As the Elk River Hop Farm continues to grow, they need to develop a reliable and sustainable talent pipeline; not only to supply their seasonal staffing needs, but also supply a few dedicated full-time employees who have the desire to learn the complex process of hop growing and processing. The Thumb Region has the ideal soil and climate to profitably grow hops, and Ellen would like to develop this into a regional industry.

After an introductory meeting, the Sanilac Career Center referred Ellen to the GST Michigan Works! Service Center in Sandusky. GSTMW BSP, Eldon, quickly followed up with Ellen and learned of her short- and long-term goals not only for her own business, but also for the regional farming economy.

The long-term per acre profit potential with hops is far greater than other crops grown in the area. Growing and processing hops is very complex and technical, which opens a new agricultural career opportunity in Specialty Crop Management for the region. Through several meetings and introductions to other partners, it was determined that pursuing the Young Professionals work experience program was the most appropriate for now with a new registered apprenticeship program and development of regional infrastructure as long-term objectives.
Through participation in the GSTMW Sanilac Spring Job Fair and continued networking with the Sanilac Career Center, Ellen met several interested agricultural students. One of the students was eligible for the Young Professionals program and started her work experience on June 13th. She will continue to work through September. One student was eligible for our program and Ellen also hired a small group of young people from the community who have all been very successful.

“Elk River Hops is a specialty crop business growing and processing hops in Sanilac County. At the end of last season, it was clear we needed a source of employees interested in learning about specialty crops if we were going to make a mark on the county’s economy. A networking session at the Sanilac County Career Center introduced us to Eldon Preston, our Business Solutions Professional at GST Michigan Works! We owe so much to the GSTMW Team that emboldened and equipped us to move forward!

That introduction opened doors and more networking that ultimately helped us attract a team of young people that would impress any employer looking for smart and motivated workers. As we know, kids invite kids into something they enjoy and makes them feel special. What a marvelous and sobering experience this has been! Each of these people has navigated different life hurdles and yet comes to us ready to work hard, learn new things, and take responsibility.

There are so many inspiring things that have happened in just a couple months to share. This group has miraculously formed their own team, capable of pivoting on a moment’s notice and taking each minor crisis in stride. A harvest machine broke down leading to dragging out an old machine requiring a whole different skill set. They collectively dug in and made it happen even though the day stretched long. A cutting bar burned out and they grabbed pruning shears and started cutting by hand… WITHOUT complaining!

A quick thumbnail of callouts from the team that ranges in age from 17 to 25:
• From one of youngest workers, “This is the first time I’ve ever worked 8 hours in a day.”
• From one young 20-something who had previously not held a regular job, “I had to come to support Michael who works so hard.”
• There’s the recent high school graduate who didn’t take college seriously and now has a plan after being encouraged by a co-worker.
• From the dad of a couple of our workers, “Thank you for adding my stars to your team. I’m sure they will shine.”

I honestly do not think any of this would have happened without the partnership of GST Michigan Works! I look forward to exploring more programs together in the years ahead.”
Ellen Batkie, Co-Owner, Elk River Hops, LLC.