Discover Michigan Farm Fun

October 3, 2023 LANSING, MI Governor Gretchen Whitmer today proclaimed October as Agritourism Month in Michigan to celebrate and honor agritourism's economic and social benefits to our state's farms and communities. Autumn trips to farms, wineries, farm markets, cider mills, and other agritourism businesses offer an excellent opportunity to enjoy all Michigan offers while supporting family farms, small businesses, and rural communities across the state. "This October, we're celebrating Agritourism Month in Michigan by acknowledging all the hardworking family farmers, processors, wholesalers, and retailers who produce safe, nutritious food for us to eat and offer us unique fall experiences,"  said Governor Whitmer. "I encourage every Michigander to more...

June 8, 2023 (Lansing, Michigan) - Farmers across the state are continuing to add new, interactive activities for visitors to experience the culture of farming and get a true sense of place. The state’s agritourism is better than ever offering so many different ways to see, feel and taste agriculture at its source. Newer activities like goat yoga, wreath-making workshops, story time with the animals, traveling farm programs, overnight farm stays, date nights on the farm, wine dinners among the vines, lavender painting classes, educational day camps, 5K orchard runs and more are attracting new visitors to the farms. Longtime activities like farm tours, corn mazes, petting more...

June 21, 2021 (Lansing, Michigan) - The Michigan Agritourism Association just released its 2021 edition of Michigan’s Agricultural Tourism Directory, a popular guide for finding fun, hands-on activities on Michigan farms. Suggested activities include U-pick farms, educational activities and tours, farm markets and stands, dairies and creameries, farm dining, festivals and events, cider and donuts, petting farms, overnight on the farm, craft beverage tasting and more.  “Agritourism destinations have been one of the bright spots for Michiganders despite the many challenges of the past year,” shares Janice Benson, executive director of the Michigan Agritourism Association. “Local farms were one of the first and more...

Until this week, Michigan's u-pick farms and orchards were worried their pick-it-yourself operations wouldn’t be allowed to reopen to the public. But an executive order Monday from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gave them the green light. Now are u-pick operations are working on ways to safely open their strawberry fields, blueberry patches and apple orchards to visitors despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the full article at https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2020/05/22/michigan-u-pick-farms-and-orchards-get-ok-reopen-public/5221766002/

LANSING — As warmer weather approaches, so does Michigan’s u-pick season. Farm operations across the state are working so they can safely open and operate in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Wednesday, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) outlined key protocols that u-pick operations should be implementing to protect themselves and their customers. “Michigan is home to a wide array of delicious products and these farms play a critical role in our food supply chain. As we head into the 2020 growing season and early harvest for some commodities, U-pick operators will need to follow specific guidance such as more...

May 19, 2020 (Lansing, Mich)—The Michigan Agritourism Association has released the 2020 edition of Discover Michigan Farm Fun, Michigan’s Agricultural Tourism Directory, a popular guide for finding fun activities on Michigan farms. The directory features farm markets, U-pick orchards, educational farms, and other agritourism destinations, along with suggestions for food and fun in every region and season. Although some farm events and activities have been cancelled or delayed due to concerns about the spread of the Coronavirus, farmers are coming up with creative ways to serve their customers, while following social distancing guidelines, such as offering curbside or drive thru pick-up, virtual educational farm visits, more...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMedia Contact: Janice Benson, Executive Director(616) 952-1151, info@michiganfarmfun.com                                                                         2019 agritourism directory shares memories from notable Michiganders May 15, 2019 (Lansing, Mich)--Michigan Agritourism has released the 2019 Discover Michigan Farm Fun Directory, a handy guide for finding authentic, local farm experiences in every region of the state. The directory showcases the unique agricultural destinations of the state’s seven regions, a seasonal produce guide, and colorful photos more...

June 21, 2018 (Lansing, Michigan) --The Michigan Agritourism Association has just released two engaging educational videos that showcase picking techniques and farm etiquette at Michigan u-pick fruit farms. The videos are part of a series of seven videos that were produced with support from a Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Specialty Crop Block Grant. These videos were filmed at Michigan farms with a goal of educating the public about u-pick fruit and to improve the u-pick experience for both visitors and farmers. To kick-off the 2018 u-pick season, How to Pick Strawberries and 10 Tips for Fun on a U-Pick Farm were released. “Michigan Agritourism is more...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 22, 2018 (Lansing, Mich)--The Michigan Agritourism Association released Discover Michigan Farm Fun, its 2018 directory featuring the farms and other agricultural destinations that welcome visitors. This is the 11th annual edition of the popular directory, which includes farm markets, u-pick farms, educational farms and more in every region of Michigan. The 2018 Directory is produced with support from Farm Bureau Insurance and the Michigan Apple Committee. The directory helps customers find the places where they can experience agriculture, firsthand.” said Janice Benson, executive director of the Association. “Many farmers open their doors to the public and invite visitors to pick more...

Michigan Agritourism's Janice Benson joined Dave Lorenz and Michelle Grinnell on the Oct. 1st radio show.

