ROCK, Mich. (WZMQ) – Although Thursday was a cloudy day in Delta County, things were bright in Rock for opening day at Hall Farms.
“We’ve been here 42 years,” said co-owner Teressa Hall. “We used to milk cows for 30 years. Then we went to crop farming and we got into selling deer corn. From there, I suggested black oil sunflower seeds.”
That suggestion transformed Hall Farms into what it looks like today—a giant field full of bright yellow sunflowers. For the last several years, it has been a popular destination, especially for photography.
“It started out by some kids wanted to take their senior pictures, and then we had a couple engagements here,” Hall said. “Then we finally just opened it up to the public.”
In addition to getting that perfect sunflower photo, guests can walk through the sunflowers on cleared pathways, pick flowers for $1 each, and enjoy family-friendly activities. Hall says getting the field ready for visitors takes a lot of preparation.
“If we have time, we’ll work the field in the fall, but usually spring,” she said. “Once we get them planted and they come up, just before they blossom like this, we start doing the trails.”
Once they’ve blossomed, the sunflowers only show their faces for about 10 to 14 days.
“They’re like any other flower, they don’t last a long time,” said Hall. “In October, we’ll harvest them for birdseed. And then next year, they won’t be here. They’ll be in a different field because they have to be moved around.”
While the sunflowers are in bloom, they always draw a large crowd.
“I’m going to say 8 – 10,000,” Hall said. “Weekends are extremely busy because it’s so pretty. How do you not be happy in a sunflower field? How do you not smile? We don’t have any arguments out there!”
For Hall Farms, it is a joy to share that feeling with everyone who comes through the field.
“It’s kind of amazing,” said Hall. “We never dreamed this would get as big as it is. We’ve had people just bring their grandparents because that’s what their grandparents wanted to see, we’ve had two weddings, so it is amazing what it has turned into.”
Visitors are welcome at Hall Farms daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. while the sunflowers last. The cost to enter is a donation. Hall Farms is located at 2623 St. Nicholas 31st Road in Rock. Follow Hall Farms on Facebook for updates on the rest of sunflower season.
