MICHIGAN - With May marking the official start of the long-awaited Michigan asparagus season, I see no better time to put a spotlight on some of the over 100 farm families committed to harvesting quality product year after year. In celebration of the start of the season, which extends through the end of June, this series sought to tap the expertise of a few long-standing family farms thriving in the asparagus space.

As a fifth-generation farm located in Mears, Michigan, Riley Orchards prides itself on growing quality Michigan asparagus for the consumer. Asparagus was added to the company’s crop rotation in the 1970s and has been a staple part of the family business ever since. Steve Riley, Owner/Operator, recently discussed the company’s legacy and more.

What are the benefits of local, Michigan-grown asparagus, and what are some of the ways Riley Orchards works to ensure quality and freshness?

Michigan fresh asparagus offers the best quality and flavor available for consumers between May and June. The key to its taste lies in its freshness due to having a longer shelf-life compared to imported asparagus. On average, it takes only three to four days to ship Michigan asparagus nationwide, compared to weeks for imported asparagus. It also does not undergo the chemical fumigation process that imports do when coming through customs. This gives the retailer a product with a look and feel consumers know and love. It’s not only more nutritious but has a longer shelf-life—a great advantage for promoting locally grown, locally sold product.

To achieve optimal quality and freshness, farmers practice timely picking and rapidly remove field heat through hydrocooling. They monitor their fields to ensure asparagus is picked at the optimal height to ensure quality product. Many times, when it is hot, growers will harvest the same field twice in the same day to avoid asparagus over-maturing. Oceana County has great infrastructure for handling asparagus post-harvest. We have multiple growers and receiving stations that have hydrocoolers and cold storage to quickly cool down harvested asparagus and store it until it is ready for the fresh packers or processors.

What makes this growing region so unique?

West Michigan is a unique growing area known for its mild climate, abundant water resources, and fertile soil. Our region is known for asparagus, apples, tart and sweet cherries, and many other vegetables. The farming community is tight-knit and works hard to produce top-quality produce for consumers. Over the years, Michigan asparagus has become an anticipated crop in much of the country. It is a crop that we, as growers, take pride in growing.

We are thankful for the buyers who prioritize American-grown crops. We understand this is a conscious decision to support locally grown produce and the families it represents.

Further supporting American-grown crops, how can retailers help maximize demand for asparagus throughout the Michigan season?

Michigan asparagus is an anticipated crop by many locals; however, we want to broaden our net of consumers. By advertising that they carry Michigan asparagus through point-of-sale, in-store signage, and digital advertising, retailers can highlight seasonality, locally grown messaging, and availability, encouraging impulse purchases.

How has the asparagus category and market evolved during your time in the industry? How have consumer demands changed?

Asparagus is a demanding crop that requires constant management during harvest to produce a high-quality product for the consumer. Consumer preference has shifted to fresh asparagus, as it is available year-round.

The processing market plays a vital role by creating shelf-stable products that can reduce fresh market pressure during our harvest season and producing high-quality products that can be used year-round in the frozen and canned markets. Canned, frozen, and pickled asparagus are great ways to have Michigan asparagus outside of the seasonal window.

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