
AGRI-BUSINESS
Agri-business continues as a viable economic sector in Mason County, with large-scale business operations in farming, processing and manufacturing and the packaging and distribution of products. The natural resources of our region support the development of this cluster:
NOTABLE LUDINGTON AGRI-BUSINESSES





Learn more at: cherrco.com
Learn more at: gourmetmushroomsinc.com
Learn more at: houseofflavors.com


The Northern Michigan climate makes for one of the most diverse growing areas in the Country. In fact, Michigan is a national leader in agricultural production. Thanks to our four season climate, abundant access to water, and rich soil, we are able to sustain hundreds of species of crops.
Simply put, with how rural this region is, we have some of the best trucking, shipping and rail access into and out of the county for manufacturing and agricultural ventures. Thanks to direct access to Class A highways to the south and east, we have excellent surface road access. It does not stop there, we also have one of Michigan’s largest rail networks serving the region. If that isn’t enough, we also have a deep water port with direct access to Great Lakes Shipping and Lake Michigan.


AGRI-BUSINESS BY THE NUMBERS
Agriculture Profile
Farming Land = 79,048 acres
Average Size of Farm = 180 acres
Average Farm Value: $52,207
Family Owned Farms: 90.6%
Average Crop Value/Acre: $362
Market Value
Crops = $31,689,000 (60%)
Livestock = $21,191,000 (40%)
Average per Farm $120,183
Total Government Subsides = $828,000
Average per farm receiving payments = $6,962
Top Producing Crops
Vegetables (5,639 acres)
Orchard Crops (5,198 acres)
Wheat/Grain (3,727 acres)
Soybeans (2,606 acres)

Business Spotlight

Pioneers in Specialty Mushroom Cultivation
Gourmet Mushrooms Inc. of Scottville grows more varieties of organic culinary and nutraceutical mushrooms than any farm in America. The company started in California in 1977, and expanded to Michigan in 2015, grows several varieties of mushrooms, including the sought-after maitake mushroom — better known to local mushroom pickers as “Chicken of the Woods.”
Gourmet Mushrooms brought the maitake to Scottville, where it is grown along with six other varieties — including morels — for the fresh food market and the health supplement market. The company’s plan for plant expansion will make it the second-largest business in Scottville, employing over 80 full-time employees.

