Michael brings 15+ years of public and private sector experience in service to Indiana and Midwest agriculture, with a consistent focus on cultivating organic and regenerative farming and food systems. After catching the farming bug on a mid-scale organic vegetable operation in Texas, Michael put down roots in Indiana, working across a large-scale diversified organic grain operation, a diversified livestock and grain operation, and his own small family farm producing fresh market vegetables. Most recently, he served as regional manager with an organic grain farming company, supporting operations and farm teams across multiple Midwest states and Texas. For a decade, Michael served Indiana’s agriculture community through Purdue University Extension, working both as a county-based agriculture educator and as the statewide organic specialist.
He currently serves on the board of FARMWISE Indiana and the national steering committee of the Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS). He holds a Certified Crop Adviser license in Indiana and earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.
As the Land & Business Director, Indiana, Michael focuses on supporting farmers and land stewards to transition to and thrive in organic and regenerative farming, helping to foster the more beautiful agriculture our hearts know is possible, right at home in Indiana!
He is proudly the father of two adult sons who still call themselves Hoosiers. When he’s not focused on farming and agriculture or spending time with family and friends, he enjoys time in the kitchen, running, bicycling and other physical pursuits, gardening, reading, and simply being outside in nature.