Jim Zook is the Executive Director of Michigan Corn, which consists of the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan and the Michigan Corn Growers Association. The groups represent more than 15,000 corn growers in the Great Lakes State. Jim has more than 30 years of well-rounded experience and has been involved in agriculture his entire life. Born and raised on his family’s farm in central Illinois, he has a long history and deep understanding of agriculture.
Category: Uncategorized
Stephanie Zelinko’s passion for agriculture started early. Growing up on a cash crop farm in mid-Michigan, farming has always been part of her life. She attended Michigan State University and received her bachelor’s degree in Crop and Soil Sciences. Upon graduation, she began working as a researcher for AgroLiquid – a role she has expanded and enhanced over more than 20 years. To broaden her skillset, she went on to attain a Master of Science in Research Administration from Central Michigan University in 2017. Zelinko currently works as Sales Agronomist, a position through which she bridges AgroLiquid’s sales, agronomy and research teams. She is dedicated to evaluating soil and cropping systems to develop sound recommendations and provide agronomic solutions for growers. Zelinko understands the importance good agronomics play in successful farming – she also applies that vast knowledge at home where she and her husband farm.
Samantha Wolfe serves as the Agricultural Occupational Health educator within the Michigan State University Extension, overseeing the AgrAbility program on a statewide level. Her primary base is the Benzie County office, where she plays a pivotal role in promoting and enhancing occupational health and safety within the agricultural community. With a focus on ensuring the well-being of agricultural professionals, Samantha collaborates with farmers, farm families, and agricultural workers across Michigan. Her dedication to this role stems from a profound commitment to the agricultural industry and its vital role in the state.
Dr. Brook Wilke earned a Ph.D. in Agroecology at the Kellogg Biological Station in 2010 and has served KBS in the role of Farm Manager (2013-2020) and Associate Director of the KBS Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) Program (Present). Brook oversees agronomy and science activities for KBS LTAR and conducts research on agronomic innovations that enhance efficiency and sustainability of cropping systems. In addition to growing up on a family scale crop and livestock farm, Dr. Wilke has extensive experience in agricultural systems ranging from organic vegetables and local markets to pasture-based livestock and cropping systems, including educational activities related to these systems.
Krista Swanson is the Lead Economist for the National Corn Growers Association, where she analyzes industry markets and policy initiatives to provide strategic economic input to the organization. Before joining NCGA, Krista was a research analyst for the University of Illinois studying farm economics and policy impacts on agriculture, where her work was frequently published on farmdoc. Krista has prior work experience in farm loan portfolio analysis and risk management, as well as farm tax and accounting. She holds a MS in agricultural economics from the University of Illinois. Krista also actively farms with her husband and his family where they raise corn, soybeans, and four kids on the farm.
Eric Sowatsky is a Principal in Yeo & Yeo’s Saginaw office and leads the firm’s Agribusiness Services Group. He assists farm and agribusiness operations with business and tax planning issues, and provides in-depth analysis of farm operations with an eye on transition planning for the next generation. He has written articles about new tax laws and presented on tax topics at agribusiness conferences throughout Michigan. You have likely heard Eric talk about farm tax issues on the WSGW Farm Service 790 radio show, where he has been a guest speaker for six years. He is also a Personal Financial Specialist, assisting clients with developing a financial plan that works in tandem with their tax planning.
Mike Staton is a senior educator with Michigan State University Extension. He received his BS and MS degrees from Michigan State University and has worked as an Extension educator for the past 35 years. His current position is jointly funded by MSU Extension and the Michigan soybean checkoff. In this position, Mike leads the Michigan soybean on-farm research program.
Dr. Sears is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics at Michigan State University. Dr. Sears’s research integrates agricultural and environmental policy, focusing on improving agricultural productivity while preserving soil health and water quality. Dr. Sears’s research agenda is currently comprised of three main components: (1) nutrient management, application, and behavior; (2) innovations and adaptation in agricultural water quality; and (3) agricultural resilience to climate shocks. Dr. Sears also has an Extension appointment, working with Michigan agricultural communities on topics related to specialty crops, irrigation, water quality and tiling, and Farm Bill and conservation programs.
Remington “Remi” Rice is a dedicated Extension educator leading the Managing Farm Stress program. This initiative offers vital resources, including teletherapy and a free online course, for recognizing stress and suicide warning signs among farmers, farm families, and agricultural professionals. As a fifth-generation farmer from Northern Michigan, Remi’s farming roots run deep in his family history. His upbringing involved raising animals for local 4-H fairs, and he still holds dear his FFA jacket. With a strong work ethic and farm-taught lessons, he pursued a doctorate in Health Psychology. In his current role at MSU Extension, Remi supports farmers across Michigan in achieving their health goals, helping during challenging times. Connect with Remi for farm support and to explore the benefits of MSU Extension for your community.
Originally from a farming background in Argentina, he moved to the United States in 2006 to pursue his graduate studies. He earned a Master of Science in Crop Science from Oregon State University and a PhD in Plant Breeding Genetics and Genomics from the University of Georgia. His professional journey led him to work as a corn breeder for Dow Agrosciences in Indiana, breeding corn for the 105 to 110 relative maturity segments. In 2018, he relocated to Michigan with Corteva Agriscience, where he specializes in breeding reduced, and regular stature corn.