Ag Producer Award goes to farm-to-table business

The Michigan State University (MSU) Product Center hosted its 11th annual Making It In Michigan conference and Marketplace trade show on Thursday, Nov. 8. The event, which was held at the Lansing Center, provides specialty food entrepreneurs with an opportunity to showcase their products and connect with buyers from retail markets. During the conference, awards were presented recognizing outstanding Product Center clients.

The Value-added Agricultural Producer Award recognizes a farm business that has attained excellence in adding value to a raw agricultural product outside of traditional commodity production and increased the profitability of the farm. It showcases Michigan agriculture with its diversity and the economic benefits that can be derived from entrepreneurial endeavors. This year’s award was presented to Bill Schutlz of Schutlz Fruitridge Farms and Andrew Schultz of Texas Corners Brewing Company.

The Schultz family has been in business for three generations in Mattawan. They have expanded their farm operation to do direct marketing of fruits and vegetables. Customers had always enjoyed their cider from the farm so they decided they should try making a hard cider product. Three and a half years ago, they founded Texas Corners Brewing Co. and now operate a farm-to-table restaurant and microbrewery where their slogan is “Craft Beer Deserves Craft Food.”

See the 2018 Value-add Agricultural Producer award winner video here.

Founded in 2003, the MSU Product Center helps Michigan entrepreneurs develop and commercialize high-value, consumer-responsive products and businesses in the agriculture, natural resources and bioeconomy sectors. The Product Center’s statewide network of innovation counselors provides business counseling support to Michigan residents interested in starting or expanding a business or product line.

The Product Center’s assistance in launching 721 known new businesses and business expansions has had the following estimated economic impacts:

• Increased annual sales: $431.7 million (cumulative first year sales only)

• Value of increased investment: $453.3 million

• Jobs created: 2,343                                           

• Jobs retained: 1,725

Photo: Brenda Reau, senior associate director, MSU Product Center; Texas Corners Brewing Co. owners Ruth and Andrew Schultz; Tom Lyons, director, MSU Product Center