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Michigan Master Farmer credits irrigation for diverse rotation

A central Michigan farmer says he’s a firm believer in irrigation on his sandy soils. 

Fourth-generation farmer Greg McCarthy of Edmore was the first one in his family to grow potatoes in the early ‘80s.

“I’ve got more investment in irrigating than I do in anything, and it’s always paid off the best,” he says.

After purchasing a field equipped to irrigate, he quickly saw the benefits and now irrigates about 95 percent of his farm.

“We like to use cover crops and we no-till—we try to do our best,” he shares.

The 2022 Michigan Master Farmer tells Brownfield he’s trying to protect the resources he has while remaining profitable.

Along with an annual rotation of corn, soybeans, wheat, and potatoes, McCarthy’s also been able to grow string beans, seed corn, and pickles in the past.