Imagine the freedom to enjoy your land and your outdoor hobbies, however you choose. Whether you’re dreaming of building the perfect cozy cabin getaway on your own acres, or managing your own hunting land, land ownership is an exciting prospect that can leave you with many questions. Here’s where to start when looking for recreational land!
How to Know You’re Ready to Buy Recreational Land
How do you know when you’re ready to take the leap into landownership, or if it’s the right time to buy? Evaluate how you spend your time recreationally now and how it aligns with your long-term goals. Maybe you’re leasing vacant land to hunt on but would like to manage the property yourself. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to spend more time in nature and are looking for a place to one day build your forever home. Land ownership removes the limitations that come with leasing or sharing land and gives you the freedom to enjoy and improve your land however you want to.
Trends show land values are continuing to increase, meaning land can be a smart investment that will continue to go up in value over time. Deciding if you’re ready to invest in recreational land is a decision only you can make. If managing and improving your own land is something you’re ready to take on, then it might be time to consider how to make your rural dreams a reality!
Work with the Experts
Begin working with a lender who specializes in recreational vacant land financing right away. When you work with GreenStone, we will help you determine everything from your estimated monthly payments, down payment amount, and interest rate, and help you obtain a letter of preapproval. Your letter of preapproval is important because it lets you confidently search for properties within your price range and can also help ensure a smoother closing process.
Working with a realtor who specializes in recreational land can also greatly improve your buying journey. Realtors can help coordinate getting a land survey, percolation (perc) test, or other testing you would like to have done on the property prior to purchasing.
It’s All About Location
When it’s time to start searching for the perfect property, it all starts with the right location. The location of your land can determine how you are able to enjoy your land, and if there are any restrictions on what you can use it for. Here’s what to consider when it comes to the location of your property:
How far away will your property be from where you live?
Will the location of your land affect how often you are able to visit? When choosing your rural getaway, make sure it is still within a close enough distance that you can spend as much time on your property as you would like to. Or perhaps the land itself provides enough value to justify a longer drive!
Do you plan to build on the property?
Whether you’re planning on building your forever home or thinking about putting up a pole barn, consider if you will be able to build on your land. Are you able to get water, electricity, and other utilities to the property? Is the property in a flood zone? These are all important things to know ahead of time to ensure the land matches your vision for what you would like to use it for now and in the future.
Is the land easily accessible?
How will you get to your land? Will you need to obtain an easement to get to the property? If so, will you need a survey to determine the legal description of the easement? Also consider if you will need to put in a driveway or maintain roads to access the property. This is especially important if you plan to build on the land.
Does the property have any zoning restrictions?
When searching for property, check to see if it falls within any type of zoning restrictions. Agricultural, timber, or conservation restrictions can impact what you are able to use your land for. A land survey is another important step to help you identify property lines. Ensure the features, as well as the acreage of the property, align with how you would like to enjoy your land.
Preparation Makes Land Ownership Possible
When it comes to finding the perfect property for you, preparation before beginning your search is key. The more you know about what you are looking for, in addition to the information you can provide up front to your lender or realtor, will help make the buying process as smooth as possible. Land ownership is a big step, but with the right preparation and experts by your side, you can make your rural dreams a reality!
Contact your local GreenStone branch for more information on financing your dream recreational property.
Registration for fall seminars is now closed. Be on the lookout for future seminars near you in 2026!
Here at GreenStone, we realize the journey of turning your dream home into a reality can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Whether you’re just beginning to explore the home building process, or you’ve already laid out your plans, navigating through the numerous choices can be a daunting task. We are here to help you each step of the way!
To guide you through this intricate process and empower you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions, we extend a warm invitation to join one of GreenStone’s complimentary Home Construction seminars!
Led by seasoned construction loan experts, each seminar is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the flexible financing options available. Our experts will dedicate one hour to walk you through the entire home construction process, covering crucial aspects such as:
Loan Approval Timeline: Gain insights into the timeline for loan approval, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the necessary steps to secure your financing
Construction Timeline: Navigate the construction timeline with ease, from groundbreaking to completion, ensuring a smooth progression of your project.
