Our guest is Daniel Moilanen, a Fenton-area native now living in Flint, and the Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD).

Under Dan’s leadership, Michigan’s soil conservation districts are bringing conservation-minded farmers together to modernize agricultural practices—reducing nutrient runoff, protecting wetlands, and addressing the toxic algal blooms threatening the Great Lakes, especially Lake Erie.

Modern Farming, Healthier Water

A core focus of this work is precision agriculture—using advanced technology to monitor and optimize crop production in real time. Examples include:

• GPS-guided machinery, which allows farmers to precisely apply fertilizers and pesticides, reducing over-application and runoff
• Cover crops and conservation tillage, improving soil health while reducing erosion
• Nutrient management plans, tailored to specific crops and soil types to minimize excess nutrients entering waterways

Together, these practices support both environmental protection and the long-term economic viability of Michigan agriculture.

Michigan is the second-largest producer of agricultural commodities in the United States, yet outdated farming methods threaten to deplete its rich soil base within the next 60 years. Dan joins us to discuss how conservation districts are working to prevent that outcome—protecting water resources while sustaining farming communities.

Background and Community Leadership

Dan is a graduate of Albion College and was recently selected by the Flint-Genesee Chamber of Commerce as one of its 40 Under 40 distinguished young community leaders.

His background includes small-business ownership, civic engagement, and political leadership. He is the founder and former owner of Vehicle City Tacos, a popular downtown Flint food truck, and has served as a leader of the Genesee County Democratic Party and the Genesee County Young Democrats.

Outside of policy and conservation work, Dan continues his long-standing interest in music, performing with a ska-punk band in the Flint area.

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