Frost, Drought, Smoke Hit West Michigan Orchards
A triple threat of bad weather is shaping up to be a tough year for the region's fruit growers, which could mean less local produce at your market.
West Michigan fruit growers are battling a difficult 2026 season marked by frost, drought, and wildfire smoke. The tough conditions are reducing yields for staples like cherries, berries, and apples. Local residents may see tighter supplies and potentially higher prices at farmers' markets and U-pick farms.
It's been a rough year for West Michigan's fruit growers. After a damaging spring frost hit many orchards and berry patches, a summer drought set in, stressing plants right as they needed moisture most. To top it off, hazy skies from Canadian wildfire smoke have reduced sunlight, affecting ripening.
The combination is a significant blow for farms in Kent County and across the region. U-pick operations, a popular summer activity for GR families, are reporting smaller crops. For many small growers, the season's potential income has been sharply cut, impacting the local agricultural economy.
Advertisement
For Grand Rapids residents, the impact will be felt at the farmers' market and grocery store. Supplies of local favorites like blueberries, cherries, and apples are expected to be lower than average. While farmers are working hard, shoppers should be prepared for limited availability and possible price increases for Michigan-grown fruit.
