Delbert Crumbaugh of Ashley in Gratiot County was awarded Master Farmer of the Year for 2016 by Michigan Farmer Magazine. According to the magazine’s website, The Master Farmer of the Year Award recognizes the finest farmers in Michigan.
Delbert has been farming since he was just a little boy when his parents raised dairy cows, pigs and chickens, then later feeder cattle. In an interview with Brownfield Ag News, he mentions remembering his mom sending him out to work with his father and helping on the farm from a very young age.
Over the years, Delbert built his farming business by continually purchasing available land surrounding his own farming operations. In the interview, he said that as farms near him or within a short distance came up for sale, he would buy them if he was able.
Delbert describes how farming, like any other business, involves commitment and learning to do it correctly. He says that using modern technology, such as no-till farming, can lighten your load and better your chances of success. He says if you can’t make it work for you, than don’t work with it.
According to Delbert’s son Mark, a long time Director on Gratiot Conservation District’s Board of Directors, the Crumbaughs were one of the first families in Gratiot County to embrace no-till farming technology. He recognized that with his clay-based soils, it’s important not to get on the field until it’s dry enough.
In his 85 years, Delbert says that he’s survived enough bad years (as a farmer) to enjoy the good years, and he’s thankful for that.
The Master Farmer of the Year Award is awarded by Michigan Farmer Magazine, Michigan Farm Radio Network, and Michigan Agribusiness Association. It is sponsored by Greenstone Farm Credit Services and Mosiac.
- Julie
Delbert has been farming since he was just a little boy when his parents raised dairy cows, pigs and chickens, then later feeder cattle. In an interview with Brownfield Ag News, he mentions remembering his mom sending him out to work with his father and helping on the farm from a very young age.
Over the years, Delbert built his farming business by continually purchasing available land surrounding his own farming operations. In the interview, he said that as farms near him or within a short distance came up for sale, he would buy them if he was able.
Delbert describes how farming, like any other business, involves commitment and learning to do it correctly. He says that using modern technology, such as no-till farming, can lighten your load and better your chances of success. He says if you can’t make it work for you, than don’t work with it.
According to Delbert’s son Mark, a long time Director on Gratiot Conservation District’s Board of Directors, the Crumbaughs were one of the first families in Gratiot County to embrace no-till farming technology. He recognized that with his clay-based soils, it’s important not to get on the field until it’s dry enough.
In his 85 years, Delbert says that he’s survived enough bad years (as a farmer) to enjoy the good years, and he’s thankful for that.
The Master Farmer of the Year Award is awarded by Michigan Farmer Magazine, Michigan Farm Radio Network, and Michigan Agribusiness Association. It is sponsored by Greenstone Farm Credit Services and Mosiac.
- Julie