Various Loan Options: Explore the diverse range of loan options available, tailored to suit your specific needs and financial preferences.
Understanding the Draw Process: Delve into the intricacies of the draw process, ensuring you comprehend how funds are disbursed throughout the construction phases.
Do-It-Yourself vs. Contracted Projects: Assess the pros and cons of taking on aspects of the construction yourself versus hiring professionals, empowering you to make informed choices aligned with your vision and capabilities.
Ready to get started, contact your local branch today!
Ah – fresh air, wide open spaces, and privacy! It’s an exciting milestone to purchase your own rural land. But what do you need to know before closing? Let’s look at some of the top questions from potential and current customers about loan rates and fees:
If I’m buying vacant land, what kind of interest rate will I get?
First and foremost, all loans have different interest rate options. When looking to purchase rural land, you’ll find different rates available to you than those you would get when financing a home. The reasoning is based on the market and the risk.
For example, in the event you have a home loan and a vacant land loan and are unable to make both payments, most will choose to pay the house loan before the land loan. Typically, a vacant land loan rate will be about one percent higher than a home loan. A loan for a parcel that’s over five acres will have a rate a quarter of a percent higher than properties under five acres.
In addition, GreenStone offers 30-year fixed or adjustable rate mortgages on vacant land. We are one of the only lenders that will do a 30-year fixed rate this way, and many customers find this long-term loan to be an attractive feature. GreenStone also does not require you to build on the land like some lenders stipulate.
What fees do I have to pay, including for closing?
On a vacant land purchase, typically customers will make a 20% down payment, plus closing costs. In certain instances, you may be able to put 15% down with a 30-year term or consider using other property as a form of collateral to meet some or all the down payment requirements. Among the closing costs, the origination and stock fees are the only two that go to GreenStone; the rest go to the external vendors who completed the work, such as the appraiser and title company.
Fees that may be included in the closing costs include the appraisal, title, recording, and company closing fees, as well as fees to obtain a flood certificate, credit report, survey, or home inspections. These fees are variable based on the loan. Your financial services officer will provide you with an estimate of these fees.
Are there prepayment penalties?
Good news! GreenStone does not have prepayment penalties. You have the flexibility to pay as much as you want, when you want.
What kind of perks does GreenStone offer?
Another benefit of partnering with GreenStone is the portion of our earnings we give back to our members each year in the form of Patronage. As a cooperative, GreenStone returns a portion of our annual earnings each year to our member-owners in the form of a dividend based on the value of active loans, that we call patronage. When our members are successful, we’re successful! This is a direct result of the relationships we’ve built with our members, and your trust in GreenStone.
Another benefit of working with GreenStone is the opportunity to obtain an interest rate conversion should a lower rate become available to you. An interest rate conversion provides you with the opportunity to lower your interest rate expense in a declining rate environment.
Compared to refinancing, an interest rate conversion is a streamlined and cost-effective process that allows you to pay less interest over the remaining life of your loan and potentially pay it off earlier than expected.
Contact your local branch to learn more about rates and fees when purchasing recreational land.
The scorching July temperatures have accelerated sugar development (brix) in Michigan and Wisconsin grape crops, setting the stage for quality harvests across both states. While quantity appears average, the season remains promising, according to Jeff Ginter, vice president of lending for GreenStone Farm Credit Services.
“We have grapes, and they’re about average,” says Ginter. “We could use a little more rain, but the crop is on track or slightly ahead because of the hot and humid weather.”
Regional Production Patterns
Southwest Michigan dominates juice grape production with 7,425 acres dedicated to Niagara and Concord varieties, compared to just 1,175 acres of wine grapes. This concentration makes strategic sense with Welch’s processing plant located in nearby Lawton. The region also boasts a substantial tourist-driven wine industry with popular wine trails attracting Chicago-area visitors.
