Director Tim Boring of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) presented the 2026 Agriculture Exporter of the Year Award to Freeland Bean and Grain Inc. today at a ceremony held at the company s facility in Freeland.
"Freeland Bean and Grain Inc. is Michigan's Agriculture Exporter of the Year thanks to their team's commitment to opening new markets for Michigan producers, creating economic opportunities for Michigan farmers and helping strengthen communities across our state," said Director Boring. "MDARD takes pride in working with companies like Freeland Bean and Grain that show what's possible when Michigan agriculture reaches beyond our borders and brings the value of our products to markets around the world."
Founded in 1983, Freeland Bean and Grain is a locally owned, family-run business that buys and sells corn, soybeans, soft red wheat and edible black beans. The company also provides a variety of agricultural products and services that have enabled them to steadily grow as a full-service agribusiness.
"Winning this award has great significance for our team here at Freeland Bean and Grain because it recognizes the effort and time we ve devoted to building strong relationships with customers and growers, and to investing in new technologies and facilities," said Freeland Bean and Grain Marketing Manager Roger Hupfer. "As a small company our strengths are extreme customer focus with our growers and our export partners. Being awarded Ag Exporter of the Year is the culmination of years spent executing our vision - providing high quality edible black beans, promoting our brands and growing our export business."
Source : michigan.gov