Leslie, Michigan
Mission Statement
Titus Farms is committed to producing fresh, delicious and unique horticultural products for the Mid-Michigan community, while also maintaining the beauty and health of the land by means of sustainable, organic inspired practices. We are dedicated to initiating a connection between people and the sources of their food through education, fun experiences and active participation in the production process.
We are a 40+ acre sustainable vegetable and fresh cut flower farm located in rural Ingham County Michigan, approximately halfway between Lansing and Jackson. You can find our produce at local farmers markets or you can purchase a membership of our CSA. Thanks for Supporting Local Food and Local Families!
“In a world where most food is shipped over continents and oceans, we are glad to bring locally grown, fresh and healthy vegetables to the Mid-Michigan area.”
History of the Farm
Titus Farms was started in 1982 by Paul and Rose Titus of Dansville, Michigan. Both Paul and Rose are from a more traditional farming background and grew up raising dairy cattle and sheep as well as silage, soybeans, field corn and other field crops. Both helped in their own vegetable garden growing up (a mainstay for farming families). They also grew up learning how to preserve the crop and are never short on tips, tricks and great recipes.
After their marriage Rose learned that (while carrying their daughter) she was extra sensitive to chemicals found on food. So together, with their broad knowledge of farming they ventured into raising vegetables using only organic methods. Rose’s allergies to food gradually diminished as she introduced more natural foods into her diet. Over time, they found others who valued the organic way of growing and began selling the crops they grew. As the demand grew they expanded their acreage. The main drive for continuing to farm was for their daughter, Rebecca, who is now grown and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture from Michigan State University. Unlike many of her generation, Rebecca has chosen to continue the tradition of farming and today oversees much of the day-to-day operation of the farm.
Titus Farms has been steadily growing since it was started. Today, there are four separate farm sites, along with other rented acreage. The farm is still family owned and primarily family operated.
History of Our CSA
2012 marks our sixth year of CSA!
While Rebecca was at university she learned about the basic idea of Community Supported Agriculture, both as a philosophy and a marketing opportunity. Then, after Paul had a serious health problem, it was dire that the farm diversify in order to pay off mounting medical bills and, ultimately, keep the family farm. After some time talking with friends and fellow farmers we finally decided in 2006 to start the CSA.
We began our first year with three locations, Okemos, Lansing and the Farm. We had a little over 50 members in our first year, and we experimented with the number of items to take and different systems to use. Our members ultimately helped us to refine our system and communications to best serve the growing demand. In our second year we took on a little less than 100 members. The third season we expanded to about 150 members and added Mason and East Lansing as distribution locations. Then in 2009 we expanded more significantly with 255 members. Now, we open up the CSA to approximately 300-400 members every year and have partnered with other local farmers to provide their products to the members; items including meat chickens and tree fruit that we simply don’t have the time to grow.
CSA has provided for us, as so many other small farms around the nation, the ability to make farming a full-time occupation. Now, everyone is healthy and happy on the farm and the income generated through the CSA allows us to be not only self-sustaining, but to hire other individuals who want to learn more about farming and CSA.
Our Methods and Practices
We use sustainable, organic methods but we are NOT “certified organic”. Under the USDA, a product cannot be labeled as “organic” unless the farm is registered, inspected and payed up to the government. As an alternative, some farmers classify their products as “ecologically grown” or “naturally grown,” while we prefer to call ourselves Sustainable. We were certified organic in the 1980’s but have opted out of the certification process for many reasons.
Our methods include using compost and naturally based fertilizers to help with soil nutrition. We also use mechanical cultivation and good old-fashioned hoeing to control weeds. Good use of crop rotation and cover crops also helps control many of the problems faced by conventional farms. We do our best to be good stewards of the land and maintain a natural habitat on our farm as well.
On our farm, we use taste as our guide. When harvesting and choosing varieties, it's all about taste and quality! The items you receive in your share or at the farmers market are almost always picked within 48 hours, preserving not only the original flavor, but retaining many more nutrients than week-old produce you may find in the store. We also use many heirloom varieties that not only look interesting, but also taste like vegetables should.
Please feel free to email or ask us about our methods; we’re always happy to discuss the farm.
The Crew at Titus Farms
Paul and Rebecca make up the main management of the farm, overseeing daily operations. But we still need lots of help! Here is a list of our dedicated staff:
Assistant CSA Manager
Amy has been with us for four years now... we just can’t get rid of her! Amy is a graduate from MSU with a degree in Theatre (with high honors) with numerous awards and recognitions. She continues to pursue her passion for acting and can frequently be seen in stage shows in the Lansing area. Her smile is also frequently seen at farmers markets and CSA distributions. As Rebecca’s brain-twin, she’s also more than able to answer all your CSA/veggie/farm questions.
Pearl
Pearl is a friend and volunteer who helps out at the farmers markets and CSA. The “waste” of her shorthorn cattle are the source of our compost! And as neighbors do, we often trade farm implements back and forth, which makes her an invaluable resource to our small farm.
Princess and Maggie May
Our lovely 11 year old black lab is a mouse and pest catcher extraordinaire! So, she must be mentioned here. Maggie is the newest addition, also a black lab-samoyed mix, she defends the farmstead from larger prey, like any good guard dog.
You?
Yes, we’re frequently looking for dedicated young people to staff the farm. Email Rebecca if you’re interested.
