For this Why Ag Wednesday, we are focusing on crop diversity in Michigan!! In fact, Michigan is the second most diverse state in America. There are currently over 50,000 farms in Michigan with each averaging 195 acres.

Michigan ranks first in the nation for multiple crops, including asparagus, tart cherries, dry black beans, and cucumbers for pickling. We also rank second in the nation for celery, squash, and spearmint oil. Outside of these specialty crops, Michigan ranks in the top 10 for several other items, including apples, corn, sugarbeets, floriculture, and Christmas trees! Because of this, Michigan falls behind only Virginia when it comes to the overall diversity of agriculture production, making over 300 different products!

– Stephanie & Addy