 Planting
The Seed
In 1947, founder
Wayne J. Lennard started with 5 acres and a dream. Over the
years the operation has grown and the Lennard family has increased
its involvement in agribusiness.
Wayne
was a leader in the field and off. He was heavily involved
in the Michigan Potato Council and helped start the Michigan
Research Committee in an effort to match the research needs
of the industry with Michigan State University.
Over the years the operation has grown and the Lennard family
has increased its involvement in agribusiness. Some milestones
include:
-
1965, Son Jim Lennard returns to
the farm from an aviation career with United Airlines.
-
1969,
Built Michigan’s first refrigerated potato
storage (designed by Michigan State University).
-
1971,
Son Kim Lennard returns from Western Michigan University
and helps expand and diversify operation with addition
of Corn and Soybeans.
-
1974, Purchase of a potato seed
farm in the Upper Peninsula servicing growers throughout Michigan
and Ohio.
-
1979, Purchase of a second potato
seed farm just south of the Mackinaw Bridge.
-
1983, Named one of
the Top 10 Best Managed Farms by Farm Future Magazine.
-
1998,
Diversify operation and improve crop rotation by adding
Sugarbeets.
-
2000, Grandson Kyle Lennard joins operation
after earning degree from Michigan State University.
-
2001,
Jim Lennard retires from farming.
-
2002, Name changed from Wayne J. Lennard & Sons
to Lennard Ag to signify new era for the business.
-
2004, Develops second location in Eau Claire, MI
to diversify risk.
-
2005, Diversified potato operations by offering
Russet Norkotah potatoes to the East Coast markets.
-
2007, Relocated Eau Claire operations to Sturgis, MI
in an effort to reduce freight costs for customers.
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