Agriculture is big business

Posted by Lake Superior Community Partnership on September 26, 2016

In economic development, we work with all types of businesses. That includes agriculture. The amount of economic impact that this industry has in the State of Michigan is often times overlooked. I wanted to highlight this sector and share information provided by our friends at the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) in the Michigan Agriculture Facts & Figures booklet.

Did you know that Michigan leads the nation in crop production of dry beans, red tart cherries, blueberries, squash, nine floriculture products and cucumbers used in pickling? We also rank in the top ten in 63 other products. All of this equates to a $96 billion annual economic impact, second to California.

I read more detailed information with fascination and thought you would enjoy it as well. Let’s look at how the Upper Peninsula contributes to this huge economic sector.

Due to a short growing season, the U.P. has limited but diverse agriculture. The growing season is anywhere from 60 to 140 days. Small grains, pasture and hay are main crops and corn, strawberries and other small fruits are also grown.

Potatoes lead the way generating 17.2 billion pounds valued at $207.6 million in farm gate sales. Farms from southern Monroe County to our very own Iron County contribute to Michigan being the leading producer of potatoes for chip processing.

How about Christmas trees?  Michigan is third in the nation in the number of trees harvested equating to approximately 3 million fresh Christmas trees to the national market annually. The dollar value associated with just the trees is more than $41 million. Add to that the sales of wreaths, boughs and garland you have another $1.3 million.

Got milk? Dairy, of course, is another area where the U.P. contributes. Did you know that there are over 381,000 cows in Michigan that produce approximately 24,000 pounds of milk annually, which puts us 7th in the nation for production. Dairy farms contribute $14.7 billion to the state’s economy and while concentrated in south central Michigan, we all know the U.P. proudly produces and manufacturers a variety of dairy products. According to the US Department of Agriculture, the U.P. is home to approximately 12,200 milking cows with a majority in Menominee County.

Food processed in the U.P. include meats, sauces, jams, maple syrup, chocolates, roasted coffee, baked goods, hops, beer, wine, canned fruits and vegetables and honey. Maple syrup and craft brewing are both on the rise in our region.

Forest products are a significant part of the Upper Peninsula economy. We have 8.6 million acres of timberland with 58% private, 23% state and 19% federal ownership across the U.P. There are over 300 loggers and 60 primary and 105 secondary forest product manufacturing facilities. Products manufactured in the U.P. include lumber, pulp and paper, engineered wood, biomass power, laboratory grade animal bedding, hardwood flooring, cabinets, bi-fold doors, crafted wood doors and snowshoes.

Obviously, I cannot do the agriculture sector justice in a single column as it is a massive industry in Michigan. But perhaps I was able to shine light on a sector that is a somewhat quiet economic engine in both peninsulas. Something to think about when you choose that “made in Michigan” product next time you’re at the grocery store, food co-op or farmers market.

For more information visit www.michigan.gov/mdard.  Are you in the agriculture business or want to be? Do you need business services? Give us a call at 906.226.6591.

Amy Clickner, CEO, writes a bi-weekly column for the Mining Journal.