Building Bridges for Agriculture’s Future

November 21, 2024

In this week’s audio feature, we sit down with Michael Granche, Director of Trade, Transportation, and Animal Agriculture at the National Corn Growers Association. Born and raised on his family farm in Northern Virginia, Michael’s journey into agriculture is uniquely inspiring as a first-generation agriculturalist.

 

Recorded at the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference in Kansas City, Michael reflects on his transformative experiences as an AFA alum. From finding his footing in the industry as a college student at Virginia Tech to building connections that have shaped his professional path, Michael emphasizes the unparalleled value of the AFA program.

 

As a current finalist for the prestigious Bridge Builder Award, Michael shares his gratitude for the mentors and peers who have supported him along the way. He describes the honor as humbling and uplifting, further highlighting AFA’s role in fostering future leaders for rural America and beyond.

 

This conversation not only celebrates Michael’s achievements but also sheds light on the enduring impact of AFA, the AFA Alliance, and programs like Alliance X. It’s a story of growth, community, and the bridges built to connect generations within agriculture.

 

Listen now to hear how AFA shaped Michael’s career and continues to inspire his vision for the future of this vital industry.

collage
By Tara Desmond December 11, 2025
Interview with former NCGA President Kenny Hartman, Jr., reflecting on decades of service to Illinois corn farmers, major policy accomplishments, and why young farmers should get involved to shape the future of agriculture.
IL Corn office
By U.S. Grains & Bioproducts Council & IL Corn December 11, 2025
Illinois corn was on full display as a delegation of Japanese journalists toured the U.S. biofuels value chain to better understand how American corn and corn ethanol contribute to a lower-carbon energy future.
Ilinois group n
By Tara Desmond December 11, 2025
Illinois agriculture is once again stepping up to fight hunger.
Rows of green crops in a field at sunset, with the sun's rays shining through the clouds.
By Lyndi Allen December 10, 2025
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Trump Administration announced a one-time package of $12 billion in “bridge payments” to support American farmers.
CEO Justin Brown
By Tara Desmond December 10, 2025
Lakril CEO Justin Brown explains how corn-based sugars become low-carbon acrylic acid, creating new markets for farmers as the company expands in Illinois.
Deer by a stream with
December 5, 2025
Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award.The award honors farmers who go above and beyond in their management of their working land.
Show More