Meanwhile, northern Michigan presents the opposite profile. The north and northwest regions feature 2,025 acres of wine grapes and merely 10 acres of juice grapes. The Traverse Wine Coast alone encompasses more than 2,000 acres across nearly 40 wineries, benefiting from Lake Michigan’s moderating effect on growing conditions.
Mounting Economic Pressures
Juice grape growers face tightening economic conditions this season. “Welch’s might be implementing reduced grower prices this year,” Ginter notes. “This will require a sharper pencil because growers will still have the same expenses in growing that crop. Contracts are tightening.”
To improve efficiency, the industry continues transitioning from traditional wooden 20-bushel boxes to stainless steel grape gondolas. These modern containers allow for quicker field-to-processing transfer, with various grants and programs helping offset purchasing costs.
Tourism Continues to Thrive
Michigan’s wine industry continues its upward trajectory with 196 wineries and tasting rooms operating as of 2025. Tourism remains the lifeblood of these operations, though consumer behavior is evolving.
“Tourism isn’t necessarily down, but it’s becoming a more conscious decision,” Ginter observes. “People are planning more and acting less spontaneously. They might still enjoy a weekend getaway experience but may hesitate to purchase a case of wine or other extras to take home.”
The industry thrives from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with autumn business heavily dependent on weekend weather conditions.
Diverse Varietals Support Industry Growth
Michigan vintners cultivate more than 45 grape varieties, with Riesling and Chardonnay leading production. White wine grapes remain nearly twice as prevalent as red varieties. The state’s wine production is holding strong with 1.9 million gallons bottled in 2024.
Wisconsin’s wine industry has seen steady growth, though it is smaller in scale than Michigan’s industry with approximately 100 wineries and 1,000 acres of wine grapes. Wisconsin’s industry relies on cold-hardy grape varieties like Marquette, Frontenac, and La Crescent, which contribute approximately $150-200 million annually to the state’s economy.
Both Michigan and Wisconsin have successfully adapted to cold-climate viticulture, developing specialized expertise for northern growing conditions.
“Growers remain optimistic,” Ginter concludes. “So far, we’ve avoided damaging weather events this year, and that’s always good news in this business.”
Mark Trowbridge started his cow calf operation in high school as an FFA project. Since then, he has expanded it to 80 head of registered angus cattle, started raising chickens as well, and is selling the meat from his cattle and chickens.
While new to raising chickens, he realized quickly how crucial it is to know about food safety. “You need to understand the time and temperature. For example, how long you have after you harvest an animal to get it cooled down to temperature to reduce any chances of contamination or bacteria growth,” Mark shared.
He also recognized the limited number of poultry processors who are licensed and can make custom orders. This gave Mark an “I can do that” mindset.
During a Farm Bureau dinner event, an ad played about GreenStone sponsoring the meal, and it talked about the CultivateGrowth grant. As a beginning farmer, Mark saw an opportunity and applied right then and there! He knew he wanted to use the grant to attend Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) training.
HACCP training is a program that equips individuals in the food industry with the knowledge to identify and control food safety hazards throughout the production process. Mark thought it would be a good idea to take the training to get certified and become his own USDA meat processor.
He noted that the training was easy to learn from, and it was “nice to meet people from the Michigan State staff at the product center. They are very valuable people to know if you have questions about processing or anything farm value related.”
The knowledge Mark gained from the HACCP training gives him an extra leg up in the process of becoming his own USDA processing plant. He has recently added a large walk-in freezer on the farm and became licensed throughout the state to sell retail cuts directly to consumers. He is also hoping to be able to ship online orders through his website in the future.
Now that he is HACCP certified, Mark is applying for USDA grants to get certified and start processing at their farm and for other people too. With the CultivateGrowth grant, he is now able to give other people a place they can trust and have as a resource for safe meat products!
GreenStone aims to provide opportunities for all young, beginning, and small farmers and supports their educational and personal growth efforts with our CultivateGrowth grant. To learn more about GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth grant, click here.
