Branch & Calhoun County Farming is in Decline...
Profitable farming here in Michigan has gotten progressively harder. In the last 10 years, our area has lost 560 family farms. and 25,000 acres sold off for suburban and commercial development.
The USDA Census of Agriculture paints a pretty startling picture. 30% or more of farm income comes directly from government payments and subsidies.
The number of farms of 9 acres or less in;
Branch County - 70, Calhoun County - 97.
If your a local market gardener on 9 acres or less, growing produce or poultry, the MDARD or the USDA has NO programs for you.
With that said, here are the USDA Census of Agriculture County Profile numbers...
Branch County
2007
Number of Farms - 1,129
Average Acreage - 222
Income Under $25K - 818 Farms
Government Pmts - $5,299
Total Farmland - 250,134 Acres
2017
Number of Farms - 789
Average Acreage - 303
Income Under $25K- 484 Farms
Government Pmts - $15,855
Total Farmland - 239,418 Acres
10 Year Summary
Down - 340 fewer farms
Up + 81 acres per farm
Loss of 334 farms
Increase of + $10,278 annual payments
Loss of - 10,716 Acres
Calhoun County
2007
Number of Farms - 1,178
Average Acreage - 194
Income Under $25K - 764 Farms
Government Pmts - $5,428
Total Farmland - 227,994 Acres
2017
Number of Farms - 958
Average Acreage - 223
Income Under $25K - 651 Farms
Government Pmts - $12,846
Total Farmland - 213,946 Acres
10 Year Summary
Down - 220 fewer farms
Up + 29 acres per farm
Loss of 113 Farms
Increase of + $7,418 annual payments
Loss of - 14,048 Acres