In Oceana County, MI, Consumers Energy purchased 800 acres from the Todd Greiner Farms auction for $5.6 million. The farmland, previously used for growing cherries, apples, and vegetables, was part of a transition by the 30-year-old farm to focus on marketing other Michigan growers’ produce. The future use of the land remains undecided, though potential plans could include solar infrastructure, aligning with Consumers’ goal of achieving 8,000 megawatts of solar energy by 2040. The auction also featured substantial farm equipment, including over 30 tractors and trucks.
OCEANA COUNTY, MI – A historic family farm that recently auctioned more than 900 acres of land has sold the majority to Consumers Energy.
The utility company, based in Jackson, secured rights to 800 acres in Hart, previously held by Todd Greiner Farms, during an auction that took place over the weekend, confirmed Tracy Wimmer, a spokesperson for Consumers Energy.
Wimmer stated that Consumers acquired the land for $5.6 million. Details about how the land will be utilized in the future have not yet been revealed.
“We are currently evaluating potential future uses,” Wimmer noted. “Once we gather more information and determine what makes sense for the land, we will proceed accordingly.”
Todd Greiner Farms Packing conducted an auction last weekend for over 900 acres of farmland, previously cultivated for sweet and tart cherries, apples, and vegetables. This sale marks a shift for the 30-year-old farm, which is now focusing on marketing and selling produce from other growers in Michigan.
The land could potentially be developed for large-scale solar energy projects, as Consumers Energy is expanding its solar farms across Kent, Muskegon, Kalamazoo, Jackson, and Calhoun counties.
The utility is also in the process of building a 1,900-acre solar farm at the wastewater plant in Moorland Township, Muskegon County. Once operational in 2026, it is expected to generate 250 megawatts of solar power, sufficient to supply energy to approximately 40,000 homes.
Consumers Energy has set an ambitious long-term goal of achieving 8,000 megawatts of solar energy by 2040.
In 2020, renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, accounted for approximately 11% of the utility’s energy intake. By 2040, the aim is for renewables to comprise the majority of the energy mix, reaching 63%.
In addition to the real estate auction, a separate sale featured a wide range of farm machinery, including over 30 tractors and more than 30 trucks and trailers.
Want to stay updated on Muskegon-area news? Bookmark the local Muskegon news page or subscribe to the free “3@3 Muskegon” daily newsletter.