Harvest Heroes: Celebrating Southwest Michigan’s Top Crops and the Farmworkers Behind Them

June 18, 2025

Southwest Michigan is known for its natural beauty—rolling hills, freshwater lakes, and fertile farmland. But behind the scenes of this agricultural abundance is a dedicated workforce that helps bring food from the fields to our tables.

From early morning plantings to long summer harvests, migrant farmworkers play a critical role in cultivating the crops that define our region. As we enjoy the fruits—literally—of their labor, it’s important to recognize not just what we grow, but who helps us grow it.

Listen to our cool, AI-generated podcast:  Harvest Heroes

🌽 Top Crops of Southwest Michigan

1. Blueberries
Michigan ranks among the top blueberry-producing states in the U.S., and Van Buren County is at the heart of it. Our unique climate and sandy soil make this area ideal for growing sweet, plump berries. Migrant workers carefully hand-pick each berry to ensure the highest quality.

2. Apples
From Gala to Honeycrisp, apples are a staple crop in Southwest Michigan. The fall harvest wouldn’t be possible without crews of skilled workers who prune trees, thin fruit, and pick apples at peak ripeness.

3. Grapes (Table & Wine)
The Lake Michigan Shore AVA is a top grape-growing region, producing both table grapes and award-winning wines. Vineyard work is labor-intensive and requires experienced hands throughout the growing season.

4. Asparagus
Michigan is one of the top asparagus producers in the country, and the short harvest window requires swift and efficient work. Farmworkers snap off stalks by hand, sometimes gathering thousands of pounds in a single day.

5. Cucumbers & Pickling Vegetables
These crops are big business for our area’s canneries and pickle processors. Fast-paced harvesting crews are crucial for bringing in these delicate vegetables on time.

6. Peaches & Cherries
Stone fruits like peaches and tart cherries thrive in our lake-effect climate. From thinning in spring to hand-picking in summer, each step in the growing process is labor-intensive.

🤝 The People Behind the Produce

Each year, thousands of migrant and seasonal farmworkers travel to Southwest Michigan to work in our fields and orchards. They bring with them not only incredible skill and experience but also cultural richness and strong family values.

These workers often face long hours, changing weather conditions, and limited access to resources—yet they show up, season after season, to help ensure our agricultural economy thrives.

💚 Supporting Our Farmworker Families

Van Buren ISD and community partners are committed to offering support services to farmworker families, including:

  • Education programs

  • Health and wellness resources

  • Bilingual support and translation services

  • Housing assistance and childcare referrals

To learn more about these supports, visit VBISDResources.com or reach out to your local service coordinator.

Let’s take a moment to celebrate not just the food we grow in Southwest Michigan—but the people who make it possible. They are the backbone of our agricultural success, and they deserve our respect, gratitude, and support.

Farmworker picking blueberries