Michigan stands as one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation, a distinction often attributed to its unique geography. The influence of the Great Lakes creates a range of microclimates and varied soil types across the state, supporting a wider array of crops than is typical for its latitude. This climatic variation allows Michigan farmers to successfully cultivate over 300 different commodities, making the state second only to California in overall crop diversity. This environment provides the necessary conditions for both large-scale commodity production and specialized, high-value horticulture.
Major Field Crops
Large-acreage commodity crops form the foundation of Michigan’s agricultural volume, occupying the vast majority of farmland. Field corn is the largest crop in terms of acreage, harvested primarily for uses other than fresh consumption. The majority of this corn is processed into livestock feed for the state’s dairy and beef industries or used in the production of ethanol fuel.
Soybeans are another dominant field crop, rotating with corn and wheat to improve soil health and manage pests. These beans are primarily destined for oil extraction and the creation of high-protein meal for animal feed. Michigan farmers also grow significant acreage of winter wheat, specifically soft white winter wheat, which is favored for making pastry flour, breakfast cereals, and crackers.
Dry hay and forage, such as alfalfa, are grown extensively across the state. This production supports the livestock sector, providing feed for dairy cattle and other grazing animals.
Specialty Tree and Bush Fruits
Specialty fruit production flourishes in the narrow “Fruit Belt” located along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. This region benefits from the “lake effect,” where the large body of water moderates temperatures. This effect delays blossoming in the spring, protecting flowers from late frosts, and provides a temperature buffer in the fall, extending the growing season.
Tart cherries are the state’s signature fruit, with Michigan consistently ranking as the nation’s leading producer, responsible for the majority of the U.S. supply. These cherries, primarily the Montmorency variety, are mostly machine-harvested and quickly processed for use in pies, juice, and dried products. Apples are the largest and most valuable fruit crop, with the state ranking second nationally in production.
Growers cultivate a wide variety of apples, with a significant portion sold fresh and others destined for processing into applesauce, juice, and slices. Blueberries are another major commodity, with the state being a leading U.S. producer, supported by the sandy, acidic soils common near the lake. The climate also supports a growing viticulture industry, particularly for wine grapes and Niagara grapes used for juice, mostly clustered in the southwestern and northwestern Lower Peninsula.
High-Value Vegetable Production
Michigan’s diverse soil composition, including rich muck and sandy loams, is well-suited for a variety of high-value vegetable crops. The state leads the nation in the production of asparagus, providing approximately half of the U.S. supply, with much of the production concentrated in Oceana County.
Dry beans are a major component of the vegetable sector, with Michigan ranking first nationally in the production of black beans and navy beans, and second overall for all dry edible beans. These beans are grown under contract and are a significant source for canned and packaged goods across the country. Cucumbers grown for pickling are another top commodity, with Michigan being the number one producer in the U.S.
Processing is a defining characteristic of this sector, as over 60% of the state’s total vegetable output is channeled to in-state processing facilities. Potatoes are also widely grown, with Michigan being the top state for potato chip processing, contributing substantially to the national snack food market. The economic stability offered by these large-scale processing contracts is fundamental to the viability of vegetable farming across the state.
Greenhouse and Nursery Products
Beyond food production, Michigan’s agricultural economy involves non-edible crops grown in controlled environments and nurseries. The floriculture industry is a significant contributor, with the state leading the nation in the production of several potted and bedding plants cultivated in greenhouses, including:
- Impatiens
- Begonias
- Geraniums
- Petunias
Nursery stock encompasses a wide range of woody plants, shrubs, and trees used for landscaping and ornamental purposes. These products are grown both in containers and in the ground, supplying garden centers and commercial landscapers throughout the Midwest. The state’s extensive forestland also supports a thriving Christmas tree industry, ranking third in the nation for production, with growers producing popular species like Fraser Fir, Scots Pine, and Douglas Fir.