Gene Kokx receives Master Farmer Award.

Gene Kokx receives Master Farmer Award.

The Land is series telling the stories about local agriculture. It is a presentation of Peterson Farms, Inc., www.petersonfarmsinc.com.

HART — Gene Kokx of Eugene Kokx and Sons Farms has been named recipient of the 2020 Master Farmer Award by the Michigan Vegetable Council.

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This award is presented annually to an individual or farm business actively engaged in vegetable production in Michigan. It recognizes well-managed and innovative farming practices, as well as leadership roles in industry and community organizations and support of vegetable crop research.

Gene’s farm is fourth generation. Long ago, the farm was dairy and potatoes but has been focused on processed asparagus and zucchini squash in recent years. Gene’s wife Theresa is part of the farm operation along with Gene’s father, Gene Sr.

Gene knows what it takes to be an innovative farmer. The farm practices minimum till as much as possible and includes lots of cover crops. Grain is often mixed in as a rotational crop to keep the fields healthy. Gene has been a leader in sharing his knowledge with others and often allows research to take place on his farm.

Gene has been involved in the asparagus industry his whole career. He has helped make the industry what it is today by serving nine years on the Michigan Vegetable Council, 10 years on the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board, and 25 years on the Michigan Agriculture Cooperative Marketing Association.

“The Michigan Vegetable Council hopes to find a candidate for our award every year that can be as qualified and dedicated as Gene Kokx,” states a press release from MVC.