ELK RAPIDS — The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance hosted its first Catalyst Conversations event of 2026 on Feb. 18 at the Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall. The meeting brought together regional leaders and agricultural experts to discuss the evolving business landscape of northern Michigan’s farming industry.
The event highlighted the economic significance of a sector that includes more than 1,200 regional farms producing $78.9 million in goods. Participants focused on the importance of innovation and long-term planning as the agricultural industry faces new challenges and shifting national trends.
Agriculture remains a primary economic driver for the area, involving more than 1,200 farms. These operations generate more than $78.9 million in agricultural products across the NLEA service area. Antrim County is a central hub for this activity, producing more than half of the total agricultural value for the entire region.
Greg Shooks, owner of Cellar 1914 and Shooks Farms in Central Lake, participated as a panelist representing a family operation that has spanned four generations. Shooks provided an outlook on how the region’s agricultural identity influences local stability.
“Agriculture plays a significant role in the economy of Northern Michigan, contributing through crop production, food processing, tourism and related industries,” Shooks said. “It helps stabilize rural communities where other industries are limited and gives identity to the region.”
Dr. Jaime Luke, an assistant professor in Michigan State University’s Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, examined broader industry shifts. Luke provided analysis on statewide and national trends that are currently impacting the agricultural business climate.
The food processing sector was represented by Ted Sherman, operations manager at Burnette Foods. Sherman discussed how the 60-year-old family business, which operates in Elk Rapids and East Jordan, continues to grow and adapt to modern food processing developments.
Patrick McGuire, a first-generation farmer and owner of Royal Farm in Ellsworth, spoke about the evolution of his business model. McGuire also provided perspective from his position as a member of the Michigan Farm Bureau Board of Directors.
The program was moderated by Sam Bailey, strategic initiatives manager for the NLEA. Bailey framed the specific regional trends that are currently shaping the agricultural sector in Northern Michigan.
Representatives from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, MSU Extension, the Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity and the Michigan Farm Bureau also attended the event. These organizations connected with local participants to share resources available to support the state’s agricultural industry.
Catalyst Conversations is an ongoing event series produced by the NLEA. The program is designed to convene industry leaders and policymakers around economic sectors that will shape the future of the region. Funding and support for the February event were provided by Networks Northwest and the Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce.