Quick answer: Farming in Montcalm County significantly impacts Michigan’s agriculture, supported by fertile soil and water resources. The county features diverse family farms specializing in grains, potatoes, corn, soybeans, and beans. Local farmers markets, 4-H, and Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs further enrich this vital agricultural community, contributing significantly to the economy and food supply.
Key Takeaways
- Montcalm County agriculture plays a vital role in Michigan’s overall Ag industry, supported by favorable climate and water resources.
- Major farms include Sietsema (grains, with a grain elevator in Howard City), Main Farms (covering around 15,000 acres for potatoes, corn, soybeans, wheat, peas, green beans), and Carlson-Arbogast Farms (growing beans for over 140 years and six generations).
- County Line Farms specializes in bulk milk transportation and custom forage harvesting, while Farm Services provides efficient irrigation systems.
- Montcalm County supports local farmers markets (e.g., Howard City, Pierson, Greenville), 4-H, and Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs, fostering community and youth involvement.
- Farming in the county faces challenges such as weather (e.g., dry years, water scarcity) and protecting livestock from predators.
Farming in Montcalm County
Montcalm County, has a huge impact on the state’s overall Ag industry. Today I am going to touch on a few of the farms in Montcalm County.
Sietsema has a grain elevator in Howard City which is the tallest building in my small town. I have been to the top of it and the view is really nice.
The Sietsema family’s main operation is out of Allendale and has been around since 1940.
https://www.sietsemafarms.
Main Farms out of six lakes has a few locations and covers around 15 thousand or so acres. They are a fourth-generation family farm that grows potatoes, corn, soybeans, wheat, peas and green beans. yee haw 🙂 Let’s feed the area.
Today Agriculture plays a vital role in Montcalm County’s economy. The county’s soil, favorable climate, and access to water resources make it suitable for a variety of farming activities. This has been a dry year and I am seeing irrigation systems going all around the county. I remember growing up and staying at my grandparents outside Lakeview and playing in the water that was shooting over the road.
Today The county boasts several farmers markets that go directly from the field to the consumer and of course our plates 🙂 I was just at the Pierson market on Friday and picked up some good eats.
– Now that’s what I call buy local. Farmer Markets provides all of us access to fresh, locally grown produce, meat and helps us support the local farming community. We need our farmers and the hard work they put in everyday. Thank you
County Line Farms out of trufant specializes in bulk milk transportation and custom forage harvesting.
https://www.facebook.com/
Farm Services out of Lakeview offers growers large and small the most efficient and reliable irrigation systems on the market
I see their product right next door to me in my neighbors field. I call it the neighborhood water park. https://www.farmservicesinc.
Sandyland Farms between Howard City of Lakeview is not to far from where my grandma and grandpa used to live on Kendaville Road east of Gravel Ridge
I remember seeing the Sandyland Farms trucks, tractors and harvesters in the fields when hanging out over the summer with my grandparents. Today they have some pretty cool technology for growing, harvesting, storing and shipping potatoes all over the US..
Carlson-Arbogast Farms is not too far from the DW Video studio in Howard City and I must say, they love beans 🙂 Beans are their specialty.
They have been growing beans for over 140 years and for 6 generations on their Michigan Centennial Family Farm!
They ship all types of beans for retail in 24 oz and 2 lb packages and can be found in local stores, however if you have bigger bean needs, they provide 25 to 2000 pound packaging options. Not that is a lot of beans.
Weaver Farms, a farm market from Sheridan offers farm fresh goods (beef, lamb, eggs, honey, maple syrup and seasonal vegetables. Other farmers markets include Howard City, Pierson, Greenville and I am sure I have missed a few. i was just at the Farmers Market in Pierson on Friday – picked me up some good eats.
Let’s not forget about the tourism aspect that farming brings to the area. There are places around the county that give tours, have animals, events, pick your own and are ideal for all ages,
Montcalm County has an active 4-H and Future Farmers of America or (FFA) provide opportunities for young people to learn about agriculture, participate in livestock shows, and develop skills in various farming disciplines that they will carry with them throughout their lives. I know you can contact Amanda the AG instructor from the Montcalm Area Career Center if you want more information on the FFA in Montcalm County.
I know I have missed many farms around the area, As I close today, agriculture in Montcalm County holds a strong economic impact on the county. From Livestock to crops we should all take time and thank a farmer, without them LIFE would be rough.
