Metcalfe's Market

Daniel Hubbell on developing a food hub.

Michigan fruit growers face record losses in 2012

by Absolute Michigan

Michigan farmers are now reaping the unpleasant harvest of our strange "Summer in March." The Kalamazoo Gazette reports that the United States Department of Agriculture puts the 2012 losses for apples, asparagus, blueberries, sweet & tart cherries, peaches and juice grapes in Michigan at $223.5 million. That's 62% of these commodities' 5-year average combined value of $359.6 million.
In the Detroit News feature, Michigan Farm Bureau commodity specialist Ken Nye explains:

"This is the worst that Michigan has experienced in the past 50 years at least," Nye said. "I don't know how far you'd have to go back to find something similar."
Michigan produces three-fourths of the nation's tart cherries, used primarily in pies and other food products, and 20 percent of its sweet cherries, a popular table fruit. It ranks third nationally in apple production, behind Washington and New York.
The state is no stranger to spring cold snaps, and experts say orchards remain vulnerable throughout May. The tart cherry crop was a near-total loss a decade ago. What sets this year apart is not just the severity of the damage but the variety of fruits affected.
"We've had freezes before, but you'd always have something come through OK," said David Rabe, who grows apples, tart cherries, peaches and asparagus in Oceana County. "This year, just about everything's devastated. Asparagus might be the only crop we can harvest."

The numbers are pretty devastating:

• Apples: 90 percent loss, $110 million
• Blueberries: 10 percent loss, $15 million
• Juice Grapes: 85 percent loss, $18 million
• Peaches: 95 percent loss, $14 million
• Sweet Cherries: 80 percent loss, $15 million
• Tart Cherries: 90 percent loss, $50 million
• Asparagus: 10 percent loss, $1.5 million

Summer repose

Northern Michigan Attractions: Follow Mario Batali in Leelanau County

http://www.mynorth.com/My-North/August-2011/Northern-Michigan-Attractions-Follow-Mario-Batali-in-Leelanau-County/

Northern Michigan Attractions: Given its rich variety of fresh local produce, dairy, meat and wine coupled with a landscape marked by dunes, Lake Michigan vistas and vineyards, it's no wonder Mario Batali chose Leelanau County as the location of his summer escapes from New York City. The world-famous foodie visited Northern Michigan for the first time just 10 years ago and kept coming back year after year. While all Northern Michigan enthusiasts, understand the draw of this magical Michigan landscape, it is affirming to see this superstar chef raving about Northern Michigan through just about every social media site possible.
Check out this blog about the chef's travels through Leelanau County and then why not cook like Mario Batali as well? Here is a delicious sweet summer recipe from our neighbor, Mario Batali.
Bon appetit!