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Organic was the right decision for one farmer

A crop farmer says transitioning to organic three years ago is starting to pay off.

“We had an extremely wet spring which actually played into my hand pretty well because I have to plant late as an organic farmer.  I need really good soil temps to get that crop out of the ground quickly.”

Joel Laymen grows organic row crops and processing vegetables in Southwest Michigan.  He says it’s his responsibility as a farmer to produce what the market demands and right now that’s being driven by younger consumers.  “I think we’re looking at better profitability in the intermediate term.  Long-term, I think organic is where the future is going in agriculture.”

Laymen says most of his grain is sold to the organic poultry industry and vegetables are processed into frozen food items.

AUDIO: Interview with Joel Layman