FREELAND, Mich. (WJRT) — With fall in full swing, it’s the time of year for apple picking, orchard touring, and all things apple.
And this year is a near-record year for apples, with the Department of Agriculture saying apple production increased 68% in Michigan after last year’s crop was damaged by frost.
We went to local apple farms and orchards and learned why all the factors favor the fruit.
“When I pick apples, I find that every time I catch one, it’s practically a miracle,” said John Leaman, co-owner of Leaman’s Green Applebarn in Freeland.
Leaman says a number of things have created this year’s bountiful apple harvest, which means better quality, and more quantity and variety for consumers.
“Just an almost perfect spring. Beautiful flower. The pollinators were out,” Leaman said.
“We just got our honey crisps the other day, this week we’re looking at cortlands, crispins, looking at delicious red, delicious golden for next week,” said Ben Coughlin of Bayne’s Apple Valley.
Although the honey crisps are a fan favorite, the ambrosial variety is a close second.
But, the industry is still feeling the inflation.
“Even if it’s a great harvest, wages go up, labor, it takes people to run the tractors, it takes people to pick the apples, it takes people to wash them to pack them “, said Coughlin.
However, consumers don’t seem to mind shelling out a few extra bucks to get into the spirit of the season.
“To pay a little more for an amazing experience, that’s what it’s all about,” said customer Lisa Jackson.
All in all, things are looking ripe and juicy for apple season here in mid Michigan.
The USDA also says Michigan apple growers are seeing some of the best returns since 2016.
FREELAND, Mich. (WJRT) — With fall in full swing, it’s the time of year for apple picking, orchard touring, and all things apple.
And this year is a near-record year for apples, with the Department of Agriculture saying apple production increased 68% in Michigan after last year’s crop was damaged by frost.
We went to local apple farms and orchards and learned why all the factors favor the fruit.
“When I pick apples, I find that every time I catch one, it’s practically a miracle,” said John Leaman, co-owner of Leaman’s Green Applebarn in Freeland.
Leaman says a number of things have created this year’s bountiful apple harvest, which means better quality, and more quantity and variety for consumers.
“Just an almost perfect spring. Beautiful flower. The pollinators were out,” Leaman said.
“We just got our honey crisps the other day, this week we’re looking at cortlands, crispins, looking at delicious red, delicious golden for next week,” said Ben Coughlin of Bayne’s Apple Valley.
Although the honey crisps are a fan favorite, the ambrosial variety is a close second.
But, the industry is still feeling the inflation.
“Even if it’s a great harvest, wages go up, labor, it takes people to run the tractors, it takes people to pick the apples, it takes people to wash them to pack them “, said Coughlin.
However, consumers don’t seem to mind shelling out a few extra bucks to get into the spirit of the season.
“To pay a little more for an amazing experience, that’s what it’s all about,” said customer Lisa Jackson.
All in all, things are looking ripe and juicy for apple season here in mid Michigan.
The USDA also says Michigan apple growers are seeing some of the best returns since 2016.