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Boring committed to generational success of Michigan ag

As a sixth-generation farmer, the newly appointed director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says he’s dedicated to the long-term success of the industry.

Tim Boring tells Brownfield the state needs to be purposeful in its investments to drive ag economic growth and support rural communities.

“I’m going to spend the rest of my career here in Michigan agriculture, my family is hopefully going to spend many future generations operating my family’s farm,” he shares.  “For me, it’s a long-term perspective on what we need to be doing to build and support a stronger, more resilient, more productive, and more opportunistic agricultural economy.”

He says the governor’s $10 million budget request for MI Climate Smart Farming will directly benefit farmers and the future direction of the sector.

“Dealing with extreme weather, the climate change issues we have going on in so many different areas—whether that’s fruit, vegetables or row crops—knowing that the fact that environmental outcomes and resiliency in the face of these challenges is going to be essential for us to build a long-term future,” he says.

Boring says he wants to make sure new and generational farmers have opportunities and plans to draw more attention to the benefits of the food and ag industry in Michigan.