Spring weather resulted in below-average crop size August 25, 2017 CHICAGO – Michigan’s apple growers will harvest approximately 20.3 million bushels (852.6 million pounds) of apples this year, according to the official crop estimate announced today at the USApple Outlook meeting in Chicago. This estimate is approximately four million bushels below average. Industry members are pointing to frost damage from the spring on the reduced crop size. “Unfortunately Michigan Apple growers experienced frost after bloom in May that caused damage to many blossoms. This translates to damaged fruit,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “While the crop is down, we more...

The Michigan strawberry is the quintessential taste of summer. When paired with blue skies and a gentle breeze, nothing is more “Pure Michigan.” However, Michiganders know that Mother Nature can be fickle. This year, a late frost and cold spring damaged some of the strawberry crop. Although growers took every step possible to protect the crop, as much as half of the harvest could be affected in southwest Michigan alone. What does that mean for strawberry lovers? Smaller berries – Strawberries this year will be smaller and not as “picture perfect” as some years, but smaller berries tend to be very sweet as the more...

June 9, 2017 (Lansing, Michigan)--The Michigan Agritourism Association released Michigan Farm Fun, its 2017 directory featuring local agricultural products and engaging activities offered in every region of Michigan. This is the 10th annual edition of the popular directory, which includes agritourism destinations, including farm markets, u-pick farms, educational farms and more. The 2017 Directory is produced with support from the Michigan Apple Committee, Farm Bureau Insurance, and Chemical Bank.  “The directory has been a beloved resource as far back as 1979, when it was first published by the Michigan Department of Agriculture,” said Janice Benson, executive director of the Michigan Agritourism Association. more...

Read MLIVE's article about The Coolest Uncommon Places to Spend the Night in Michigan here. Hillside Homestead's historic farm stay in Suttons Bay made the list!

Wellington Farm Park made the list as one of The 11 Very Best Day Trips You Can Possibly Take In Michigan by OnlyInYourState.com. Read the article here.

Michigan Agritourism was recognized as an Industry Champion at Corp! Magazine's annual Michigan Celebrates Food and Agriculture Gala on March 2, 2017 at the Greektown Hotel in Detroit. Read full article here.

Michigan Agritourism Board Member, Beth Hubbard, joins the conversation on the Pure Michigan Radio Show.  Listen to the Pure Michigan Radio Program online here.

Diana and Ed Carpenter bought 180 acres 31 years ago on a dream. They hoped the seedlings they planted would end up in thousands of homes someday as family Christmas trees. Read SecondWave's article about Michigan Christmas tree farmers.

For many Michiganders, fall isn’t complete without a trip to one of the state’s apple orchards, farms or pumpkin patches. Read C&G Newspapers article on agritourism in Michigan here.

Michigan Agritourism Board Member, Susan Odom sits down with Dave Lorenz and Michelle Grinell of Pure Michigan to talk about Hillside Homestead, her historic farm stay. Listen to the Pure Michigan Radio Program online here.

ABC-12 Flint, First at Four Focus: Michigan Agriculture Michigan Agritourism Board Member, Kevin MacRitchie visits ABC-12 in Flint to spread the word about Michigan Agritourism. Watch the First at Four Focus video here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMedia Contact: Janice Benson616-952-1151executivedirector@michiganfarmfun.com July 20, 2016 (Lansing, Michigan)--The Michigan Agritourism Association and the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) have teamed up to offer six farm-based field days at locations across the state in August and September. Field days are supported by a Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development  (MDARD) Specialty Crop Block Grant and are free to attend. Each field day is designed to help new, beginning and experienced specialty crop producers become more efficient and effective in their production and promotion practices. Farmer hosts will share methods they use to be successful at their own operations and offer more...

Pure Michigan Radio Show Features Michigan Agritourism Michigan Agritourism Executive Director, Janice Benson sits down with Dave Lorenz and Michelle Grinell of Pure Michigan to share news about the 2016 Michigan Farm Fun directory and new website. Listen to the Pure Michigan Radio Program online here.

WTVB, Travel Michigan Update: Janice Benson, Michigan Farm Fun Janice Benson, Executive Director of the Michigan Agritourism Association, was the guest on WTVB's  Travel Michigan Update with Ken Delaney. Listen to the WTVB Travel Michigan Update online here.

Michigan Farm News: Web facelift gives Michigan agritourism directory mobile edge Finding fun on a local farm is simpler than ever now that the new-and-improved Michigan Agritourism Association website is responsive and conveniently viewable on smartphones and tablets. Read the full Michigan Farm News article here.

Find apple orchards to wines at new Michigan website Ellen Creager of the Detroit Free Press featured the new Michigan Farm Fun website in the June 20, 2016 Travel Section. Read the Detroit Free Press Travel Feature here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Janice Benson, Executive Director(616) 952-1151executivedirector@michiganfarmfun.com 2016 Discover Michigan Farm Fun, Michigan's Agricultural Tourism Directory launches new, responsive website June 6, 2016 (Lansing, Michigan)--The Michigan Agritourism Association released its 2016 directory featuring local agricultural products and engaging activities offered in every region of Michigan. A brand new, responsive website compliments the popular printed directory, making it easy to find local food and fun experiences on Michigan farms. “It is exciting to see the number of people who are seeking these rural experience and making it a family tradition, planning a day or weekend trip annually,” said Beth Hubbard, Board President and owner of an more...