Protect our Produce-Michigan’s Produce Industry Is in Trouble — Here’s Why You Should Care<br /><br /><br /><br />Episode 134 of the Discover Montcalm Podcast welcomes Jamie Clover Adams from ProtectOurProduce.com (https://www.protectourproduce.com) , and she’s sounding the alarm: Michigan’s $6 billion fresh produce industry is in real danger.<br /><br /><br /><br />Host and producer Duane Weed dives into this critical conversation with Jamie, who breaks down how outdated federal wage policies are squeezing the life out of local farms. The Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), a federally mandated wage system for H-2A guestworkers, has skyrocketed over the last decade—up more than 50%! That unpredictability is forcing farmers to make hard decisions, and in many cases, walk away from growing the produce that’s been part of Michigan’s identity for generations.<br /><br />A Crisis in Numbers<br /><br /><br /><br />To put things in perspective, since AEWR took hold, 16,000 acres of fruits and vegetables have been lost in Michigan—that’s about 11,765 football fields. Why? Because labor costs have become unsustainable.<br /><br /><br />     <br />     <br />  •  <br />     <br />     <br />     Michigan produce farms: Labor costs = up to 55%<br />     <br />     <br />     <br />     <br />  •  <br />     <br />     <br />     Auto industry: Labor costs = ~7%<br />     <br />     <br />     <br />     <br />  •  <br />     <br />     <br />     Restaurants: Labor costs = ~32%<br />     <br />     <br />     <br />     <br /><br /><br />Jamie explains that growers simply can’t keep up when they’re competing against lower-priced imports and unpredictable wage hikes.<br /><br />Protect our Produce Real Voices, Real Impact<br /><br /><br /><br />This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about families, legacy, and our food system. In the episode, Jamie shares quotes from Michigan farmers facing heartbreaking choices:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />“We have not replanted asparagus on our farm for three years now… Labor has created an issue whether we’re going to continue down this road.”<br />— Bill Schwass, Springdale Farms, Scottville, MI<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />“As a father… you really struggle if it’s sustainable long term for [your kids].”<br />— Mike Wittenbach, Wittenbach Orchards, Belding, MI<br /><br /><br />What’s at Stake for Michigan?<br /><br /><br /><br />This isn’t just a farming issue — it’s an economic and community issue. Michigan’s fruit and vegetable industry supports 40,000 jobs and provides over $350 million in annual payrolls. That means real money going back into our local communities.<br /><br />Protect our Produce – How You Can Help<br /><br /><br /><br />Want to make a difference?<br /><br /><br />     <br />     <br />  •  <br />     <br />     <br />     Shop local and seasonal<br />     <br />     <br />     <br />     <br />  •  <br />     <br />     <br />     Support Michigan-grown fruits and veggies<br />     <br />     <br />     <br />     <br />  •  <br />     <br />     <br />     Join the movement at ProtectOurProduce.com (https://www.protectourproduce.com) <br />     <br />     <br />     <br />     <br />  •  <br />     <br />     <br />     Share the story using #ProtectOurProduce<br />     <br />     <br />     <br />     <br /><br /><br />Catch the full conversation in Episode 134 of the Discover Montcalm Podcast, and get informed on what’s happening right here in our backyard.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Listen to the episode: Discover Montcalm Podcast (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/) <br /><br /><br /><br />Stream Montcalm Vibe: montcalmvibe.com (https://montcalmvibe.com/) <br /><br /><br /><br />Follow Montcalm Vibe on Facebook: Montcalm Vibe (https://www.facebook.com/MontcalmVibe/) <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Hashtags:<br />#ProtectOurProduce #MichiganFarms #SupportLocal #DiscoverMontcalm #FoodSecurity #JamieCloverAdams #FarmCrisis #MontcalmCounty #MichiganAgriculture<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Check out this video!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Follow Discover Montcalm Podcast for more community stories that matter.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Follow us at Discover Montcalm Podcast (https://www.discovermontcalmpodcast.com/)  or contact Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or duane@dwvideo.com to share your Montcalm County story. Together, we can showcase the heart of our community, one story at a time.<br /><br /><br /><br />Check out all our past episodes https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast/.<br /><br /><br /><br />#DiscoverMontcalm #DiscoverMontcalmPodcast #MontcalmCounty<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />   <br /><br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />     Michigan’s Produce Industry is in Trouble Episode 134<br /><br />     <br /><br />by Discover Montcalm Podcast<br /><br />     <br />https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Michigans-Produce-Industry-at-Risk-Protect-our-Produce-episode-134.mp3<br />    <br /><br />   <br /><br />   <br /><br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />   <br /><br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    Discover Montcalm Audio Podcast<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Check out the podcast all about Montcalm County Michigan.  <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br />   <br /><br />   <br /><br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />   <br /><br />    <br />    <br />   <br /><br /><br />The post Protect our Produce episode 134 (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/protect-our-produce-episode-134/)  first appeared on Discover Montcalm Podcast (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com) .

