Dec 20, 2024

Apple orchard innovation showcased at Michigan’s Ridgefest

At the 13th annual Ridgefest near Fremont, Michigan, apple growers gathered to explore new marketing strategies and cutting-edge orchard techniques. Sponsored by the Michigan Pomesters, the August 1 event highlighted how growers are adapting to industry challenges and embracing apple orchard innovation.

Addressing labor and consumption challenges

When Ridgefest wagon tours moved through his orchards, Eric Roossinck of Roossinck Fruit Storage and Orchards didn’t focus on tree varieties or yields. Instead, he spoke about the pressures that weigh on growers everywhere: finding enough workers and ensuring people keep apples on their tables.

“When I look at our operation and the challenges we have, those two things come to mind right off the top,” Roossinck said.

Organizers presented the Apple Consumption Project, a national campaign to boost apple sales, to Michigan growers as a valuable, collaborative effort to address those challenges.

“I’m excited about the momentum,” Roossinck said. “This started less than a year ago. It’s just exploded, and I can’t wait to see what it leads to. We just need people to eat more apples.”

Highlighting apple orchard innovation

Ridgefest attendees touring Roossinck’s orchards glimpsed the BL-14 Gala block on G11 rootstock. The newer, high-colored Gala variety apple was discovered as a limb sport of an Ultima Gala tree. And this variety has shown very promising results.

Planted in 2021, the BL-14 Gala trees carried heavy fruit last season— “probably too many apples on them,” Roossinck acknowledged. The trees were smaller than he would’ve liked, but they performed well in color with little reversion. They were the first Gala variety to reach the packing line.

Roossinck also talked about his efforts with Honeycrisp and Ambrosia varieties. Originally grafted to Smitten, certain blocks were re-grafted to Ambrosia, while others combined Honeycrisp on Honeycrisp rootstock.

“I’ve been very invested in the idea horitculturally that those Honeycrisp have taken a lot better,” Roossinck explained, noting their vegetative growth compared to Ambrosia.

Focus on balance, details and orchard technology

Beyond production, Roossinck emphasized three principles that define his operation: relationships, balance, and details.

• Employee and partner relations remain a top priority.
• Balance — maintaining both a professional and personal life — is an ongoing goal in a demanding industry.
• Attention to detail drives decisions block by block, from soil sampling to yield records and thinning strategies.

Roossinck’s operation, about 500 acres in various locations, integrates soil testing into the fertility program. For example, the second-leaf Royal Honeycrisp on 935 rootstock received 40 to 50 pounds of nitrogen in their first two years, though he acknowledged the need to taper back as trees mature.

“I know B9 makes the best honeys, but I always want to try to grow a tree to get them faster,” Roossinck admitted. “I’ve made mistakes with picking ones that were too biannual and too bitter pit. That’s part of the learning process.”

Roossinck also looks to the next generation for ideas. His son is eager to bring technology and apple orchard innovation into future operations.

Innovation driving Michigan’s apple future

Ridgefest 2025 demonstrated how Michigan apple growers are tackling their biggest hurdles: labor shortages, consumer demand, and the constant push for innovation. By experimenting with new varieties, refining orchard practices, and supporting national campaigns like the Apple Consumption Project, growers like Roossinck are helping shape the future of the apple industry.