VanAgtmael Orchards; Hart, Michigan

Mike VanAgtmael

We’ve been farming for 3 generations, and for 30 years we’ve been exclusively tree fruit. About 4 years ago we put in our first Orchard Rite® frost fan and have since added 2 more.

Before we put in these machines, we never had a full crop in the valley acreage, where we typically will be around 25-28 degrees on some nights. With these machines, we’ve been able to pick up 7 to 8 degrees with a good strong inversion layer. Since we put in these machines, we’ve had a full crop most years. We’ve had apples when some of the neighbors didn’t have any.

When we’re ready, we’ll certainly be going back to Orchard Rite® to add new machines. We’re a firm believer in them!