Feeding On Innovation T
o say David Coveyou’s roots run deep in northern Michigan would be an understatement. David, who serves as the representative for Emmet County in the District 1 seat on the Great Lakes Energy Board of Directors, is the fifth generation to operate his family farm south of Petoskey. Coveyou Scenic Farm, which was founded as an original homestead under President Grant in 1874, will be celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. David grew up on the family farm that he now operates with his wife Kathy and their four children. After high school, he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering. His professional career began in California, where he designed communications satellites. He later moved to the East Coast, where he worked in engineering design and design management. But his Michigan farming roots were never far from his mind. Then, about 20 years ago as his parents were getting ready to retire from farming, he had a decision to make. “I had the opportunity to determine whether our farm here would remain a farm, and I just didn’t want that legacy ending on my watch,” David said. So, he moved his family back to Michigan with plans to use his engineering know-how to make the family farm economically viable in northern Michigan. Today the farm has grown into a well-known provider of fresh, organically grown produce and other agricultural products. David said one of the keys to the farm’s success is keeping operating costs down. To do this, David has employed multiple new technologies such as a 20-kilowatt solar array, using geothermal systems to heat the farm’s greenhouse and cool its walk-in produce coolers, and using an electric variable frequency drip irrigation system.
“I had the opportunity to determine whether our farm here would remain a farm, and I just didn’t want that legacy ending on my watch.”
David said these systems are not only significant in controlling the farm’s operating costs, but they dovetail nicely with the farm’s efforts to use sustainable and organic growing practices. His passion to help keep family farms viable throughout the area led him to serve for nine years on his township’s planning commission. He also hosts an intern program on the farm, through which he shares the agricultural practices he’s developed. David said he ran for GLE’s board of directors because he believed his unique blend of knowledge would also be an asset to GLE’s board. David said he’s eager to help GLE meet the challenges of the changing electric industry and he’s excited about the continued growth of Truestream. He sees how it is changing the lives of GLE members just like electric service did for his grandfather when the cooperative first brought electric service to the farm. David, who was first elected to the board in 2021, is one of three board members whose terms on the board are expiring later this year. David intends to seek reelection to another three-year term on the board.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17