The Howes Farms have been in operation in Manistee County since the 1930's. Our farming operation hires close to 80 workers during the harvest season. Our farm grows asparagus, strawberries, and pickles.

Our strawberry harvest takes place June through July and our pickle harvest starts the end of July and runs through the first of September. Our farming operation grows 12 acres of strawberries and 100 acres of pickles, with all of our workers involved in the hand harvesting of our crops. After our harvesting is completed there is processing work available in the area, between the strawberry and pickle harvest, with apple picking available after our pickle harvest.

Our workers are paid by the pound on a piece rate base and our pickle harvest is at the 50/50 rate with the state minimum wage guaranteed. Last year, our workers average earnings were $7.50 to $8.50 per hour.

Our farming operation provides approved housing, with 22 units available and is usually provided at no charge to the workers. We have a Migrant Headstart Program available that runs for 6 weeks during the summer. We also have Migrant health services within 2 miles of our camp and there are two towns within 9 miles for the shopping needs of our families.