About 47,600 farms exists on 10 million acres of land in Michigan, according to a new documentary from Delta College Public Media Photo Courtesy of Delta College Public Media
Michigan as one of the world’s manufacturing hubs is a popular narrative. And as true as that may be, Michigan is also an agricultural powerhouse.
A new documentary produced by the team at Delta College Public Media is set to shine light on the topic.
Debuting at 8 p.m. on Thurs., Sept. 3, on WDCQ-TV is AG 2.0: Agriculture – Changes, Challenges & Trends, a look into Michigan’s agriculture economy.
The film is scheduled to air again at 8 p.m. on Tues., Sept. 8.
"Agriculture has always played a vital role in the economy of Michigan, but it has evolved greatly since the early period of Pioneer settlement," says Robert Przybylski, the producer and director of the documentary.
"You will hear from people across Mid-Michigan and the Thumb, and learn how they are adapting in this ever-changing industry."
Narrator Mike Redford also serves as producer.
According to the school, there are approximately 47,600 farms on nearly 10 million acres of land in Michigan today. Those are big numbers.
And here’s an even bigger number: Michigan farms contribute more than $104 billion to the state’s economy each year.
The film covers a number of topics that relate directly to Michigan’s ever-changing agriculture and food economy.
Hemp, for instance, was once illegal to grow in the state. Now legal, it’s expected that Michigan farmers will start growing the plant in large numbers due to high demand for CBD oils. Hemp can also be used to make clothes, papers, ropes, and many more products.
Michigan is also one of the world’s top producers of edible dry beans, a crop that is particularly popular in the state’s Thumb counties. Milk production is also a leading driver of the state’s agriculture economy, with nearly 1,500 dairy farms and more than 428,000 cows throughout both peninsulas.
Additional topics include organic farming, agritourism, and more.
Visit Delta College Public Media for viewing options.
Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith.
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