Small farms finding success in economic diversity

Many small farmers are finding that diversifying their business is paving the way for continued success. New crops and ventures like agri-tourism and hosting wind turbines are some methods farmers are finding profitable, Jennifer Youssef reports for The Detroit News.

Especially for those farmers who work part time or have historically been limited to one type of produce, becoming diverse is a key part of generating publicity and revenue. "Any way farmers can add income is the way to go," Tom Kalchick, associate director at the Michigan State University Product Center for Agricultural and Natural Resources, told Youssef. In Michigan, several farms have established greenhouses for year-round produce and sell products through local grocers, farmers’ markets and roadside stands. Bob Boehm, manager of the Michigan Farm Bureau Commodity and Marketing Department, said "There are a lot of (farmers) who are saying 'What can we do to add value to our farm,' " and cites Michigan’s unique agricultural climate as a welcoming atmosphere.

Farmer Mark Falker (Detroit News photo) diversified his family’s 51-year-old dairy farm by introducing turkeys. He has plans to open a retail store on the property to sell milk, ice cream, frozen beef and chicken, and capitalize on the trend of consumers purchasing produce directly from farmers. "Farming is in your blood," Falker told Youssef. "Sometimes certain situations change and you have to change with it if you want to continue to do it." (Read more)