LMC Panel to Explore Future of Sustainable Farming in Southwest Michigan

Local agricultural producers to discuss challenges and opportunities in Berrien County's evolving farming landscape.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:09am

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A highly detailed, miniature 3D digital illustration depicting a lush, rolling farmland landscape with a modern winery, orchard, and vegetable garden, all rendered in a clean, editorial style with vibrant, earthy colors and soft lighting to convey the harmony of sustainable agriculture.A conceptual illustration of the diverse sustainable farming practices taking root across Berrien County, Michigan.Buchanan Today

Lake Michigan College is hosting a 90-minute panel discussion on April 9th called 'From Farm to Future: Sustainable Agriculture in Berrien County.' The event will bring together a diverse group of local farmers, winemakers, and food producers to explore the future of sustainable agriculture in Southwest Michigan.

Why it matters

The agricultural heritage of Southwest Michigan runs deep, from historic peach orchards to world-class vineyards. This panel aims to examine how sustainable farming practices can benefit the region's farming industry and community as it faces new challenges.

The details

The panel will be moderated by Tim Godfrey, winemaker and director of LMC's Wine & Viticulture Technology program. Five panelists representing a cross-section of Berrien County agriculture will participate, including producers of wine, cider, produce, and dairy. Several of the operations hold USDA Organic or Regenerative Organic certification, reflecting a broader shift toward sustainable and restorative farming in the region.

  • The panel discussion will take place on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.
  • The event is free and open to the public.

The players

Tim Godfrey

Winemaker and director of LMC's Wine & Viticulture Technology program, who will moderate the panel discussion.

Maxx Eichberg

Owner of Stranger Wine Company, a regenerative estate winery in Buchanan.

Paula Camp

Owner of Carriage House Ciders, a cidery crafting barrel-aged, European-style hard cider from locally sourced heritage apples in Benton Harbor.

Katie Burdett

Owner of Farmette, a sustainable farm marketplace and café in New Buffalo.

Paul Meulemans

Owner of Wild Coyote Organic Farm, a certified organic vegetable and livestock operation in Berrien Springs.

Brett Muchow

Owner of Verdant Hollow, a 225-acre regenerative farm and farmstead goat creamery in Buchanan.

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What’s next

The panel discussion is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Attendees should use the front entrance of the LMC campus and follow signs to the event location in rooms L310-311.

The takeaway

This panel discussion highlights the growing momentum behind sustainable agriculture in Southwest Michigan, as local producers adopt innovative farming practices to address challenges and capitalize on new opportunities in the region's evolving food and beverage landscape.