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A Look at Michigan Agriculture Through the Last Century
In partnership with: Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Food and agriculture have long been remarkable assets to the state of Michigan, but it would astound the state’s original settlers to know that their humble efforts would grow to contribute more than $104 billion annually to the state economy. Carl Bednarski, president of the Michigan Farm Bureau, says the state’s food and agriculture sector is responsible for producing over 300 different commodities commercially and employs nearly one in four workers. “Our farmers are proud to be part of the most efficient, abundant and safest food supply in the world,” Bednarski says.
He and his wife, Lisa, grow corn, dry beans, sugar beets and wheat in Tuscola County, so they certainly know a thing or two about the trade. “Our agriculture has changed tremendously over the last 100 years,” he adds. “One hundred years ago, we were pulling farm equipment with horses. Today, we have equipment that drives itself. The advancements in technology and science have allowed our farmers to become incredibly efficient, which has resulted in their ability to take better care of their environment, crops, livestock and produce.”
Fifty years ago, the average farmer produced enough food to feed approximately 25 people. Today, that number has skyrocketed to 155.
“Our farmers continue to adapt to the ever-changing landscape – from market challenges to disease issues and more,” Bednarski says. “They’ve always found ways to adapt and survive.”
See more: MAEAP Program Helps Michigan Farmers Protect Their Land
Pridgeon Farms
Adaptation and survival are not novel concepts to Paul Pridgeon and his family. And although farming has a lengthy legacy throughout American history, it isn’t very often you stumble upon seventh-generation farmers like Pridgeon. His family owns and operates Pridgeon Farms, located near the small community of Montgomery in Branch County. The farm began as a simple homestead in 1836 and now raises hogs and cultivates between 4,300 and 4,500 acres of corn, soybeans and wheat per year.
They are rapidly approaching their bicentennial and have faced everything from recessions and drought to the COVID-19 pandemic. While farming is never easy, they have yet to back down from a challenge and don’t anticipate throwing in the towel anytime soon.
“Agriculture is more than just a job for us,” Pridgeon says. “It’s who we are, and it’s hard to imagine living a life and raising a family anywhere else. We definitely enjoy the work more when we aren’t neck-deep in pandemics and droughts, but we’re perpetual optimists. This too shall pass, and if we can hang on a little longer, we’ll make it through to the other side.”
“Agriculture is more than just a job for us. It’s who we are, and it’s hard to imagine living a life and raising a family anywhere else.”
– Paul Pridgeon, farmer
Pridgeon’s bright outlook on the future may have something to do with his heritage of community involvement: It’s hard to give in to defeat when you’ve invested deeply in those around you. Among the immediate Pridgeon family, there are members on the church board, youth ministry outreach board, Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development, Farm Bureau, school board, bank board and more.
“My grandfather always said it’s important to be involved, so we wear a lot of hats around here,” Pridgeon says. “We find a lot to keep us busy both on and off the farm. Being involved in your community is a challenge, especially when you have a lot on your plate already, but we’ve always believed it was important.”
The Future of Farms
Pridgeon says the average American is now two generations removed from the farm and less than 1% of the population has a job in production agriculture, but he thinks the future of farming is bright.
“There are plenty of opportunities available here for the American farmer,” he says. “Farming comes with its challenges, of course. But in our experience, it’s always worth pushing through them.”
See more: Michigan’s Farm-to-Table Movement is Sweeping the State