Identifying the right time to sell assets is a question every farmer needs to consider. Some farmers may be considering selling non-productive assets, while others may be looking to sell the entire operation. It is critical to prepare and plan as far in advance as possible to develop a systematic approach to selling farm assets, so you don’t find yourself with an unexpected tax burden after the sale.
There are many criteria that affect individual situations including volume of assets, depreciation schedules, previous tax strategies, and debt structure which all need to be taken into consideration when determining the items to be sold and the timing of the sale. Given the complexity of most farm businesses, having a long-term plan in place ahead of the sale will provide the most benefit to the owner.
This list can help you begin the planning process; however, working with your tax and accounting specialist who is familiar with your farm assets and individual information is always the best place to start.
Communicate with Your Lender
If you are considering the sale of assets that are held in lien by a lender, it is important to communicate with them your plan to sell the asset and determine how the proceeds of the sale are to be applied to the debt.
Update the Balance Sheet and Appraisal
Knowing the true value of all your assets is the first step in deciding which assets to sell. Having a recent appraisal of your assets will help you when calculating current values for tax purposes and may be needed if called for an audit. Most appraisals are relevant for up to five years.
Clean up Depreciation Schedules
The first step many tax specialists take when working with a farmer looking to sell assets is making sure the depreciation schedule is current. The proceed, or gain, from any asset sold is taxed one of two ways depending on their depreciation status or how the asset was obtained:
- Long-Term Capital Gains are taxed at a rate of 0-20% percent dependent on the individual’s income level.
- Ordinary Gains (and Short-term Capital Gains) are taxed at a rate of 10, 12, 22, 24, 32, 35, and 37%, and are also dependent on the individual’s income level. You will note ordinary gains have a minimum rate of 10% and a much higher cap than capital gains.
In both cases, the gain is determined based on the asset basis and the selling price. The tax basis for land is the price paid for the land or its value when it was inherited. Any improvements added to the land, such as tiling, can be added provided they were not a deduction on previous tax returns.
Basis for facilities and machinery is their original cost minus any depreciation that was written off in prior years. Fully depreciated equipment (five or seven years) will have a zero basis.
Raised livestock two years or older generally have a tax basis of zero whereas the basis for purchased cattle is the cost minus any depreciation taken in previous years.
If you plan to pay debt with the assets from the sale, it is important to know that the proceeds from the sale may still generate a gain. Likewise, if you let a lender take receivership of a piece of property, the amount of the debt eliminated is viewed as the sales price. Therefore, even if you do not receive any payment for the sale, you may incur a tax obligation.
Design a Plan
Having a systematic approach to the order in which assets are sold can reduce tax implications. The following begins with assets subject to the lowest tax burdens to more complicated and possibly higher taxed items.
- Livestock over two years of age: Cattle over two years of age receive preferential capital gains treatment. Purchased cattle are considered ordinary gains when sold.
- Young stock: Depending on market prices, cattle over two years of age may bring a higher return than young stock, so the owner needs to determine, based on input costs and project selling price, if it is more advantageous to raise the animals and capture more value in the market than selling as young stock.
- Machinery: Gains from selling fully depreciated machinery will be taxed in the same manner regardless of whether the machinery is sold at one time or in installments. The tax burden will be the same regardless of how the payment is structured, so those selling machinery in installments do not realize any tax savings.
- Facilities: Facilities that have been fully depreciated have a basis of zero. For facilities not fully depreciated, the basis is the purchase cost or value at the time of building plus any improvements, minus any depreciation.
- Land: Land is by far the most difficult sale for a farmer and generally one of the last assets to be sold. Gains from the sale of land will be taxed as capital gains. The gain is calculated based on the selling price minus the basis. For example, if land is sold for $100,000 and the adjusted basis is $20,000, the taxable gain is $80,000.
- Crops/Feed: Standing crops sold with the land are taxed as capital gains whereas harvested crops sold as inventory are taxed as ordinary gains. Therefore, if land is to be sold in the fall, it may be advantageous from a tax perspective to sell the crop in the field versus harvesting and selling the crop. Crops sold as feed need to have a bill of sale indicating the price paid for the crop.
