Some statistics on farming in Michigan

Michigan is a state that has a long legacy of growing wonderful fruits and vegetables. In fact, Michigan taught California how to grow. According to the Friday, August 13, 2010 issue of The Farmer's Exchange newspaper, Michigan:

• Has agriculture as its second largest industry, generating $71.3 billion annually and serving as a key part a diverse economy for the state.
• Is home to about 10 million acres of farmland. Although this is a lot, it is much much less than even a few years ago as farmland has been turned over to developers and younger generations choose not to continue farming.
• Has 56,014 farms averaging 179 acres each. This means that there also farms in the 1000s of acres and I'm not sure if it counts the "farming" that gets done by backyard gardeners who feed their families and friends from what they raise. Including chickens, eggs and more. According to the article which cited a 2007 USDA census of agriculture, "there has been significant growth in the number of small farms over the past few years."
• Is comprised mostly of family farms. Ninety percent of the farms are owned by families. Many of , these families raise crops specifically for a limited number of large food processors. 
• Has 271 farmers markets; the fourth greatest number in the country, following California, New York and Illinois.