Apples

Fruit losses climb: More West Michigan growers hit by record April cold

Farmers in West Michigan’s lucrative Fruit Ridge region are reporting heavy damage to apple, peach and sweet cherry crops after record late April cold.The Fruit Ridge area boasts roughly 65 percent of Michigan's total yearly... more »

Frozen fruit? Up-and-down weather throws off Upstate N.Y.’s fruit trees

Eric Shatt does not even bother checking weather forecasts anymore.As farm manager of Cornell Orchards in Ithaca, he is all too familiar with the damage already done to the majority of the peach and plum... more »

Fruit growers play role in Michigan’s economic recovery

If things go as planned, by the fall of 2013, 47 acres of farmland at Seven Mile Road and Alpine Avenue will be home to a new, state-of-the-art apple packing facility and distribution center.Bruce Heeren,... more »

Migrant housing plan sparks a lawsuit

Plans to improve housing for migrant workers in Benzie County have erupted into charges of racism. A fruit grower wants to reuse a motel that sits vacant in the Village of Elberta.Since the beginning of... more »

Cider mill and market open door to diversification

When Jay Jollay approached his wife, Sarah, with an idea for a new cider mill operation, she liked it. She just worried the plan was a little too grand. He envisioned a complete cider operation... more »

Early spring warmth causing growers sleepless nights

For many of the Midwest and Eastern states, spring weather arrived early. Most areas are three to four weeks ahead of schedule in terms of plant growth and bloom, according to university Extension offices.Such conditions... more »

Fruit Crop Guesstimate rescheduled

The 57th Annual Fruit Crop Guesstimate, sponsored by the Michigan Frozen Food Packers Association (MFFPA), has been moved to 2:30 p.m. June 6 at the Amway Grand in Grand Rapids, Mich.The guesstimate provides a forum... more »

Managing orchard nutrition during an early spring

Early spring growth this year raises several questions about nutrient management in orchards. First, when should spring nitrogen (N) fertilizers be applied? Typically, N is applied either in a single application as growth begins in... more »