Good morning:

2021 proved to be a challenging year.  We not only had to deal with weather but the persistent pandemic.

As winters go, Michigan had a fairly mild one, with cold weather and snow not showing up until February.   With a mild week in early April, our GDD (Growing Degree Days) advanced about 7-days. The trend continued through May.   As always, an early season does not prevent May frosts at blossom time.   We had to frost protect with sprinklers more evenings than we had for many years.  Thanks goodness the frost nights ended in late May, as the reservoirs that we pump out of were at a critical low level from pumping many nights.  All of the investment years ago in frost protection has paid for itself many times over.

The blueberry harvest started July 1st as one of the earliest that we have had in many years.  With the warmer temperatures and below average rainfall, it kept our irrigation systems busy.  With all of the weather issues we still had a very good crop of blueberries.

Nursery orders for blueberry plants were at an all-time high, with many varieties sold out 1 year in advance.  Advance planning for varieties and sizes is essential to get what you need for your plantings.

In 2022 this will be DeGrandchamp Farms 64th year since my dad and mom started to grow blueberries in 1958.  We are always here to help with your new or next planting.  Our staff looks forward to hearing from you.

All the best

Mike DeGrandchamp