Branch & Calhoun County Farming is in Decline...
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;
The number of farms of 9 acres or less in;
Branch County - 70, Calhoun County - 97.
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...