- Personal property: Married couples who have lived in the same residence for more than two years can realize up to a $500,000 gain in the sale of their residence without generating a taxable gain. It is important to apply as accurate a value as possible on the value of the residence when selling a home attached to land.
- Personal investments (IRA’s, etc.): When looking to tap into investment portfolios, it is important to know the structure of the investment (Roth versus IRA, etc.) and the length of time you have had the portfolio. Roth IRAs held for more than five years, or the owner is older than 59 and one-half are not taxed. When determining other investments to sell, those with a higher basis and less appreciation will incur the less tax burdens. Investments held for longer than a year are subject to capital gains while those held for less than a year are taxed as ordinary gains.
Communicate with your Financial Advisor(s)
Throughout the process of selling any number of assets, it is helpful to keep an open line of communication with your trusted financial advisors. Your accountant, lender, or other farm consultant can help you make the best business decisions. Reach out to your tax advisor as there may be additional tax strategies available to you, including a sale approach made available by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
This article was originally published in Michigan Farm News.
We’re all familiar with the reasons why someone would want a recreational land loan…but what about the how behind acquiring the land of your dreams?
First, what qualifies land as eligible for a recreational land loan? With GreenStone, five acres or more land intended for recreational use can be qualified for a land loan. A recreational land loan typically requires a 20% down payment and offers 30-year amortization terms. Partnering with GreenStone also provides you with some unique opportunities if your plans change in the future, including the ability to build on your land with a do-it-yourself or contracted construction loan.
If you’re considering a recreational land loan, you may have a lot of questions about how it all works. Let’s really get into the details:
What does a 20% down payment really mean?
GreenStone will lend 80% loan-to-value of the lower of the purchase price vs. appraised value. Ideally the property will appraise for what the borrower is purchasing it for – or better. Borrowers who meet specific criteria and an acceptable minimum loan score may be eligible for a 15% down payment option. There are many loan approval standards to be met to qualify for this option, but if the land is vacant, it’s worth discussing with your loan officer.
There may be options to refinance other property to help mitigate the 15-20% down. In many cases we will appraise both properties, but any property with +20% equity or more that has been owned for one year can allow us to borrow more money. This may even eliminate the need for a down payment as both properties remain under one mortgage.
If the property pledged has a dwelling on it, GreenStone may be able to grant a lower interest rate as well. The property pledged as additional collateral could be a primary residence, secondary residence, or even recreational land with a dwelling on the property.
Does GreenStone require perk tests on recreational land?
Although it’s a good idea to do a perk test for the property on the front end, if you ever plan to build the property in the future, GreenStone does not require perk tests. Many borrowers will complete one in the future once they have decided where they want to potentially build on the property in the future.
Does GreenStone require a new survey for a land purchase?
Some borrowers will order a new land survey during a purchase for their own records. GreenStone does not require a new survey be completed on recreational land unless there is a legal description issue in accordance with the title work, or the land is being split at the time of the purchase. If there are no legal description issues or a split taking place, this can save you some time and money when buying property.
What about using online GIS mapping, OnXmaps, GAIA GPS, or other tools to make sure property has road frontage/access?
As a lender, we do our best to make sure properties have legal road access from the start of the loan, because there can be adjusted value issues with landlocked property. This is a great detail to know when borrowers are looking for the right area or location to buy new recreational property. If the property doesn’t have road access, there are options that can be discussed with the seller that should be discussed at the beginning of the financing process. There are more and more improved resources to research parcel information and high-definition satellite images when searching for property.
What about large acreage purchases vs. appraisals?
If an existing parcel is 30 acres or more, there is potential we can use the State Equalized Value (SEV) instead of appraising the property. (The SEV is the assessed value multiplied by two.) If the SEV supports the purchase price, and the loan amount is less than $250,000, we may not need to appraise the parcel. This is a great way to save the borrower money and speed up the loan process. The SEV doesn’t accurately reflect current market value but still is a valuable tool when we can apply it.
