Michigan farmers face land preservation challenges amid declining family ownership

Farmers in Michigan and across the United States are facing critical decisions regarding the future of their land due to rising land values, climate change, and a lack of interest from younger generations. In Michigan, the amount of land dedicated to farming decreased by approximately 3 percent between 2017 and 2022, with family-owned operations seeing a decline of nearly 470,000 acres during that period.

While traditional family ownership is declining, there has been an increase in land leased or rented for agricultural operations. Additionally, a national trend toward conservation is visible in Michigan, where the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported an increase of 22,000 acres protected through conservation easements between 2017 and 2022.