Protect our Produce-Michigan’s Produce Industry Is in Trouble — Here’s Why You Should Care



Episode 134 of the Discover Montcalm Podcast welcomes Jamie Clover Adams from ProtectOurProduce.com (https://www.protectourproduce.com) , and she’s sounding the alarm: Michigan’s $6 billion fresh produce industry is in real danger.



Host and producer Duane Weed dives into this critical conversation with Jamie, who breaks down how outdated federal wage policies are squeezing the life out of local farms. The Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), a federally mandated wage system for H-2A guestworkers, has skyrocketed over the last decade—up more than 50%! That unpredictability is forcing farmers to make hard decisions, and in many cases, walk away from growing the produce that’s been part of Michigan’s identity for generations.

A Crisis in Numbers



To put things in perspective, since AEWR took hold, 16,000 acres of fruits and vegetables have been lost in Michigan—that’s about 11,765 football fields. Why? Because labor costs have become unsustainable.







Michigan produce farms: Labor costs = up to 55%







Auto industry: Labor costs = ~7%







Restaurants: Labor costs = ~32%






Jamie explains that growers simply can’t keep up when they’re competing against lower-priced imports and unpredictable wage hikes.

Protect our Produce Real Voices, Real Impact



This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about families, legacy, and our food system. In the episode, Jamie shares quotes from Michigan farmers facing heartbreaking choices:




“We have not replanted asparagus on our farm for three years now… Labor has created an issue whether we’re going to continue down this road.”
— Bill Schwass, Springdale Farms, Scottville, MI





“As a father… you really struggle if it’s sustainable long term for [your kids].”
— Mike Wittenbach, Wittenbach Orchards, Belding, MI


What’s at Stake for Michigan?



This isn’t just a farming issue — it’s an economic and community issue. Michigan’s fruit and vegetable industry supports 40,000 jobs and provides over $350 million in annual payrolls. That means real money going back into our local communities.

Protect our Produce – How You Can Help



Want to make a difference?







Shop local and seasonal







Support Michigan-grown fruits and veggies







Join the movement at ProtectOurProduce.com (https://www.protectourproduce.com)







Share the story using #ProtectOurProduce






Catch the full conversation in Episode 134 of the Discover Montcalm Podcast, and get informed on what’s happening right here in our backyard.




Listen to the episode: Discover Montcalm Podcast (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/)



Stream Montcalm Vibe: montcalmvibe.com (https://montcalmvibe.com/)



Follow Montcalm Vibe on Facebook: Montcalm Vibe (https://www.facebook.com/MontcalmVibe/)




Hashtags:
#ProtectOurProduce #MichiganFarms #SupportLocal #DiscoverMontcalm #FoodSecurity #JamieCloverAdams #FarmCrisis #MontcalmCounty #MichiganAgriculture






Check out this video!













Follow Discover Montcalm Podcast for more community stories that matter.




