The third class of the Michigan Corn Education, Networking and Training program (MI CENT), the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan’s young farmer program, met for the first time this January. This program is designed to provide educational opportunities for the next generation of Michigan corn farmers. Topics include agronomy, technology, farm management, the work of the National Corn Growers Association, a trip to Washington D.C. to lobby Michigan’s Congressional delegation and the opportunity to travel internationally to learn about farms across the globe. To nominate yourself or another farmer for next year’s program, contact Claire White at cwhite@micorn.org.

2020 MI CENT Class

Carl Bednarski, Unionville

Carl farms alongside his brothers, Nate and Mike. Their operation consists of 2400 acres of corn, sugar beets, dry beans, wheat and soybeans. The three of them share all the operations responsibilities of planting, harvest and custom work. Carl is involved in his county Farm Bureau and Michigan Sugar Young Farmers. 

Andrew Braun, Ovid

Andrew grew up on his 1,000-acre family farm. After college he worked for Walthers Farm in Cass City, MI and South Carolina. This August he moved back to the family farm where he farms with his mom and dad. Andrew attended Michigan State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness. 

Brian DeMann, Martin

Brian works alongside his dad and uncle where they milk 500 cows, finish all of their steers and grow 1350 acres of corn, soybeans, alfalfa, wheat and rye. He has been on the farm full time since 2005. Brian and his wife, Jill have a daughter named Kinsler. He is also a volunteer firefighter with Martin Township Fire and Rescue. As a family they host tours and participate in community events to promote agriculture and dairy. Brian is active in his county Farm Bureau board and various church and coop boards.

Dannie Dryer, Portland

Dannie farms with her Dad, Dennis and younger sister, Darla. They operate a 1000-acre cash crop farm consisting of corn, soybeans, wheat and hay. They also have a custom field tile business. She went to Michigan State University for the Agricultural Industries Program. 

Cody Ferry, Otisville

Cody has been employed with Szikszay Farms since 2013, where he is the Farm Manager. They grow corn, soybeans and wheat. Cody is also a Beck’s Hybrids seed dealer. He attended Michigan State University for the Agricultural Industry Program. He is also is a graduate of the Michigan Farm Bureau Profile Program. 

Katelyn Frostic, Applegate

Katelyn grew up on her family farm consisting of cash crops and a feedlot. They grow corn, soybeans, dry beans and sugar beets on roughly 1,000 acres. She farms with her parents, Matt and Traci, her twin sister, Gabrielle and younger sister, Reagan. This fall she started a seed sales job with Pioneer. Katelyn will be graduating from Michigan State University in May with a major is Crop and Soil science with a minor in Agribusiness Management. 

Brett Roberts, Charlotte

Brett owns and operates a cash crop operation of corn, soybeans and wheat. He works together with his dad, Dave, where they share equipment and labor. Together they farm approximately 1000 acres with plans to expand. Brett and his wife, Megan have two kids, Devin and Ion. Brett is a former State Representative, owns the local Dairy Queen and sells seed for Ag Armor Seeds.  

Nate Schoen, Cedar Springs

Nate is a spray operator at Main Farms where they farm potatoes, corn, soybeans, wheat, green beans and peas on 16,000 acres. Nate is also involved in making decisions on chemical recommendations and field data with the owners, Dan and Paul Main and agronomist, Joseph Prichard. Nate is in his last semester at Michigan State University in the IAT program. 

Cody Stowell, Freeport

Cody has been full time on the farm for the past 16 years, where he farms with his stepfather. They have a 1,800 acre cash crop farm growing corn and soybeans. Cody is also on his second season of selling seed for Renk Seed. He is interested in improving the operation with tillage practices and variable rate nitrogen and fertilizer.