Michigan and it’s farmland remains one of Land Sales Bulletin’s most dynamic Midwest reporting states — a region where long‑established family farms continue to evolve, diversify, and find new markets. A recent example comes from Tekonsha, where sixth‑generation farmer Ed Shumway transformed his family’s 170‑year‑old dairy farm into a thriving international popcorn operation, shipping premium kernels to 28 countries.
Shumway’s shift from dairy to specialty crops began in the early 1990s, when he pivoted to popcorn production after years of managing a traditional dairy herd. Today, he farms roughly 700 acres, rotating popcorn and soybeans for fertility and pest management benefits. His operation extends beyond his own acres, contracting with growers in Michigan and Ohio to bring total popcorn acreage to 2,000 acres annually.
Michigan’s specialty crop strength is on full display in stories like this. From precision harvest practices — where even a cracked hull can reduce popping quality — to investments in advanced drying and cleaning systems that ensure premium kernels reach global buyers, Michigan producers continue to demonstrate the innovation and adaptability that define the state’s agricultural landscape.
Shumway Popcorn’s international reach includes markets in Jordan, Lebanon, Chile, Germany, Mexico, and Indonesia, supported by Michigan’s strong export infrastructure and state‑level resources for agricultural trade. It’s a reminder that Michigan farmland doesn’t just feed local communities — it connects to global supply chains. Farm Progress: Michigan farmer pivot to popcorn goes global
Land Sales Bulletin tracks verified farmland sales across Michigan and the broader Midwest, providing transparent, comparable data that helps landowners, operators, and ag professionals understand the trends shaping regions like this one.
