Local fruit farms react to frigid April temperatures

NILES, Mich. -- Temperatures are unseasonably cold which raises concern for local farms.  

But for Lehman’s Orchard, they are no rookie to April snow storms. Lehman’s Orchard is a u-pick farm located in Niles. Established in 1929, cold days are no surprise for the experienced. The farm grows everything from strawberries to blackberries as well as tart cherries, apple trees and more.

Steve Lecklider tells me the fruit trees are the most vulnerable to the colder conditions, while berries typically are survivors. Even so, the farm is always prepared.

“The past we have always had a day like this, so you are always going to have a day, and it usually is the second night is more dangerous it always comes in twos. You usually prep yourself and make sure your operation is diversified and able to withstand some losses,” says Lecklider.  

Steve says he is not expecting to take any losses on the fruit trees even though they are vulnerable and exposed. However, the farm is expecting to have strawberries available the end of May. Further information about the farm can be found here.