This post is sponsored by our partners at North Bay Produce.
A Tour of North Bay Produce’s Michigan Blueberry Farms
Summer and Michigan blueberries go hand in hand. Drive along the western Michigan coastline and you’ll spot sprawling blueberry farms at the peak of the season. Michigan produces over 65 million pounds of blueberries—about 32% of the North American crop—making the state a major source of this antioxidant-rich superfood. Blueberry season in Michigan generally stretches from late June through early October, making summer the ideal time to visit family-owned farms and taste berries straight from the field.
North Bay Produce is a grower-owned fruit and vegetable cooperative based in Traverse City, MI. Its grower members span the globe—from Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay to the United States—providing year-round fresh produce including apples, asparagus, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, snow peas, and sugar snap peas. Many North Bay growers are second-, third-, and even fourth-generation farmers dedicated to high-quality, consistent produce.
We recently visited Ottawa County, Michigan to see blueberry farming and packing operations up close. From field harvest to packing lines, we traced the path these berries take to reach your table.
Crossroads Blueberry Farm
At Crossroads Blueberry Farm in West Olive, MI, owners Dave and Kelly Reenders welcomed us for a plant tour. Freshly harvested berries arrive at the plant, are labeled, and move into cooling storage. From there they pass along a conveyor for sorting: bruised, discolored, or defective berries are set aside as seconds, while top-quality fruit is packed for North Bay distribution.
On the packing line we noticed North Bay’s updated packaging, which features a larger logo and the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check certification for fresh produce. The new design uses vibrant, clean colors to signal freshness and quality. The slogan “From our farms to your family. Naturally.” highlights North Bay’s commitment to delivering fresh produce using responsible farming practices.
Lakeside Pic-n-Pac
At Lakeside Pic-N-Pac in Grand Haven, MI, we toured the blueberry fields and watched a top-load harvester working the rows. The harvester gently shakes the bushes so ripe berries fall into a catching frame, are elevated, and sorted into bins that go directly to refrigeration. This mechanized approach speeds harvesting and helps maintain fruit quality.
Harvesters can reduce labor costs by as much as 50% and often recover more usable fruit than hand picking. A harvester typically requires just two to three operators: a driver and one or two workers on top packing bins. With ongoing labor shortages across agriculture, more farms are adopting harvesting machinery to stay efficient and competitive.
Bowerman Blueberry Farm
Our final stop was Bowerman’s Farm Market. Located on more than 90 acres of blueberry fields, the market sells freshly picked blueberries ready to take home. It also offers a tempting selection of blueberry-flavored baked goods, ice cream, slushies, and other treats. A fan favorite is the famous blueberry donut, which even inspired a limited-edition Hudsonville Ice Cream flavor that blends vanilla with blueberry swirls and donut pieces.
Bowerman’s market also stocks a variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables along with gift items like candles, soaps, and apparel. Visitors can pick their own berries in the U-Pick fields just outside the market—an activity that makes for a fun, family-friendly outing and ensures you leave with fresh berries and plenty of memories.
Pick for Pantries with Ottawa County Blueberry Farms
Many farms we visited participate in Ottawa County’s “Pick for Pantries” program. On select dates during the season, U-Pick customers can donate a portion of their harvest to local food pantries, helping bring fresh fruit to neighbors in need. It’s a simple, impactful way for farms and communities to support food access.
More Ways to Enjoy North Bay Blueberries
Blueberries are versatile and pair well with both sweet and savory dishes. One standout recipe is Shrimp Tacos with Blueberry Mango Slaw, which mixes fresh fruit with savory shrimp for bright, flavorful street tacos. For a refreshing beverage, try a Blueberry Frozen Margarita. From North Bay’s recipe collection, Berry Chia Pudding and Blueberry Yogurt Pops are easy, healthy ideas for snacks or breakfast. A handful of fresh or frozen blueberries also elevates smoothies, baked goods, yogurt parfaits, or ice cream.
For pet-friendly treats, Banana and Blueberry Pupsicles are a simple, dog-safe option. On a recent segment of Indy Style, Lori and Sharon Robb of North Bay Produce shared back-to-school blueberry recipes including Baked Blueberry Banana Oatmeal Cups, which can be made ahead and frozen for convenient breakfasts, and Blueberry Chia Jam with Ginger, ideal for breads, crackers, or sandwiches.
If you want to extend the season, consider quick pickling blueberries. Layer sliced red onions and blueberries in a mason jar, then mix white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and kosher salt until the sugar dissolves. Pour the brine into the jar, seal, and refrigerate—the result is a bright, tangy condiment that pairs well with cheeses, salads, and roasted meats.
