The Nature Conservancy promotes sustainability with Saginaw Valley wheat farmers

What’s happening: It was late January when national nonprofit organization The Nature Conservancy named Frankenmuth’s Star of the West Milling Co. as one of its five “Soil Health Heroes” for Michigan, a recognition of Star of the West’s agricultural conservation efforts. Now the nonprofit and the Frankenmuth agribusiness are launching an innovative sustainability program together, incentivizing Michigan wheat farmers to enact their own sustainability and conservation practices.

What it is: Beginning this year and running through 2024, The Nature Conservancy and Star of the West’s sustainability program will incentivize Saginaw Valley wheat growers to implement sustainability practices that will both improve soil quality and protect drinking water. Up to 15 wheat farmers will be accepted into the program each year, available on a first come, first served basis.

How they’ll do it: Participating farms will be encouraged to adopt sustainability practices that include Integrated Pest Management, cover crops, nutrient management, and reduced tillage. In doing so, participating farms will then receive nature-based bonuses when they sell their wheat at Star of the West.

“This streamlined program will pave the way for wheat farmers in the Saginaw Bay watershed to implement tried-and-true, in-field practices to enhance sustainability, improve soil health and protect drinking water for nearly one million people,” says Ben Wickerham, Saginaw Bay project manager for The Nature Conservancy. “Saginaw Valley growers are critical to Michigan’s economy and overall agricultural diversity, which is why we are excited to partner with local grain processor Star of the West on this unique ‘point-of sale’ incentive program.”

Why it’s important: Approximately 20 percent of the state’s agricultural acres are located within the Saginaw Bay Watershed, and the aforementioned sustainability practices can improve water quality and climate mitigation efforts. The pilot program may also lead to a new market for “sustainably-raised” wheat in Michigan.

What they’re saying: “We consider sustainability in everything we do at Star of the West, and we are thrilled to kick off this pilot program in partnership with The Nature Conservancy to help encourage more growers to establish sustainable practices that protect the land and water,” says Lisa Woodke, sustainability director for Star of the West Milling Co. “We expect spots to fill up fast, so I encourage growers who want to take part to contact us soon so they can take advantage of this new program.”