Congratulations are in order in Leelanau County -- the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Station is turning the big 3-0.
The NWMHRS became a reality for many area growers back in the late 1970s. At that time, much of the agricultural research around the state focused on apples, and although many growers produced apples in the northwest, their specialty was cherries. The growers felt they needed a station that provided research for the growing cherry industry, and the following tale is how the station came to be:
Dr. Jim Anderson arrived at Michigan State University as the new dean of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and he wanted to learn about mechanical harvesting. He visited the region during his first week on the job, and George McManus Jr. hosted him on his trip north.
The two stopped in at Bob Underwood's farm to check out the harvester, and on their way back to the car Bob called out to Dr. Anderson and told him what they really needed was a research station. The dean retorted, "Well then, build one."
Nearly all northwest growers took up the challenge and contributed to the fund drive that created the NWMHRS. Land was purchased in the fall of 1978, and ground was broken the following spring to build the facilities.
By the end of the first summer, the building was dedicated and fields were ready to begin planting the following spring. And the rest is history.
The NWMHRS still resides on that same 120 acres and holds true to its original mission: "To maintain and enhance the economic competitiveness of the Michigan fruit industry within the changing global market, while using production systems that produce high quality, safe foods, and assure long-term biological and economic sustainability."
Many things have changed since 1979, but we carry on the commitment to research and outreach that helps maintain the agricultural heritage we all share here in northwest Michigan.
We commemorate this birthday with more than 75 active research projects dedicated to producing high-quality tart and sweet cherries, premium apples and the finest grapes that result in world-class wines.
In partnership with the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station and Michigan State University Extension, the NWMHRS staff and local growers continue to work together to make this region one of the best places to grow fruit in the world.
Congratulations again, and we look forward to the next thirty years of agricultural success.
Dr. Nikki Rothwell is the coordinator of the NMWHRS and a district horticulturist with MSU Extension. She'll celebrate the station's birthday at the annual Open House on Aug. 20.
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