In the latest agricultural census, Michigan has observed a downturn in national ratings for nearly 20 commodities, according to Molly Sears, an assistant professor at Michigan State University's Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, with a focus on specialty crop economics. Sears highlighted that while Michigan's overall rankings remain unchanged, specific sectors such as asparagus production are facing challenges, evidenced by a reduction in asparagus acreage. A significant factor contributing to this trend is the rising labor costs since 2022, which are impacting various crops and causing concern among specialty crop producers regarding their ability to afford labor in the future.
Sears noted a pronounced decline in the national vegetable acreage rankings, with squash, pumpkins, carrots, and potatoes all experiencing drops. Despite a decrease in acreage rankings for cultivated blueberries and plums, Michigan saw an increase in pear acreage.
Miss Sears pointed out that some fluctuations, such as the decrease in potato rankings, are influenced by planting rotations in other states.
Source: brownfieldagnews.com