“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you will know when you will find it.
—Steve Jobs
Rothwell
As we enter 2022 and my 18th season working with Michigan Fruit Growers, I can only agree with this statement.
I started my career at the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center (NWMHRC) in September 2004, and my heart told me I was in the right place – pretty much from the start. I agreed with the principle that the NWMHRC was a research center built by producers for producers.
The station’s founders and donors envisioned a long-term commitment to the grower community, Michigan agriculture, and the unique region we all cherish. I knew early on that this job and this place would be one that I would only love more with time.
However, the only thing better than doing what you love is being recognized for it by your peers. I was fortunate enough to be recognized by our producers at the Northwest Michigan Orchard and Vineyard Show in January.
This grower-led snap cited my service and leadership in the Michigan cherry industry, and it was a surprise to be mentioned. I come from a long line of leaders and service-oriented individuals who have been committed to Northern Michigan growers.
We have seen many changes in fruit production here in the region in the over 40 years since the station was built, but our focus has been and will be to communicate regularly with growers to identify and prioritize needs and develop workable solutions that address them. .
We’ve also had our challenges in recent years – invasive insects, foreign imports, climate change – to name a few, and we’ve worked hand-in-hand with growers to address these persistent issues.
We have been quick to secure grants to support research efforts, and we have at least 30 ongoing research trials each year in Northwest Michigan.
We are also fortunate to have an excellent team of researchers and extension educators from Michigan State University who partner with us to develop innovative research solutions.
We also have a small local team at NWMHRC who are very dedicated to the well-being of our regional farms and farm families.
Despite the pandemic and distance learning, we have tried to continue producing educational programs that provide producers with relevant and timely information to make quality day-to-day decisions for the management of their farms. Our goal is for growers to produce a crop of high quality fruit every year.
I feel lucky to be able to do what I do and with people I love doing it with. I have a great local team and incredible support all over Michigan.
So thank you to all our producers who congratulated me on our work – it means the world to me!
I look forward to a successful growing season in 2022 and working with all of you for many years to come.
