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Winter freezes highlight need for diversification

The executive secretary of the Michigan State Horticultural Society says winter freezes are seeming to cause more damage to fruit crops than spring frosts in recent years.

“In the last five years we’ve had these winter cold events and while there have been a few spring frosts, they haven’t damaged the grapes too bad.”

Ben Smith, also a farmer in Southwest Michigan, tells Brownfield two significant freeze events in January are expected to wipe out most wine grapes in his region and up to a third of the juice grapes which is why many growers are diversifying.

“Juice grapes have been struggling in the last several years to be profitable.  Years where we have a short crop, we’re hurt even worse.”       

Smith grows grapes, corn and soybeans.  He tells Brownfield fortunately grapes are hearty fruit crops and can be rejuvenated for future seasons.