Michigan growers are national leaders for several specialty crops. The state ships fruits and vegetables every month of the year, with the peak volume in August and September.
Here are some highlights of the scope of fruit and vegetable production, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture.
Apples: In 2022, 1.36 billion pounds of apples were harvested in Michigan, ranking second in the nation. About 50% of the harvest was used for processing, yielding a farm value of $108 million. Fresh market apples account for a farm value of $34 million at 707 million pounds. There are more than 14.95 million apple trees in commercial production, covering 34,500 acres on 775 family-run farms. Orchards are trending to super high-density planting (approximately 1,000 or more trees per acre), which come into production and bring desirable varieties to market quickly.
Asparagus: Michigan ranks first in the nation for asparagus production, producing up to 26 million pounds annually. Michigan growers harvest approximately 9,500 acres annually.
Blueberries: In an average year, Michigan blueberry farmers produce more than 70 million pounds of more than 30 varieties of highbush blueberries. More than 50% of all Michigan blueberries are shipped to the fresh market. Michigan’s blueberry crop is harvested from more than 14,000 acres. Michigan blueberries are grown, harvested, packed and processed by 500 family farms annually, contributing more than $130 million to the state’s economy.
Cucumbers: Michigan ranks first nationally in the production of cucumbers for pickling. In 2022, Michigan produced 216,726 tons of pickling cucumbers with a value of $45.5 million. In addition, the state produced 53.6 million pounds of cucumbers for the fresh market worth $17.7 million.
Grapes: Michigan uses more than 93,000 tons of grapes for the production of wine and juice. Michigan has 10,900 acres of vines on 390 farms, making Michigan the eighth-largest overall grape-producing state in the nation.
Onions: A majority of Michigan onion production occurs in south central and southern Michigan in the counties of Allegan, Barry, Eaton, Ionia, Kent, Newaygo, Ottawa and Van Buren. Michigan onion production in 2022 was 85 million pounds, with a total value of $18.7 million.
Peaches: Most Michigan peaches are grown in the west central to southwest corner, close to Lake Michigan, with additional production in the east along Lake St. Clair and in the northwest Grand Rapids area. In 2022, Michigan produced more than 23 million pounds of peaches valued at more than $20.1 million. Michigan’s Red Haven peaches are famous throughout the country, with recent new Michigan varieties including the southwest Michigan Flamin’ Fury and Stellar peach series gaining popularity.
Potatoes: Michigan is ranked ninth in production of potatoes, generating $2.45 billion in economic impact in 2022 and nearly 1.65 billion pounds of potatoes harvested from as far south as Monroe County to as far north as Iron County in the Upper Peninsula. Michigan is the nation’s leading producer of potatoes for potato chip processing. Montcalm County has more harvested acres than any other county in Michigan.
Pumpkins: In 2022, Michigan generated $16.4 million from the production of 93.1 million pounds of pumpkins. In 2022, Michigan produced 164 million pounds of squash for fresh or processed use, totaling $39.5 million. Michigan leads the nation in the production of squash.
Snap beans: Michigan snap beans are grown in green, purple, and yellow varieties throughout the July through September season. Michigan produces fresh and processed snap beans. In 2022, 16,800 acres were planted with 16,500 harvested, amounting to a total value of $31 million, while 21.4 million pounds of fresh beans totaling $15.6 million were sold.
Sweet corn: Michigan sweet corn is enjoyed throughout the state in several varieties. On average, Michigan produces 86 million pounds of sweet corn for the fresh market worth $21.8 million.
Tomatoes: Michigan grows tomatoes for both fresh and processed uses. On average, Michigan produces 120,100 tons of tomatoes for processing and 74 million pounds of tomatoes for fresh market, with a total value is $48.4 millio