Mar 10, 2025

Mark Evans leads Michigan fruit growers with focus on education and research

Industry research, networking and Midwest fruit orchard management drive Mark Evans, farm manager for Evans Bros. Fruit Co. and the new president of the Michigan State Horticultural Society (MSHS). A fifth-generation grower, Evans’ Frankfort, Michigan family operation grows apples, cherries and blueberries along Lake Michigan in the northwest part of the state.

Evans also manages Manistee Douglas Valley Orchards in nearby Manistee, Michigan, and serves on the board of the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Foundation. He participates in the Benzie-Manistee Horticultural Society, sits on the MSHS scholarship and executive committees, and was a member of the Fruit + Vegetable 40 Under 40 Class of 2021.

Supporting growers at GLEXPO

At the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO (GLEXPO), MSHS board members collaborate with Michigan State University to facilitate educational sessions, promote the event and ensure growers under MSHS’ role.

“The GLEXPO plays an essential role in your business,” Evans said. “It is so important to educate yourself and make long-term relationships with individuals outside of your area. You need to keep educating yourself to move your business forward. If you don’t educate yourself, if you don’t make connections, you will fall behind and opportunity won’t come your way. Networking and meeting new people will give you opportunities if you continue relationships throughout the years. Never pass up opportunities.”

Historic family farm

The Evans family farm began in the late 1800s when John Evans, Mark’s great-great-grandfather, bought 40 acres. John’s son, Ben Evans, took over, followed by Duane Evans. Today, the farm is managed by Mark’s father, Mike, and uncle, Mark A. Evans. Evans Bros. operates on 1,000 acres, with 200 dedicated to fruit production.

Mark’s involvement started early. After school, he would drop his backpack and head to the orchard to pick dropped apples for the families who worked on the farm. He also dined at the workers’ camp and spent summers mowing, building trellises, spraying and hand thinning.

In 2010, Evans earned a bachelor’s degree in fruits and vegetables, with an emphasis in viticulture, from Washington State University (WSU). “That’s where I truly saw the vastness of the fruit industry,” he said. “At the time, our farm felt small in comparison. I remember being amazed by seeing a single planting that covered 1,000 acres.”

Exploring new ventures

After WSU, Evans returned to the family farm full-time with the goal of diversifying operations. He considered adding a winery or cidery. In 2024, Evans Bros. launched a u-pick blueberry operation.

“You will find it funny to see how many people will come by your u-pick operation by just getting in your pickup, putting up some signs at intersections and a little social media presence,” Evans said. “He was surprised by the connections made and the positive feedback received.

The farm also experimented with winegrapes in 2001, planting five acres of Pinot Noir and Riesling. However, Evans found grapes too labor-intensive, and without enough acreage to justify mechanization, the vineyards were eventually removed to make rooms for apples.

Midwest fruit orchard management practices

Today, Evans Bros. focuses on apples, cherries and blueberries. Apple varieties include HoneyCrisp, SweeTango, Red Delicious, Yellow Delicious, Ida Reds and Jonagolds. For cherries, the farm grows sweet and tart varieties. Blueberries include Nelson, Bluecrop and Draper.

Thinning and pruning remain critical for apple production. An early 1990s trip to New Zealand inspired Evans’ father and uncle to plant higher-density orchards of Jonagolds and Honeycrisps. Evans Bros. now grows on vertical axis, tall spindle and double leader systems.

“Adapting to these newer systems showed us that your yields and quality do change for the better,” Evans said. “Learning some of the new rules in modern systems have actually given us a better idea on how to adapt and improve our older systems.”

Spraying continues as a key component of Midwest fruit orchard management. “Don’t wait — spray and stay consistent,” Evan said. “It can still be challenging. There are ways to reduce infestations, like clearing your land of host plants, but that doesn’t help much when a single fly can produce 13 generations in a single season and become sexually active in just 10 days. I can’t stress enough — it’s very important. For some crops, you may need to spray every four days. Even then, it can still be difficult. It’s sometimes a losing battle.”

Finding joy in farming

Despite the challenges, Evans said farming remains rewarding. “The best part is being outside, putting in the work and getting your blood flowing,” he said. “For me, watching the tree and fruit develop throughout the season is incredibly rewarding. It’s similar to how spring, summer and fall only come once a year. The stages of the tree’s growth — bud break, flowering, fruit set and harvest — happy just once annually, making each season special. I also enjoy the challenge of working with people in that orchard.”

—  Doug Ohlemeier, Assistant Editor