Winter Doesn't Stop Michigan Agriculture

We may feel inclined to believe that for local farmers, winter signifies a period of quiet, rest, and preparation for spring’s growing season. This is often far from true. Storage crops make up a significant part of a farmer’s fields and keep a paycheck coming back to them through the frost-ridden months. Storage crops, which are crops that can be cured and stored long-term, are widespread in our diet and have kept people fed for generations because of their ability to keep through winter. Farm stops also play a significant role in keeping us fed through these cold months, allowing local farmers to sell these crops year-round, and amplifying local produce when many have forgotten about it.

For farmers like Norm Holtz, winter is their busiest selling season. Holtz Farms, located in Ida, Michigan, relies heavily on sales of storage crops while Norm’s fields lie dormant under feet of snow. Potatoes, onions, leeks, and squash take center stage at Argus Farm Stop during the winter months, thanks to the investment Norm and other local farmers make in their crops long before they make it to our market.

Norm Holtz took over his family’s centennial farm in 1980. His family was growing grain crops at the time, but Holtz gradually transitioned into growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Holtz discovered these to be more practical choices in terms of the farm’s success, as they could better serve local farmers markets year-round. “In Spring there are tulips and daffodils. Summer brings green beans, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes.” Holtz shared that while he grows vegetables and flowers because of their practicality, they are also what he most enjoys growing.

Meet Felix!

Felix is a Shift Manager at Argus Farm Stop, as well as Delivery Driver!

How long have you been working at Argus Farm Stop?

I have worked for Argus Farm Stop for nearly eight years. I took a two year hiatus to teach ceramics before returning a couple years ago.

What is your role at AFS?

Argus Farm Stop has given me the opportunity to explore many roles in my years here. I started as a barista then I found the courage to jump into the market. Managing the care of thousands of vegetables is not for the faint of heart. That began my jump into the local food world. Now I am a shift manager, cafe trainer, delivery driver, which are all parts of my place in the cog of the local food economy. When I started at Argus Farm Stop we had roughly 65 producers, and now that number is over 200! I have seen farms and farmers go from renting a space on a neighbors plot to buying their own land and building a larger foundation. A large team helps keep the store stocked, clean, and energized, being a part of that is wonderful.

What is your favorite thing about working for AFS?

Community hands down. Ok well, also all the really good vegetables! I have always loved getting to be a small part of the day of hundreds of different folks from all around southeast Michigan whether it's in store, or on the road.