March 2025 - 37

FRESH VIEWS
is curious. Surprisingly, nobody
has called my insights dumb or
yelled at me in disagreement. The
odds of that happening for you
are pretty slim too. Most of the
people pursuing interaction with
others in agriculture realize that
collaboration and innovation will
help us solve complex agricultural
challenges faster.
When people ask me what it took
to build my skill sets and launch my
own company, I always say it's also
good to step outside of what you are
doing to take a look at what other
people are doing. In fact, choosing to
keep learning is exactly how you will
Most of the people pursuing interaction with others
in agriculture realize that collaboration and innovation will
help us solve complex agricultural challenges faster. "
grow your unique business to the
next level.
For me, in South Africa, seeing
a system in action was a catalyst
for a perspective shift. Choosing
to put myself in new experiences
for the sake of seeing different
perspectives has served me well.
Ag people are pretty willing to take
30 minutes to share about what they
do. Those conversations are not
only fascinating, but also the most
valuable resource I have as I continue
to grow and evolve as a consultant.
Michelle Klieger is president of
Stratagerm Consulting. She is also
a member of GPN's Forty Under 40
Class of 2024 and can be reached at
michelle@stratagerm.com.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MARCH
4-5
Indiana Small Farm Conference
Danville, Indiana
tinyurl.com/bdz53f8p
6-8
Southeast Produce Council
Southern Exposure
Orlando, Florida
seproducecouncil.com/eventsnetworking
24-25
North
America Blueberry
Council
Washington, D.C.
nabc.blueberry.org/events
APRIL
9-15
NAFDMA International
Farm Tour
Australia
nafdma.com/events
10-12
Viva Fresh
Houston, Texas
vivafreshexpo.com
If you have an event for the
calendar, email vgnnews@
vegetablegrowersnews.com
For a full listing of the
events calendar, visit
vegetablegrowersnews.com/events
(2) RETIREMENT AUCTIONS FOR MICHAEL BOUWKAMP
AUCTION #1: CEDAR VALLEY PACKING
TUES., MARCH 18 | ONLINE ONLY
* ONION PACKING
LINE
* POTATO PACKING
LINE
* POTATO WASH
LINE
* BAGGERS
* BARREL WASHER
* APPLE BOXES
* BOX DUMPER
* PACKING BAGS
* KENWORTH T800
* GREAT DANE
REFER TRAILER
* FORKLIFTS
* LARGE
INVENTORY OF
PAPER & POLY
POTATO BAGS
* PLUS MUCH MORE
ONLINE BIDDING ONLY
EQUIPMENT LOCATION: 11800 S
GORDON ST, GRANT, MI
Thinking of processing and selling your own produce? Here's
your chance! Over 100 pieces of washing, grading, sorting,
and sizing equipment available, ranging from 2' - 5' Wide.
AUCTION #2: MICHAEL BOUWKAMP FARMS
SAT., MARCH 22 | 10 AM (LIVE & ONLINE)
* POTATO
HARVESTER
* CARROT
HARVESTER
* ONION HARVESTER
* PARSNIP
HARVESTER
* BEET HARVESTER
* SPINACH
HARVESTER
* JD TRACTORS
* CASE & OLIVER
CRAWLER
TRACTORS
* PLANTERS
* IRRIGATION,
PUMPS, PIPES &
TRAVELERS
* PLUS MUCH MORE
BID LIVE ON THE FARM OR ONLINE
FARM LOCATION: GRANT, MI
CONTACT: CHUCK RANNEY
(616) 560-0839
FOR DETAILED INFORMATION & BIDDING VISIT
ORBITBID.COM OR MIEDEMAAUCTIONEERING.COM
VEGETABLEGROWERSNEWS.COM | 37

http://tinyurl.com/bdz53f8p http://www.vivafreshexpo.com http://www.nafdma.com/events http://www.seproducecouncil.com/events http://www.vegetablegrowersnews.com/events http://nabc.blueberry.org/events http://www.MIEDEMAAUCTIONEERING.COM http://www.VEGETABLEGROWERSNEWS.COM

March 2025

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of March 2025