Due to its unique microclimate, Michigan produces over 200 commodities on a commercial basis and is the second-most agriculturally diverse state in the country (second only to California). Nearly 27% of the state’s entire land—10 million acres—is still dedicated to farmland, with more than 53,000 farms operating between the two peninsulas. Over a million jobs, almost 24% of the state’s workforce, is supported by agriculture in some way. As such, the state’s agricultural industry generates more than $92 billion to our state’s economy, making it Michigan’s #2 industry!

In today’s fast-paced world of the internet, MP3 players and iPads, it’s hard to imagine that a little more than one hundred years ago, Michigan’s children spent the day inside a one-room schoolhouse learning their lessons in reading, writing and arithmetic. In the early 1990s, there were more than 7000 one-room schools in operation in the state.

It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since I took a leap of faith, left a solid job and decided to make a go of it on my own. It seems like I just started on this adventure yesterday, yet it also feels like I’ve been doing it forever (in the best possible way). Every day, I wake up feeling fortunate enough to write my own story, to lead my own way, to do what I love to do—with people I enjoy, respect and appreciate! Thank you to all of you who have been there from the beginning, those I have met along the way and here’s to those with roles in coming chapters!

The summer in Michigan is all about beach parties, camping and picnics with family and friends – even if that is a simple bar-b-cue in your own back yard on a hot summer day. Did you know, some of your favorite picnic foods and beverages are made right here in the Great Lakes State? As the second-most agriculturally-diverse state in the country, and a leader in quality food production, it’s no wonder that everything you need for a Pure Michigan picnic can be found locally!

One of the best things about summer in Michigan is gathering around the campfire with a group of family or friends – enjoying song, stories and s’mores!

Just where and when did s’mores come from? The word is condensed version of the phrase “Some More” – a dessert first introduced by the Girl Scouts in the 1920s. The first recorded appearance of a s’more recipe can be found in the 1927 “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts”

With its unique location nestled among the Great Lakes, formed by ancient glacial tracks, Michigan is a prime location for beachcombing and rock collecting – both along the shoreline and at countless inland lakes. Spring is the ideal time to scour the beaches for rocks that have been churned up over the winter, before the thousands of tourists have had the time begin their search.

Governor Rick Snyder has declared April as “Michigan Wine Month” to honor Michigan’s wide selection of quality wines and the wine industry’s significant contribution to the economy.

The Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council recognizes and promotes 101 wineries that support Michigan agriculture by using primarily Michigan grapes and other fruit for their wines.