Follow us at Discover Montcalm Podcast (https://www.discovermontcalmpodcast.com/)  or contact Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or duane@dwvideo.com to share your Montcalm County story. Together, we can showcase the heart of our community, one story at a time.



Check out all our past episodes https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast/.



#DiscoverMontcalm #DiscoverMontcalmPodcast #MontcalmCounty


































Michigan’s Produce Industry is in Trouble Episode 134



by Discover Montcalm Podcast


https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Michigans-Produce-Industry-at-Risk-Protect-our-Produce-episode-134.mp3






















Discover Montcalm Audio Podcast





Check out the podcast all about Montcalm County Michigan. 



 

















The post Protect our Produce episode 134 (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/protect-our-produce-episode-134/) first appeared on Discover Montcalm Podcast (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com) .

0 0

YouTube Video UExDLUt1bWxMV09QT21iSnVOamNmWDhTbDI2cnozdTktci44QTY5MUJCQTA4OEMyNzMw

Protect our Produce episode 134

Discover Montcalm Podcast May 11, 2025 10:03 pm

Michigan's Produce Industry at Risk-Discover Montcalm Podcast episode 134

Discover Montcalm Podcast May 11, 2025 9:46 pm

Discover Montcalm Podcast – Episode 133: Tuning into the Montcalm Vibe with Joe Knight<br /><br /><br /><br />In Episode 133 of the Discover Montcalm Podcast, host Duane Weed sits down with Joe Knight, the dynamic force behind Montcalm Vibe, to explore how this innovative platform is reshaping local media and community engagement in Montcalm County.​<br /><br />Joe Knight is not only the founder and owner of Montcalm Vibe<br /><br /><br /><br />Joe Knight is not only the founder and owner of Montcalm Vibe but also the charismatic host of “The Afternooner,” airing weekdays from 2–6 PM. With a rich background in radio and content creation, Joe has cultivated a platform that delivers upbeat hits from the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s, all while spotlighting local events, businesses, and stories that matter to the community.<br /><br /><br /><br />Montcalm Vibe stands out for its commitment to being “Live & Local,” offering a 24/7 streaming service accessible via their website.  Beyond music, the platform features unique segments like “Nozzle of the Day,” “The Montcalm Soapbox,” and “Local Vibes,” providing a blend of entertainment and local news.<br /><br /><br /><br />In this episode, Joe shares insights into the inception of Montcalm Vibe, the challenges and rewards of running a local media outlet, and his vision for fostering community connections through innovative broadcasting.​<br /><br /><br /><br />Tune in to discover how Montcalm Vibe is amplifying the voices of Montcalm County and creating a vibrant, connected community.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Listen to the episode: Discover Montcalm Podcast (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/) <br /><br /><br /><br />Stream Montcalm Vibe: montcalmvibe.com (https://montcalmvibe.com/) <br /><br /><br /><br />Follow Montcalm Vibe on Facebook: Montcalm Vibe (https://www.facebook.com/MontcalmVibe/) <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Hashtags:<br />#DiscoverMontcalm #MontcalmVibe #JoeKnight #LocalRadio #CommunityMedia #MontcalmCounty #TheAfternooner #LiveAndLocal #SupportLocal #RadioRevolution #MontcalmStrong #MichiganMedia<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Check out this video!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Follow Discover Montcalm Podcast for more community stories that matter.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Follow us at Discover Montcalm Podcast (https://www.discovermontcalmpodcast.com/)  or contact Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or duane@dwvideo.com to share your Montcalm County story. Together, we can showcase the heart of our community, one story at a time.<br /><br /><br /><br />Check out all our past episodes https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast/.<br /><br /><br /><br />#DiscoverMontcalm #DiscoverMontcalmPodcast #MontcalmCounty<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />   <br /><br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />     Montcalm Vibe with Joe Knight! Episode 133<br /><br />     <br /><br />by Discover Montcalm Podcast<br /><br />     <br />https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Montcalm-Vibe-with-Joe-Knight-Episode-133.mp3<br />    <br /><br />   <br /><br />   <br /><br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />   <br /><br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    Discover Montcalm Audio Podcast<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Check out the podcast all about Montcalm County Michigan.  <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br />   <br /><br />   <br /><br />    <br />    <br />    <br />    <br />   <br /><br />    <br />    <br />   <br /><br /><br />The post Montcalm Vibe with Joe Knight (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/montcalm-vibe-with-joe-knight/)  first appeared on Discover Montcalm Podcast (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com) .

