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Michigan ag exports push new record

Food and agriculture exports in Michigan set a new high in 2024 at nearly $3 billion.

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Tim Boring tells Brownfield, “Canada is far and away our greatest trading partner, more than $1.25 billion of economic activity happens there.” “Mexico is a huge trading partner at close to $500 million,” he adds.

Processed food products make up the highest total value of exports.

“Commodities such as soybeans, sugarbeets, animal feed are major export products as well,” he says. “We export an awful lot of dairy products across the globe. Products such as pastas, breads, the products of a lot of wheat, a lot of milling activity that goes on here in the state are significant, and finally wood.”

Looking ahead, Boring says tariff uncertainty and lost USDA international aid purchases are expected to stifle trade this year and farmer profitability.

Boring spoke with reporters Wednesday to discuss the record growth.