Most Michigan farms are small or mid-sized. Of the 53,315 Michigan farms counted in the 2002 Census of Agriculture, 50,015 (nearly 94%) reported annual farm product sales of less than $250,000. These are small family farms according to the definition suggested by the National Commission on Small Farms. Some of them are home to retirees; some are home to people who farm “on the side” and whose major occupation is non-farm. Other small family farms are operated as the family’s major or only occupation, providing essential income and support. Some farms are small now, but are working to grow; others practice types of agriculture that focus on controlling costs and increasing profitability without becoming larger.

MSU Extension is involved in a wide range of educational efforts that help to support small and mid-sized farms. Notable among these efforts are small farm conferences held annually in northern lower Michigan and in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

For more information, contact Susan Smalley at (517) 432-0049 or smalley3@msu.edu