Registration open for MSU Extension Specialty Cut Flower Farm Tour
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EmailVisit thriving local flower farms, learn how others are managing their operations, and connect with fellow growers this September.
The Michigan State University Extension Specialty Cut Flower Farm Tour returns September 2025 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 Michigan State University Extension staff, followed by a grower-led tour of the operation. The 2025 tour dates and locations are:
- Wednesday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m. – Three Acre Farm, Byron Center, MI (Kent County)
- Friday, Sept. 5, 10 a.m. – Flowerfield Farmstead, Three Rivers, MI (St. Joseph County)
- Saturday, Sept. 20, 2 p.m. – Summer Dreams Farm, Oxford, MI (Oakland County)
This year’s tour will focus on the ins and outs of farm operations management, from refining production systems and addressing labor challenges to improving soil health and scaling sustainably. Whether you're just starting out or looking to fine-tune your business, this series offers practical insights and opportunities to connect with others in the industry.
Register for the Specialty Cut Flower Farm Tour
Tour stops and farm profiles
Join us Sept. 3 at Three Acre Farm in Byron Center, Michigan, where Lori Hernandez and her family have turned a vision into a vibrant reality. What began as a calling to build community through flowers has grown into a flourishing cut flower business that includes on-farm events, classes, an online community, and a seasonal Flower House. During this tour, Hernandez 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. You’ll get a glimpse of the systems and structure Hernandez has developed over time, and you’ll leave with tools to reflect on your own business needs and growth opportunities. Tour participants will enjoy a walk through the growing areas and workspaces that make up this inspiring and welcoming farm.
On Sept. 5, we'll 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. Now in their eighth season, the Shimps have built a thriving business using techniques inspired by authors like Jean-Martin Fortier, Eliot Coleman and Ben Hartman that prioritize low-tech tools, efficient systems and thoughtful land stewardship. 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. You’ll hear how they’ve balanced production with creativity through on-farm workshops, seasonal floral products, and a charming self-serve farm stand. Participants will tour the growing areas and barn workshop space, gaining insight into the systems behind this thoughtfully run, community-rooted farm.
Wrap up the tour season on Sept. 20 with a visit to Summer Dreams Farm in Oxford, 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, Genovese will lead a facilitated discussion highlighting recent changes to his operation, including new strategies to support soil health, labor challenges and personal sustainability. Following the discussion, the floor will open for Q&A where participants will have a chance to dive into topics like pest management, equipment, marketing and scaling production. Participants will be able to tour the production areas to see how Summer Dreams has become a leading supplier of specialty blooms to florists and designers across Michigan.
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 approximately 2 hours. Each tour stop is limited to 40 participants, so be sure to sign up early!
