Northern Michigan’s corn growers are critical to the local agricultural economy and a taste delight for millions every summer. Local corn stands, not to mention your favorite food co-op, bring locally grown sweet corn to the masses, presenting a very real, tangible connection to farmers, the land, and the changing seasons.
Learn why corn season in Michigan is a big deal and why buying local produce has an outsized impact on the regional economy.
Michigan’s Corn Growing Bona Fides
While northern Michigan is generally known for its cherries and vineyards, the region in particular and the state as a whole is a serious corn producer. Michigan farms plant roughly 2.4 million acres of corn annually, making it the largest crop by yield and second most valuable agricultural product behind only dairy.
Not every one of the state’s 345 million bushels of corn end up at a roadside stand, however. A significant portion of Michigan’s corn crop is used for silage, feed, and ethanol production.
Here’s how the state’s corn yields are typically used:
- Livestock feed: 26%, primarily for dairy farms
- Exports: 21% goes to domestic and foreign markets
- Distillers Grains: >10% goes to dry mill ethanol production
- Food production: Less than 7% goes to actual food production, including roadside stands, local retailers (hi!), grain reserves, and commercial manufacturing
Field Corn vs. Sweet Corn
The vast majority of corn grown in Michigan and across the country is field corn. Field corn is engineered (and it is very much an engineered crop) to convert its sugar to starch quickly as it grows, though it typically stays in the field into late autumn. It is bland, starchy, and tough; it’s not really edible.
Sweet corn, as the name suggests, is not just palatable, but delightful. It is harvested mid-summer and retains a high sugar content. It is sweet and juicy, and it’s a perennial favorite here in northern Michigan!
When Is Local Sweet Corn Harvested in Michigan?
Local sweet corn is usually ready in early to mid-August in Michigan, with rain, temperatures, and other weather conditions impacting the exact timing. Growing corn in Michigan isn’t an exact science, but our local farmers work wonders to provide an ample corn harvest every summer.
Check out our seasonal produce calendar to see when your other favorite fruits and vegetables are ready!
Buying Local Makes a Difference
Supporting local corn stands and prioritizing locally grown produce when it is in season is a great way to help farmers maintain and build their operations. When you grab corn on your way home, you’re helping create local jobs, keep dollars circulating in the economy, and build the region’s economic resilience. Approximately 80-90% of food dollars spent on local corn go to the actual farmer, compared to 15% or less when you buy non-local food at retail chains.
Enjoy Sweet Corn Season at Oryana
Short of walking through a corn field, there’s no more convenient way to find locally grown corn in Traverse City than visiting Oryana Community Co-op. We work directly with dozens of local farmers to bring fresh, quality produce to thousands of shoppers every day at our two locations. Learn more about our farmers and subscribe to our newsletter for updates on local produce availability!
