Nestled in Montague, MI, Degen Farms sunflower field is not just a stunning sight but also a story of resilience, history, and community. For over five generations, the Degen family has cultivated the land, and today, the sunflower field offers an opportunity for visitors to experience the magic of nature while learning about the family’s journey from ship captains to successful farmers.
A Legacy of Farming
Christian Degen’s story began in 1857 when he came to America from Germany at just one year old. Initially, he worked as a Great Lakes ship captain, but in 1883, he and Herman Olson opened a buckwheat flour mill on the corner where Big John’s Pizza was. In 1894, Christian shifted gears and began farming full-time, becoming a pioneer in the area. He owned the only thresher machine in the area, using it to harvest wheat across the region, traveling from farm to farm with the machine pulled by horses.
Pam Degen, a member of the Degen family, explained the transition: “Christian was a man of many talents. From a ship captain to a mill owner and finally a farmer, he truly made his mark on this area. That pioneering spirit runs through our family even today.”
Christian’s son, Arthur, worked alongside him on the farm and carried on the legacy after Christian’s passing. Arthur’s farm was located on Old Hwy 99, between Eilers and Fruitvale Roads. Arthur’s son, William Degen, eventually took over and expanded the farm, purchasing more land in the area. Today, William’s son, John Degen, is actively involved in the farm with his son, Jeremy, making it a true multi-generational legacy. The Degen family now farms about 1,000 acres, growing corn, soybeans, hay, and sunflowers.
Sunflowers: A Family Tradition
The Degen family began planting sunflowers about 25 years ago, initially responding to a growing market for birdseed. Over the years, they grew as many as 150 acres of sunflowers at a time. However, in recent years, the market for sunflower seeds has fluctuated, and the Degen family now plants around 7-10 acres annually. Despite the challenges, the family continues to harvest, dry, and bag the sunflower seeds on-site, selling them through local feed stores.
Pam shared, “The sunflowers started out as a way to meet a demand, but over time, they’ve become an important part of our family’s story. We’ve learned to adapt, and while the market has shifted, the sunflowers are still a special part of what we do.”
A Field for the Community
Over time, the sunflower field has drawn an increasing number of visitors, eager to take in the breathtaking views and snap some photos. As the popularity of the field grew, the Degen family faced some challenges, including heavy traffic, people damaging the crops, and photographers using the space for elaborate shoots. Pam recalled, “It got to a point where we had to figure out a way to keep the field open to the public while also protecting the crops that we depend on for our livelihood.”
In response, Jeremy Degen came up with a solution to make the field accessible in a way that was both visitor-friendly and respectful of the farm’s livelihood. Now, visitors can access a designated area of the sunflower field for just $2 per person. Those who want to take home flowers can cut them for $2 per stem, and photographers are subject to a $25 fee for professional photo shoots. This approach helps the family cover the costs of damage and maintenance while still providing a welcoming space for the public.
Pam added, “It’s been wonderful seeing how people appreciate the beauty of the field. We love welcoming visitors, but it’s also important to us that the experience is respectful of the farm and our work.”
A Photographer’s Dream
The sunflower field is a dream come true for photographers, with vast rows of golden blooms set against a stunning rural backdrop. Visitors often capture unforgettable images of sunflowers, bees, and birds, as well as the beauty of the landscape at sunset. The field is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the flowers usually bloom about 65 days after planting, lasting for 10-14 days, so there’s a short window to enjoy the vibrant blooms.
Pam reflected on the popularity of the field, saying, “We’ve had photographers from all over come to capture the magic of the sunflowers. There’s something about the golden rows of flowers, the buzzing bees, and the birds that just makes the photos come to life.”
Activities and Community Engagement
Beyond photography, Degen Farm has hosted various events that bring the community together. Yoga classes have taken place in the field, a bluegrass band has played, and the Arts Council of White Lake – Nuveen Center held a painting day for local artists. The Degen family is open to hosting more events in the future if they align with the farm’s goals and can work around the public’s access to the field.
Pam shared, “We love being able to host different activities and see people enjoy the space in creative ways. It’s a unique way to connect with the community and share our love of farming and the outdoors.”
The farm offers something special not only for photographers but for families as well. Kids can explore the fields, learning about farming, the growth process, and the delicate balance of nature. The beauty of the flowers and the surrounding landscape is a reminder of how important it is to protect and appreciate the environment.
A Rich History and Future
The Degen family’s dedication to farming and the sunflower field is a tribute to their hardworking ancestors. A unique historical artifact—a piece of a buckwheat feed bag from 1883—was even discovered by a visitor and returned to the Degen family. This piece of history, along with old photos of the farm’s threshing machine, has helped the family further understand and celebrate their past.
Pam marveled at the discovery, saying, “It was incredible to learn about the roller mill that we had no idea existed. Finding that piece of history really helped us piece together our farm’s past. It’s a beautiful reminder of how far we’ve come.”
The Degen sunflower field represents more than just a picturesque place to visit. It’s a chance to witness the beauty of nature, learn about farming, and support a local, multi-generational farm.
So, if you’re looking for a peaceful escape and the perfect opportunity to take photos or simply appreciate the beauty of a sunflower field, come visit Degen Farm. Whether you’re a photographer, a family, or just someone who enjoys the wonders of nature, the Degen sunflower field offers something for everyone.
Visit the Degen Sunflower Field in Montague:
- Location: Off Old Hwy 99, Montague
- Open Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Entry Fee: $2 per person, flowers available for purchase at $2 per stem
- Photographer Fee: $25 for professional shoots
Go experience a piece of history, beauty, and the enduring legacy of the Degen family!
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