COLOMA, Mich. -- Summer harvest season is underway, and local orchards already have an array of fruits to offer.
John Jollay, eighth-generation farmer at Jollay Orchards, says he’s been learning to farm since he was a kid, and takes pride in the quality of the fruit they grow.
The orchard grows both summer and autumn fruits that keep guests coming back for different options. The orchard’s most popular season is fall; not only offering apples, but also warm cider and sweet donuts. Jollay’s favorite season, he says, is sweet cherry season, which has been ongoing since June. However, this year’s cherry season is not as plentiful as the year’s past.
The deep freezes and frost Michiana experienced in late spring impacted the cherry harvest. Jollay says the rapid drop in temperature “took out a real majority of the crop.” Across the board, both sweet cherries and tart cherries were affected. However, the tart cherry varieties took the hardest blow. Recovery efforts like using wind machines to redistribute warmer air can only do so much when “you’re at the mercy of nature,” Jollay says.
Despite the limited yield, Jollay remains optimistic. Jollay explains that once the trees have the opportunity to focus on growth and recovery, they can be more fruitful in the future.
“We'll definitely keep working and just do everything we can to make sure we set ourselves up for the best possible outcome next year,” Jollay said.