Cherry production in Michigan facts for kids
.jpg)
.jpg)
Michigan is a super important state for growing cherries! It's a huge part of the farming business there. Each year, farmers in Michigan harvest over 90,000 tons of cherries. This makes Michigan the top producer of tart cherries in the entire country.
The most common type of tart, or sour, cherry grown in Michigan is called the Montmorency cherry. Another kind of sour cherry, called the Balaton cherry, which comes from Hungary, has also been grown for sale in Michigan since 1998.
Contents
Why Michigan is a Cherry Champion
Michigan's special location near Lake Michigan helps it grow so many cherries. The lake helps keep the weather just right for cherry trees. This area is often called the Fruit Belt or Fruit Ridge.
Where Cherries Grow Best
Most of Michigan's cherries come from the western part of the state. The Grand Traverse Bay region is especially famous for its cherry farms. This area has the perfect soil and climate for growing these delicious fruits.
Challenges for Cherry Farmers
Even though Michigan is great for cherries, farmers sometimes face big challenges.
The Danger of Late Frost
One of the biggest worries for cherry farmers is a late spring frost. If the weather gets too cold after the cherry trees have started to bloom, it can easily hurt the flowers. This can destroy the entire harvest for the year. For example, in 2012, a bad frost caused farmers to lose over 90% of their cherry crop. This shows how important the weather is for growing cherries!
Celebrating Cherries in Michigan
Cherries are so important to Michigan that they have a special celebration!
The National Cherry Festival
Every July, the city of Traverse City hosts the National Cherry Festival. This fun event celebrates all things cherry! People come from everywhere to enjoy parades, concerts, cherry-themed foods, and learn more about this important fruit. It's a big party that shows how much Michigan loves its cherries.
