Dec 17, 2024

Michigan Vegetable Council honors industry leaders

2024 Master Farmer Awards presented to grower, MSU hort department leader

By Madi Schafer, Contributing Writer

The Michigan Vegetable Council (MVC) has recognized two leaders whose contributions have advanced Michigan’s agriculture. Vance Baird and Springdale Farms in Scottville, Michigan, have been awarded the MVC’s Master Farmer Award. 

As an academic and researcher at Michigan State University (MSU), Baird has been at the forefront of promoting innovation in Michigan’s specialty crop industries. Springdale Farms, a family farm with more than 150 years of history, embraces resilience and innovation in the vegetable industry. 

The awards were presented at the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO on Dec. 11. 

Vance Baird

Since joining MSU’s Horticulture Department as chair in 2009, William “Vance” Baird, Ph.D., has been a driving force in advancing Michigan’s specialty crop industries. With a distinguished career at Clemson University prior to MSU, Baird brought expertise in plant response to environmental stress, gene expression and fruit tree genome research.

At MSU, Baird has strengthened ties between the university and Michigan’s fruit and vegetable industries, advocating for a balance between applied research and practical programs. His leadership has ensured support for faculty and the integration of junior researchers into Michigan’s agricultural ecosystem.

As director of MSU’s Plant Biotechnology Resource and Outreach Center, Baird has spearheaded initiatives in fruit tree transformation systems and micropropagation for blueberries and asparagus. His national recognition includes the Outstanding Leadership and Administration Award from the American Society for Horticultural Science.

For more than a decade, Baird has been an integral part of the Michigan State Horticultural Society board, ensuring strong connections between growers and the academic community. 

Springdale Farms

Established in 1874, Springdale Farms in Scottville, Michigan, has evolved through generations, transitioning from a fox-breeding operation to a dairy farm and to a thriving vegetable and row crop enterprise.

Today, Springdale Farms cultivates more than 1,000 acres specializing in asparagus, zucchini, string beans, pumpkins, carrots and butternut squash. The farm exemplifies resilience and innovation, adapting to the challenges of modern agriculture, including rising labor costs.

A participant in the H-2A guest worker visa program, Springdale Farms prioritizes effective communication within the industry, engaging with government agencies and the public to advocate for sustainable farming practices. 

The 2024 Master Farmer Award celebrates the farm’s contributions to Michigan agriculture and its role in fostering industrywide dialogue and progress.