I cannot imagine the struggles running a farm can bring, weather for example. Talking with my neighbor over the weekend, the lack of water for example on his corn field and being down a fair number of bails compared to last year.. Keeping the animals healthy whether for meat stock, eggs or milk. Have other friends that lost a lot of their chickens to raccoons over the past few weeks. The struggle is real, thank you for all that you do to feed us. All the food we take in does not grow on the grocery store shelves ha ha.
Continue to follow us at discover montcalm podcast dot com remember to buy, shop and EAT locally.
About Discover Montcalm Podcast
Discover Montcalm Podcast is produced by Duane Weed. He started DW Video & Multimedia https://www.dwvideo.com in 1984. Today he runs the business and teaches Digital Arts at the Montcalm Area Career Center. Connect with Discover Montcalm to tell and share your story. Call 231-250-9624 to learn more and schedule an appointment. Check out all our past episodes https://discovermontcalmpodcast.com/category/podcast/.
Feature Your Business on Discover Montcalm Learn about upcoming shows, how you can be a guest on the show and maybe even a sponsor. Contact Duane for more information. Call Duane 231-250-9624 Follow and subscribe
Farming in Montcalm County - episode 44
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Check out the podcast all about Montcalm County Michigan.
Sources & Methodology
This article, “Farming in Montcalm County – episode 44,” is deeply rooted in the extensive local knowledge and firsthand experiences of its author, Duane Weed. As the founder of DW Video & Multimedia, LLC, a business established in Howard City, Michigan, in 1984, Duane has been an integral part of the Montcalm County community for nearly four decades. His role as the host and producer of the Discover Montcalm Podcast further solidifies his connection to the region, where he regularly engages with local residents, businesses, and community leaders. Duane’s insights into Montcalm County’s agricultural landscape are informed by personal observations, direct conversations with local farmers and neighbors, and a profound understanding of the area’s economic and cultural fabric. This unique perspective, cultivated through years of documenting local stories and promoting regional businesses, provides a valuable, experience-driven account of the impact of agriculture in the county.
The methodology for this post combines anecdotal evidence, local observations, and direct references to specific Montcalm County agricultural businesses. While the article effectively captures the spirit and personal impact of farming in the region, future content will aim to integrate more formal data and statistics from recognized agricultural organizations. This approach will provide a more comprehensive and authoritative overview, complementing the valuable firsthand experience shared by the author. The information regarding specific local farms, their operations, and the various farmers’ markets mentioned is based on the author’s direct interactions and publicly available information from these entities.
References:
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Agricultural Statistics: https://www.google.com/search?q=Michigan+Department+of+Agriculture+and+Rural+Development+statistics
- Michigan State University Extension – Montcalm County Resources: https://www.google.com/search?q=Michigan+State+University+Extension+Montcalm+County
- USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) for Michigan: https://www.google.com/search?q=USDA+National+Agricultural+Statistics+Service+Michigan
- Sietsema Farms Official Website: https://www.sietsemafarms.com/
- County Line Farms Service Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CountyLineFarmsService/
- Farm Services Inc. Official Website: https://www.farmservicesinc.com/
Published: June 20, 2023
Last Updated: October 26, 2023
Growing the Future: Support, Sustainability, and Diversity in Montcalm County Agriculture
While we’ve highlighted many incredible farms and the vital role agriculture plays here, it’s also worth recognizing the broader ecosystem that supports our local growers and ensures a sustainable future. Organizations like the Michigan State University Extension are invaluable resources, providing Montcalm County farmers with cutting-edge research, educational programs, and expert advice on everything from crop management to business planning. They help our farmers adopt the best practices to thrive.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) also plays a crucial role at the state level, supporting agricultural growth, ensuring food safety, and promoting the diverse products from our region. Beyond just growing crops, Montcalm County is also home to a significant dairy industry, contributing to Michigan’s strong dairy heritage. And as we look to the future, sustainable farming practices, like cover cropping and water conservation, are becoming increasingly important, ensuring our rich soil and resources remain productive for generations to come. This commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship, combined with the expanding world of agritourism – think farm stays, corn mazes, and pick-your-own experiences – truly showcases the dynamic and evolving spirit of agriculture right here in our community. Let’s continue to champion these efforts and celebrate all aspects of Montcalm County’s vibrant agricultural landscape!
