Michigan Specialty Cut Flower Farm Tour 2025

The MSU Extension Specialty Cut Flower Farm Tour returns this September with a new lineup of farm stops and discussion topics tailored for commercial flower growers. This tour is designed for commercial growers looking to expand their knowledge and network with others in the industry. Each tour stop will feature a facilitated discussion with the host farmer and MSU Extension staff, followed by a grower-led tour of the operation.

Tour Dates and Locations:

Wednesday, Sept. 3 - 10 a.m.: Three Acre Farm (9973 Homerich Ave. SW, Byron Center, MI, 49315)

Join us at Three Acre Farm in Byron Center, Michigan, where Lori Hernandez and her family have turned a vision into a vibrant reality. During this tour, Lori will lead a facilitated discussion on “Wearing All the Hats in Your Farm Business”, which explores the behind-the-scenes roles required to run a successful farm — from marketing and logistics to team management and strategic planning.

During this tour, you’ll get a glimpse of the systems and structure Lori has developed over time and you’ll leave with tools to reflect on your own business needs and growth opportunities.

Friday, Sept 5 - 10 a.m.: Flowerfield Farmstead (50330 Mill Street, Three Rivers, MI 49093)

Join Nick and Cassie Shimp of Flowerfield Farmstead in Three Rivers, Michigan for an inspiring look at how market gardening principles can power a sustainable and profitable flower farm. During this tour, Cassie and Nick will lead a facilitated discussion on how efficient farming practices have helped their farm support a family of five on small acreage. Participants will tour the growing areas and barn workshop space, gaining insight into the systems behind this thoughtfully-run, community-rooted farm.

Discussions with Cassie and Nick will include techniques inspired by authors like Jean-Martin Fortier, Eliot Coleman, and Ben Hartman that prioritize low-tech tools, efficient systems, and thoughtful land stewardship.

Saturday, Sept. 20 - 2 p.m.: Summer Dreams Farm (2745 S Sashabaw Rd, Ortonville, MI 48462)

Wrap up the tour season with a visit to Summer Dreams Farm in Ortonville, Michigan, a premier cut flower operation specializing in dahlias. Since 2015, Michael Genovese has grown his operation into a nationally recognized source for both fresh cut dahlias and premium tubers, offering more than 200 varieties at the peak of each season.

During this stop, Michael will lead a facilitated discussion highlighting recent changes to his operation, including new strategies to support soil health, labor challenges, and personal sustainability.

Cost and Registration

There is a flat fee of $25 to register for this farm tour series. Select a single or multiple tour dates to attend.
Light refreshments will be available at each farm.
Tours will last for about 2 hours. Each tour stop is limited to 40 participants, so be sure to sign up early!

A full refund, less a $10 processing fee, will be issued for any registration cancelled up to 7 days before the event you selected.

No refund will be issued for any registration cancelled within 7 days of the event you selected.
No refund will be issued for any registration cancelled after the tour has started.

Substitutions are allowed (and encouraged)!

Inclement weather policy: If it's raining too hard for a farm tour, then we will work with the host farm to reschedule whenever possible.
Important note: Some farms may not have public restroom facilities. Please plan accordingly.

Download Event Flyer

Registration for Michigan Specialty Cut Flower Farm Tour 2025 is open.

Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on September 19, 2025.

There are 51 openings available.

Accommodations

Michigan State University Extension programs, services events, and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact Jeremy Jubenville or Caitlin Splawski of the MSU Extension Floriculture Team.