What does it take to be a Master Farmer? Ask Fremont Township farmer Dennis Gardner. Gardner is a recipient of the 2022 Michigan Master Farmer Award, given out at the Great Lakes Crop Summit.
The award is for farmers who have demonstrated a lifetime of achievement on their farms, and also in their communities and the agriculture industry. It is the most prestigious award for achievement in the industry that feeds the world.
Gardner said he was totally honored and shocked to receive the award. He was quick to thank his wife, Reta, for her partnership in running their 2000-acre cash crop farm that stretches across both St. Clair and Sanilac counties.
Dennis and Reta Gardner have made farming a family affair with help from both Gardner’s parents, his sister, brother-in-law, and his four daughters, two of whom are already getting their careers started in the agriculture industry. The Gardner team uses the latest in technology to produce corn, soybeans, wheat, and sugar beets.
When asked about the future of family farming, Gardner said it will be hard for some farms to absorb the rising costs of growing food, but that there are still fair amounts of successful family farms.
A link to a video highlighting Gardner’s accomplishment can be found below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EL6r0xRnFN4
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
