Farming in the shade

Did you know? Apples are one of the largest and most valuable fruit crops in Michigan. There are over 7.5 million apple trees in production, covering 38,500 acres. Michigan is the third largest apple producing state. The annual economic impact is estimated at approximately $800 million. Sixty percent of Michigan apples are processed into other products.

We are fortunate to live within 30 minutes of a major fruit growing area in Michigan. Our wonderful Lake Michigan to the west moderates our temperatures, despite the northishness of our location, and makes fruit growing possible. Yesterday, we braved the mosquitoes and mud to U-pick at a nearby farm. I went with a couple of neighbors (gas is not cheap!) and we actually fit 11 bushels of apples in the back of a van. Well, I guess they were not all in the back of the van--there was that crate on the seat between E. and I, and two bags on the floor by our feet... We picked Spygolds, Jonagolds, Golden Delicious (sensing a trend here?) and Ida Reds. By picking them ourselves, we saved about $12.50 a bushel. Yummmmmm...