Equity loan opportunities
Borrowers may find themselves looking for opportunities to make improvements to their vacant land whether that is building a pole barn, improving access roads, installing utilities, or pouring a cement pad to park a camper. Enhancing the land’s usability and appeal can benefit the consumer’s needs and boost its market value. There are unique loan opportunities at GreenStone to leverage the vacant land equity instead of liquidating other investments.
What do I need to know about property taxes on agricultural or recreational land?
Unfortunately, we have no way to predict what may happen to the taxes on a property after a new transaction. As a new landowner, this is something you consider seeing if you qualify for a different or same property class to save some money on taxes. A great resource would be the local township in which the new land falls under. If the property qualifies, you will either sign an affidavit at closing or work it out with the township after you own the property.
If you have further questions on recreational land loans, reach out to your local GreenStone branch.
I hope you had a great spring and successful planting season. Overall, our fields look good. With the recent moisture and heat, our crops are really taking off. Daily prayers for a cooperative growing season and strong yields.
I have been lucky enough to visit a couple customers recently. Two very different operations, but I was struck by a couple of similarities. After thinking about these, I have noticed this has been true of almost all of my member visits during my 18 years at GreenStone.
The two core similarities are pride in the operation and family involvement. This isn’t new. My grandfather proudly displayed a sign on his barn in Chapin, Mich., that read, “P.E. Jones and Sons.” When my dad bought the farm and needed to replace the barn after a fire, the sign changed to “L.D. Jones and Family.”
My grandparents and dad were very proud of their small farm. My grandparents were also proud of their livestock hauling business and partial ownership in the Owosso Livestock Sales. Every one of our customers is proud of their farm and business. And if multiple members of the family are involved in the operation, then that pride is just multiplied.
During one of the visits, I sat at a table in the member’s very nice farm office and shop listening to him describe how he grew the farm while in partnership with his best friend. I believe the quote was, “We might as well be brothers.” (The member’s son was also at the table with us and is already a GreenStone member.) The member described with pride how they slowly acquired their land and built relationships with their neighbors. Before I left, he was proud to show off a new piece of equipment that was essentially built by hand by the father and son.
During the other visit, I learned of the five generations that have been the owner/operators of the still growing business in rural Michigan. I saw pictures of the great-great grandfather in the 1920s and the great grandfather in the 1940s. The percentages are high that the sixth generation will eventually take over the business as I already met the 11-year-old son pushing a broom starting his summer job. Once again, the pride that this very hard-working family has in their business can’t be missed.
I see this at every customer visit – regardless if it’s a farm business or a new family home. It is, however, always impressive and I never take it for granted. Our member-owners put everything they have emotionally, physically and financially into their operations and families. You deserve to be proud.
I don’t own GreenStone. You do as members. But I can tell you I am very proud to be a part of and lead this organization. I have 650 teammates that are also very proud to be a part of GreenStone and we try to meet our mission every day: “To promote the business success of our customers and the rural community by being the best at providing credit and financial services.” Hopefully, you feel we are meeting our mission for you.
We will receive our “report card” from our members this summer when we see the results of our customer satisfaction survey. For those of you that received the survey, thank you for taking the time to complete it.
I can also tell you, your organization continues to perform well financially. Numbers through the first half of the year look very solid.
This quarter I also wanted to recognize the service and contributions of one of our long-time appointed directors, Gene College. Gene has served on GreenStone’s board of directors since 2009 and serves as the board’s financial expert and audit committee chair. He will be retiring from the board effective December 31, 2025. I can’t thank Gene enough for the leadership and guidance he has provided GreenStone and me personally. I know we have Gene’s expertise to lean on for another six months or so, but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to recognize all of his contributions to our organization.
