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Asparagus harvest spreading across Michigan

The recent heatwave across the Midwest has jumpstarted asparagus harvest in the nation’s largest producing state

Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board Executive Director Jamie Clover Adams tells Brownfield this year’s start is fast and furious as cool, wet weather has quickly turned hot and dry.

“The older farmers tell me that the longer it takes to come up, there’s less opportunity for freeze damage so that’s a good thing,” she says.

Clover Adams says farmers have been able to source enough labor and inputs despite supply chain issues.  But she says imports remain challenging.

“Imports during our season here in May and June were at record levels last year and appear to be on pace again this season which puts real downward pressure on prices,” she says.

Michigan produces nearly 40 percent of the nation’s asparagus, and given the rising costs of transportation and fuel, Clover Adams says that should create more opportunities for growers.