5 Surprising Michigan Ag Facts That Should Influence Your Insurance Coverage

Michigan is one of the most diverse and productive agricultural states in the U.S.—yet many farmers still rely on generic insurance policies that may not fully protect what they grow or raise. Whether you're farming potatoes in Montcalm County or managing a dairy operation in Clinton County, your insurance should reflect the unique risks and realities of Michigan agriculture.

Here are five surprising facts about Michigan’s ag economy—and how they should shape your coverage choices:

1. Michigan Produces Over 300 Commodities

Michigan ranks second in the nation (behind only California) for agricultural diversity. That includes fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and specialty crops like dry beans and tart cherries.

What it means for you:
Generic crop policies might not provide full coverage for high-value or specialty crops. Farmers should consider multi-peril crop insurance that’s tailored to their specific commodities, and explore options for actual production history (APH) coverage for accurate loss valuation.

2. Michigan Is a National Leader in Fruit Production

The state leads the country in production of tart cherries and ranks high for apples, blueberries, and grapes.

Why it matters:
Fruit growers face unique risks like late-spring frost, hail, and wind damage. These farms should look into crop hail insurance, frost endorsements, and weather-based yield coverage to guard against unpredictable growing seasons.

3. Weather Patterns Are Becoming More Extreme

Michigan farmers deal with unpredictable climate shifts, including excessive rainfall, early freezes, and longer droughts. The 2021 season alone included everything from spring frost to late-summer dryness.

Insurance insight:
Traditional policies may not account for sudden weather swings. Weather-indexed insurance or rainfall deviation coverage can provide faster payouts based on real-time climate data—critical for growers impacted by shifting seasons.

4. Livestock and Dairy Are Major Economic Drivers

With over 400,000 dairy cows and more than 1 billion gallons of milk produced annually, Michigan’s livestock industry is a key part of its farm economy.

Coverage to consider:
Livestock operations should ensure protection with mortality insurance, herd disease coverage, and liability protection for injuries or contamination issues. Dairy-specific coverage can also include equipment failure and bulk tank spoilage.

5. Over 96% of Michigan Farms Are Family Owned

Most farms in the state are passed down through generations, with business continuity a major priority.

Plan accordingly:
Protect your farm’s future with farm succession planning coverage, umbrella liability policies, and business interruption insurance that shields your operation from lost revenue due to unexpected downtime or legal action.

Match Your Policy to Your Operation

Michigan’s agricultural profile is diverse, dynamic, and increasingly weather-dependent. A one-size-fits-all insurance plan simply doesn’t work here. Whether you're cultivating row crops, managing livestock, or running an agritourism venture, your policy should reflect your actual exposure.

Tom Gotham, your local Farm Bureau Insurance agent in Michigan, understands these complexities. Reach out today for a customized risk review and make sure your policy evolves as your farm grows.