You will hear more about our two new appointed directors later in this issue, but I first wanted to welcome to GreenStone Paul Lindow and Rick Snyder. Paul will replace Gene as the board’s financial expert and audit committee chair, while Rick will serve as the board’s technology and cybersecurity expert and chair the newly formed technology committee. Both of these individuals bring extensive experience to GreenStone and our board of directors.
As always, thank you for feeding me, my family, our country and the world; and thank you for your membership and commitment to GreenStone!
Please reach out to me any time I can be of assistance.
To view the summer 2025 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.
As a fourth-generation farmer, Nick Oomen of West Michigan Produce is no stranger to both the challenges and rewards that come with his job. For Nick, farming is not just his profession – it’s a lifestyle and a legacy.
“For me, there’s a sense of pride in growing something from scratch. You have to really love what you do, because there are going to be harder days you just have to work through,” he said. “I think farming is one of the only jobs where people will do it until they physically can’t anymore. That says a lot about how much we care about our farms and the quality of what we’re producing.”
Nick grew up farming beside his parents Ken and Sandy Oomen in Hart, Mich. He started getting involved in the business aspects of the farm when he was 14, a true testament to his interest and passion for agriculture. The family farm now spans four generations and began with Nick’s great-grandfather who started the farm as a dairy operation. Once Ken and his brother took over the farm in the 1980s, they began growing asparagus and slowly transitioned into vegetable farming.
Located in Oceana County, the sandy, well-draining soil and milder lake-effect weather offers the perfect growing conditions for asparagus as well as a multitude of other vegetables. Michigan itself is the second largest producer of asparagus in the country, with 80% of the state’s crop coming from Oceana County. The county is considered the “Asparagus Capital of the World” and is even home to the National Asparagus Festival!
Ideal Conditions for Growth
These ideal growing conditions are one of the reasons the farm has experienced so much success, adding more than twenty varieties of crops to the list of produce they grow, package, and ship to several national retailers. The farm produces everything from asparagus, broccoli, peas, carrots, pumpkins, squash, snap beans, cherries, and beets to cash crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans.
During peak asparagus harvesting season in the spring, the farm employs between 100-120 people at a time, then drops back down to around 45 after June. West Michigan Produce also picks all of its asparagus by hand using a five-person asparagus cart that combs the fields sometimes from sunrise to sundown. Hand harvesting asparagus protects the quality of the crop and prevents any damage that would otherwise occur with mechanical harvesting methods. It also allows for the spears to be kept longer for the fresh market or cut shorter later during processing for those that will be frozen.
The farm also raises several organic products which require different growing methods and regulations. “As the demand for organic produce continues to increase, I want to diversify our products as much as possible to spread out risk across multiple crops,” explained Nick.
“There are many challenges of vegetable farming not a lot of people know about. When it comes to raising organic, there are different regulations such as disease control practices, and organic inspections and certifications you may have to go through,” says Nick.
“Besides the labor required for hand picking asparagus, another thing vegetable farmers have to consider is how we harvest our produce, such as squash, so it doesn’t get rejected by retailers if it has any blemishes or bruises on it. This adds another layer of complexity to how we harvest our vegetables and pack our products. In this industry you have to be flexible and be able to adapt to the changing demands.”
A Vision for Expansion
Nick graduated from Michigan State University in 2012 after studying agricultural industries. He returned home to the family farm with new ideas on how to expand the operation, including adding a processing and packing facility to the farm. To keep up with the rapidly changing landscape of the industry, being able to process and package its own produce would allow the farm to be more self-sufficient and work directly with the retailers buying its products.
The Oomen family began packing vegetables in 2014 and has since continued to expand its processing and packing operations for both fresh and frozen products. After attending a young farmer’s event through Michigan Farm Bureau, Nick learned more about GreenStone and the CultivateGrowth resources available to young, beginning, and small farmers. He was able to secure a loan through the CultivateGrowth program that would support the expansion of the farm’s packing facility, and in 2021 completed construction of its new facility complete with a refrigerated storage area. The facility is used to pack asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, and more.
