News

Michigan asparagus harvest two weeks out

An asparagus grower says the recent wet weather should make for a more flavorful crop this season.

Helen Dietrich with Ridgeview Orchards in West Michigan tells Brownfield the start of the growing season is right on schedule with the first asparagus harvest expected in about two weeks.  “When asparagus does get enough rain it seems to have a better flavor and the great thing about Michigan asparagus, because we have natural water, we don’t have to irrigate.  I personally think it has more of a sweeter, more wonderful flavor.”

Dietrich says finding enough labor for the hand-harvest has been an issue for quite some time, but as of right now they are expecting to have enough employees in the coming weeks.  “We’re just praying that the people show up. We’ve been in contact with most of our employees and from right now it sounds like we’re going to have enough, but you never know.”

She says their packing house, Riveridge Produce Marketing, now packs asparagus for growers across Michigan and will be shipping fresh asparagus across the eastern United States over the next few months.

Michigan is the second largest asparagus producer in the country.

AUDIO: Interview with Helen Dietrich