Discover Montcalm Podcast – Episode 133: Tuning into the Montcalm Vibe with Joe Knight



In Episode 133 of the Discover Montcalm Podcast, host Duane Weed sits down with Joe Knight, the dynamic force behind Montcalm Vibe, to explore how this innovative platform is reshaping local media and community engagement in Montcalm County.​

Joe Knight is not only the founder and owner of Montcalm Vibe



Joe Knight is not only the founder and owner of Montcalm Vibe but also the charismatic host of “The Afternooner,” airing weekdays from 2–6 PM. With a rich background in radio and content creation, Joe has cultivated a platform that delivers upbeat hits from the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s, all while spotlighting local events, businesses, and stories that matter to the community.



Montcalm Vibe stands out for its commitment to being “Live & Local,” offering a 24/7 streaming service accessible via their website.  Beyond music, the platform features unique segments like “Nozzle of the Day,” “The Montcalm Soapbox,” and “Local Vibes,” providing a blend of entertainment and local news.



In this episode, Joe shares insights into the inception of Montcalm Vibe, the challenges and rewards of running a local media outlet, and his vision for fostering community connections through innovative broadcasting.​



Tune in to discover how Montcalm Vibe is amplifying the voices of Montcalm County and creating a vibrant, connected community.




Listen to the episode: Discover Montcalm Podcast (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/)



Stream Montcalm Vibe: montcalmvibe.com (https://montcalmvibe.com/)



Follow Montcalm Vibe on Facebook: Montcalm Vibe (https://www.facebook.com/MontcalmVibe/)




Hashtags:
#DiscoverMontcalm #MontcalmVibe #JoeKnight #LocalRadio #CommunityMedia #MontcalmCounty #TheAfternooner #LiveAndLocal #SupportLocal #RadioRevolution #MontcalmStrong #MichiganMedia






Check out this video!













Follow Discover Montcalm Podcast for more community stories that matter.




Follow us at Discover Montcalm Podcast (https://www.discovermontcalmpodcast.com/)  or contact Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or duane@dwvideo.com to share your Montcalm County story. Together, we can showcase the heart of our community, one story at a time.



Check out all our past episodes https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast/.



#DiscoverMontcalm #DiscoverMontcalmPodcast #MontcalmCounty


































Montcalm Vibe with Joe Knight! Episode 133



by Discover Montcalm Podcast


https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Montcalm-Vibe-with-Joe-Knight-Episode-133.mp3






















Discover Montcalm Audio Podcast





Check out the podcast all about Montcalm County Michigan. 



 

















The post Montcalm Vibe with Joe Knight (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/montcalm-vibe-with-joe-knight/) first appeared on Discover Montcalm Podcast (https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com) .

0 0

YouTube Video UExDLUt1bWxMV09QT21iSnVOamNmWDhTbDI2cnozdTktci42NzE2MkNBMEE5MzRGOEUy

Montcalm Vibe with Joe Knight

Discover Montcalm Podcast May 5, 2025 1:05 am

Watch the interviews.

Each of our podcasts are shot on video to provide you the visual experience of seeing our guests, getting to know them and hopefully being able to connect with them.

Once we have the video edited we then take the audio and turn it into our podcast.

All of our podcast: Video and Audio, are shareable.  Grab the embed code, the URL link and share on your web and social media sites.  This podcast is all about you.  SHARE IT!

Whether you like to watch our podcasts on YouTube or listen on your RSS player, thank you to checking out the Discover Montcalm Podcast.