“The addition of our new facility allowed us to continue to grow our packing operations and work with larger retailers that ship our products all over the country,” says Nick. “It’s also opened up opportunities for us to pack asparagus for other farmers in the area as well because we have the equipment and the storage capable of doing it.”
Kimberly (Kim) Sadler, Senior Financial Services Officer, has been with GreenStone for over 17 years and has worked with Nick since 2018 when he began to take on more and more operational responsibilities on the farm. She helped him secure financing for the addition of their new packing facility and all its machinery and equipment.
Advocating for Family Farms
“Nick is very hands on when it comes to running the business,” Kim explained. “He has been great to work with, and it’s exciting to see a young farmer be successful and continue to grow their family farm.”
Nick is also engaged in advocating for labor policy reform and has spoken with lawmakers surrounding the challenges farmers are facing when it comes to rising labor costs. “He is a great example of a young farmer that is raising awareness of the importance of his generation and the next generation of farmers after him to be able to continue producing the food that feeds our country,” added Kim.
“We know Kim is looking out for us and our best interest,” Nick commented. “She makes regular visits to the farm for check-ins, and for us that’s really important because working with a lender who truly understands who you are and what your business does is always easier to work with. What I appreciate about Kim is the personal interaction we get with her, whether that’s her stopping by the farm or just picking up the phone to call her whenever. You don’t always get that with other traditional lenders you work with.”
For Nick, maintaining the involvement of his family in the farm’s operations is important as West Michigan Produce continues to grow and expand. “He’s always looking to add something else new and figuring out what else we can grow. I always say, ‘don’t you think we have enough going on already’,” laughs Nick’s dad, Ken.
“Just because we’re running a larger size operation now doesn’t mean we aren’t still family owned and operated,” says Nick. “For us that will never change. People think just because you’ve grown it’s turned into corporate farming, but our family has been able to grow this ourselves. If it wasn’t for the involvement of my family, I don’t think I would be doing this. This is our family legacy, and we’re proud to continue growing it.”
To view the summer 2025 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.
Get to know GreenStone’s team of dedicated livestock crop insurance specialists!
Cameron Victor
Crop Insurance Specialist
3 years of Service
What does a typical day look like for you?
My day-to-day entails working with farmers across the eastern half of Michigan teaching them how they can mitigate risk for their operation. This includes protection against downward market movement in the cattle, swine, and dairy industries.
What is your favorite part about your job?
One of my favorite parts of my job is getting to meet producers and hear their stories. I enjoy finding ways we can help them to continue to successfully run their operation into the next generation!
What is the value of having livestock insurance?
Livestock insurance protects against the risks of declining market values. Since the market can be very unpredictable, livestock insurance is valuable risk management tool that helps to protect the livelihoods of our producers.
Katelin Buckham
Crop Insurance Specialist
2 years of Service
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day on the job for me includes traveling throughout the western half of Michigan to meet with producers and educate them on the different types of livestock insurance products we offer at GreenStone, and which would be best for them.
What is your favorite part about your job?
As a farmer myself, I find it very rewarding when I can help a producer enhance their risk management strategy through livestock insurance. I love being able to educate and help other farmers.
What is the value of having livestock insurance?
The right kind of livestock insurance can protect your farm from unforeseen circumstances that could otherwise be detrimental to your operation. Working with a livestock crop insurance specialist will help you determine what type of policy would benefit your farm the most.
Robert Netrefa
Crop Insurance Specialist
14 years of Service
What does a typical day look like for you?
There is no such thing as a typical day for me! Every day is different, and I enjoy being able to help farmers in northeastern Wisconsin protect their farms from the risk of declining market values.
What is your favorite part about your job?
I enjoy that I get to be a trusted advisor to my customers and help them determine which livestock insurance product is the best fit for them and their operation.
What is the value of having livestock insurance?
Livestock insurance protects against financial loss due to changes in market prices for your livestock, milk, or a decrease in your profit margin. With uncertain market conditions, having livestock insurance can provide peace of mind that your operation will be covered in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
To view the summer 2025 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.