, scale back, or simply plan for the future, MiFarmLink can help ensure your land continues to grow food, and opportunity, for years to come.
Visit www.mifarmlink.org to learn more or create a profile.
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Helping Farmers Plan for the Future: Land Transfer Support Available in Kent County
Kent County is now in its second year of offering direct support to farmers, ranchers, and landowners through the Land Transfer Navigator Program, thanks to a $100,000 grant awarded at the end of 2023. Funded by the American Farmland Trust (AFT) with support from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the four-year grant is helping local producers plan for the future of their land.
Facilitated through a joint Ottawa-Kent County collaborative, the program provides free, one-on-one technical assistance to help navigate the often complex process of farm succession and land transfer. Whether it’s preparing for retirement, transitioning a property to a family member, or connecting with a new generation of farmers, the program is designed to meet landowners where they are.
With training and resources from AFT and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, local navigators are equipped to guide participants through legal, financial, and personal considerations - ensuring that farmland remains in production and in the hands of those who will steward it for years to come.
For more information or to get connected with a navigator, contact Becky Huttenga.
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Step Into Innovation at the 2025 Great Lakes Expo
The Great Lakes EXPO returns to Grand Rapids on December 9 - 11 at DeVos Place, bringing together growers, marketers, and ag professionals from across the region. With a wide range of educational sessions, a large trade show, and opportunities to connect with peers and experts, GLEXPO continues to be a valuable event for those involved in agriculture or ag-related fields.
Kent County, in partnership with Ottawa County, will host a booth in the Farm Market Hall to share information on agricultural preservation efforts. The booth will feature resources on agricultural conservation easements, farm succession, and land transfer planning - key strategies for ensuring the long-term viability of local agriculture.
Whether you're attending for the learning opportunities, the networking, or to explore the latest in ag innovation, we hope you’ll stop by our booth and say hello.
Learn more and register at glexpo.com.
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Support Local: Weathering the Harvest Together
This year’s harvest season in West Michigan has been anything but typical. From a wet spring to a dry, scorching summer, local farmers have faced tough conditions that have impacted crop yields and delayed harvests. As highlighted in WOOD TV8’s Weathering West Michigan segment, these challenges have made it even more important for communities to rally behind their local growers.
Now more than ever, your support matters. Whether it’s shopping at a farmers market, visiting a local orchard, or choosing Michigan-grown produce at the grocery store, every purchase helps sustain the farms that feed our region.
✅ Visit your local farm stand
✅ Explore a fall harvest event
✅ Choose local when you shop
Let’s show up for the people who grow our food.
🎥 Watch the full story: WOODTV.com
Commissioners Celebrate Michigan Apple Festival
Commissioners Liz Morse and Stan Ponstein attended the Michigan Apple Festival in the Village of Sparta, where they connected with residents and celebrated one of Kent County’s signature fall events.
 🍎 Did you know? West Michigan’s Fruit Ridge - affectionately known as “The Ridge” - is one of the most productive fruit-growing regions in the world! Thanks to its fertile clay-loam soils, elevation over 800 feet, and proximity to Lake Michigan, this 158-square-mile area produces over 60% of Michigan’s apples.
📍 About 66% of the Ridge lies within Kent County, making it a vital part of our local agricultural economy and heritage.
Want to explore more? Check out local farms, markets, and events in the 2025 County Market Guide.
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