Diverse Farming Practices

Uncategorized

Hands planting seedlings in rich soil surrounded by green foliage, showcasing gardening and sustainable agriculture practices.

Farming is hard

There’s no denying it, farming is hard. From the moment a seed goes into the ground to the day a crop is harvested, success depends on a long list of variables lining up just right. Weather is only part of the equation. Labor availability, input costs, equipment investment, land values, and market demand all play a role in determining whether a season ends in profit or loss. For our farm, diversification has become the most effective way to manage that risk, and that strategy is central to how we operate at Heritage Farming Enterprises.

Pathway through tall grass leading to a serene beach and calm ocean under a clear blue sky.

Unique Geogrpahy

We farm approximately 4,500 acres exclusively in Oceana County, Michigan. Just a few miles west of our fields lie the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan, and much of our ground stretches along the east-west corridor of Garfield Road. That unique geography of sandy soils, lake-influenced weather patterns, and strong specialty crop infrastructure shapes what we grow and how we farm.

Irrigation system in a field with dry crops under a blue sky and scattered clouds, showcasing agricultural practices and landscape management.

Diversity

Our diversity begins with production systems. We manage both certified organic and conventional acres, allowing us to match each crop with the system that makes the most agronomic and economic sense. In total, we raise roughly ten different crops. This spread helps buffer the highs and lows of individual markets and creates a more stable overall farm business.

Pumpkins displayed in large cardboard boxes at a pumpkin patch, with a sign for Heritage Farming Enterprises. The scene features vibrant orange pumpkins alongside various other colored pumpkins under a blue sky with scattered clouds, capturing the essence of autumn and seasonal harvest activities.

Specialty Crops

Our specialty crops, such as asparagus, pumpkins, and squash, are shipped to fresh markets across the country. At the same time, much of our organic grain stays closer to home, supplying customers here in Michigan.

One of the most unique parts of our operation is our own organic feed mill. There, we grind, mix, and package certified organic feed for customers throughout West Michigan. Because we grow organic grains ourselves, we can create custom rations that serve a wide range of farms from small hobby operations to larger organic livestock producers. This vertical integration adds another layer of resilience to our farm while strengthening relationships with our customers.

Close-up of two green seedlings emerging from rich, dark soil, symbolizing growth and new beginnings in gardening or agriculture.

ORganic & Regenerative

No matter the crop or the production system, our management philosophy remains the same. We implement organic and regenerative practices across all acres. That includes prioritizing soil health, using diverse crop rotations, managing nutrients responsibly, and adopting conservation practices that protect water quality. These strategies improve long-term productivity while reducing environmental impact.

Diversification is more than a business strategy for us, it’s a commitment to building a farm that is resilient, environmentally responsible, and capable of serving our customers for generations to come.

Logo of Heritage Farming Enterprises, featuring organic feed information, surrounded by grains. Located at 4312 S. 124th St., Shelby, Michigan. Contact number: (231) 861-1195. Emphasizes locally grown and USDA organic products.

Simple Ingredients, Farm-Grown Value

Our Heritage Farming Organics Scratch Grain is made with four certified organic ingredients:

  • Organic cracked corn

  • Organic oats

  • Organic wheat

  • Organic sunflower seeds grown on our farm

Close-up of a sunflower with vibrant yellow petals and a dark center, featuring two bees pollinating the flower. This image highlights the essential role of bees in pollination and the beauty of nature.

Clear Purpose

It’s a simple product with a clear purpose: support natural behavior, add seasonal energy, and keep flocks happy and healthy. What began as a pollinator experiment turned into a closed-loop win for the farm. Improving biodiversity in the field, adding value through our feed mill, and creating a product our customers and their chickens genuinely enjoy.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *