Family
owned and operated, Michael Farms supplies major grocery retailers
and foodservice distributors in Ohio and surrounding states with top
quality produce. Growing all their own vegetables on 2,500 acres of
naturally rich mineral soil in the Ohio valley allows them to consistently
supply the highest quality vegetables throughout the season.
The original 300 acre farm in Champaign County was purchased in 1958,
in which 10 acres of potatoes were grown with the rest of the farm
producing feed for the dairy operation. In the mid 1960’s Doug
and Phyllis Michael sold the dairy cows and expanded the potato acres.
Their three sons started growing other vegetables while still in high
school, marketing primarily to local retailers and though their own
farm market. In 1980 Doug and Phyllis, along with their children,
incorporated to form Michael Farms Inc. Scott, Todd, and Kurt Michael
all hold Agriculture Production degrees from The Ohio State University.
After graduation the boys quickly integrated the newest agricultural
technology into the growing business, and continue to maintain a close
working relationship with the university’s research and extension.
In 1985, Beth (Michael) Harrigan and her husband Jody, joined the
operation to make it a whole family affair.
The farm is located in the center of the prairie composed of mineral
soil left from the glaciers. This provides a unique, well drained
soil, rich in nutrients and perfect for vegetable production. Water
is pulled from the abundant aquifer which flows beneath, supplying
a constant irrigation source for optimum quality.
Michael Farms employs 6 full time and as many as 100 workers during
the harvest season. Dedicated to family values, their employees, and
community, Michael Farms has become one of the regions leading vegetable
farms. The Michael Family has received the Champaign County Farm Family
of the Year Award, the EPA’s Environmental Stewardship Award
for leadership in agricultural production in 1998, and the American
Vegetable Growers National Grower Achievement Award in 2003. Involvement
in local, state, and national commodity and civic organizations, keeps
them at the forefront of new developments and the latest practices.
Michael Farms combines years of vegetable growing experience with
today’s newest farming technology to meet the demands of modern
business while being committed to exceptional service, superior quality,
and to constantly provide customers with the best vegetables available
all season long.
Michael Farms also operates a retail farm market on the farm so that
customers can buy seasonal produce harvested daily directly from the
field.
