Michigan’s Garden: More Than Just Cars and Lakes!

Michigan’s Garden: More Than Just Cars and Lakes!

Okay, so you know Michigan for cars, right? And maybe the Great Lakes? But let me tell you, there’s a whole lot more to this state than meets the eye – especially when it comes to what we grow! Michigan’s agriculture is seriously impressive, pumping over $100 billion into the state’s economy every year and employing nearly a quarter of the workforce. That makes it the second-biggest industry in the state! We’re talking fields of crops and herds of livestock, a real agricultural powerhouse.

Now, when it comes to specific crops, Michigan totally dominates in a few key areas. Ever had a cherry pie? Chances are, those cherries came from Michigan. We’re talking about a whopping 75% of the nation’s tart cherries grown right here! Traverse City even throws a huge Cherry Festival every year to celebrate. It’s kind of a big deal. And if you’re a fan of pickles, well, you’re in luck. Michigan’s number one in cucumber production for pickling. Who knew, right? Asparagus is another one we nail. Seriously, we’re the top dog when it comes to asparagus. You’ll see it popping up at farmers’ markets all spring. Plus, if you’re cooking up some chili, those black, cranberry, or small red beans might just be from Michigan, too. And squash? Yep, we’re the champs there as well.

But it’s not just about those headline-grabbing crops. Michigan’s also got a killer fruit game. Apples? We’re number two in the nation, with orchards dotting the landscape. Think Honeycrisp, Jonathan, Empire – all the good stuff. And blueberries? Oh yeah, we’re rocking the blueberry scene, with production only getting bigger and better. And don’t forget peaches! Michigan’s right up there with the top peach-producing states. That “Fruit Belt” along Lake Michigan? That’s the magic. The lake keeps the temperatures just right, creating the perfect conditions for growing all these delicious fruits.

Of course, we can’t forget the veggies! Besides cucumbers, we’re growing all sorts of good stuff. Potatoes – especially the kind that become potato chips – are a big deal. Tomatoes are everywhere, from commercial farms to backyard gardens. And then there’s asparagus, cabbage, carrots, celery, green beans, pumpkins, radishes, squash, sweet corn, and turnips. Basically, if you want fresh veggies, Michigan’s got you covered.

And it’s not just fruits and veggies. Michigan also grows a ton of grains and field crops. Corn is the big one, covering over 2 million acres. Most of it ends up feeding animals or getting turned into ethanol. Soybeans are right up there, with farmers planting around two million acres every year. And wheat? That’s a pretty important part of the agricultural picture, too.

Don’t think we’re just about plants, though. Dairy farming is huge in Michigan. We’ve got over 400,000 dairy cows on about 900 farms. And get this: our cows are super productive, ranking high in milk production per cow. We’ve also got a good number of cattle, both beef and dairy, plus a thriving poultry industry for eggs and meat.

Now, if you’re thinking about growing your own stuff, keep in mind that Michigan’s growing season can be a little tricky. It really depends on where you are in the state. Generally, you’re looking at a season that starts sometime between mid-April and the end of May, and wraps up between September and November. So, you’ve got to plan accordingly!

So, the next time you think of Michigan, remember it’s more than just cars and lakes. It’s a state bursting with agricultural goodness, from those famous cherries to a whole lot more. Get out there and explore the farms, orchards, and markets – you might just be surprised by what you find!