The Michigan airwaves will soon be without the voice and host of one of its longest-running talk shows. Merlin Dumbrille, host of "Farm and Orchard Time," and farm director and public affairs director for WTCM Radio, retires as of today.
In 1964, Merlin began hosting the popular "Farm and Orchard Time" program on WTCM radio in Traverse City. For more than 45 years, Merlin kept Michigan farmers and the public up to date on important agricultural issues of the day, featuring farm news and information to keep his listeners better informed. He talked with Michigan State University Extension directors from northwest Michigan's 5-county area about current problems growers face and offered solutions to keep them operating at a good profit margin. Soil conservation officers from the area county conservation districts, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council members in Petoskey and area foresters were also regular guests on his show.
This silver-tongued legend provided up-to-date information on farm and food-related programs to members of the agriculture community with insightful questions and commentary.
He's been a stalwart supporter of local agriculture and local food products, and promoted the work and knowledge of MSU Extension on a daily basis.
Merlin was an advocate for local agriculture, and the local food movement well before its rise to popular consciousness. A strong supporter of 4-H, Merlin often interviewed 4-H youth during lives broadcasts from the Northwest Michigan Fair.
Last year MSU Extension honored Merlin with the prestigious "State Friend of Extension Award" for his lifetime of support of MSU Extension and its programs. While there have been many deserving winners, I can think of no one who has done more to support agriculture, farmers, and the role of MSU Extension in Michigan.
Merlin also covered activities of the National Cherry Festival and produced, during the month of July, the broadcast of the entire Grand Cherry Royale Parade, a Saturday morning, 2-hour, 2-mile event through downtown Traverse City. Merlin and June, his wife of 54 years, have lived in Traverse City their entire lives, raised three children and have three grandchildren.
If you see Merlin, please thank him for his dedication and lifetime of work to improve the lives of northern Michigan residents. On behalf of MSU Extension, farmers, and Farm and Orchard Time listeners everywhere, I want to wish Merlin Dumbrille a happy, healthy and relaxing retirement.
Dr. Rob Sirrine is the Leelanau County director with MSU Extension. He works with colleagues to develop agriculture and natural resource programs in northwest Michigan.
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