Mid-July through Labor Day weekend is “go time” for Up North Blueberry Farm owners Jodi and Bob Wagner.
That’s because it is picking season for blueberry farms. There aren’t many blueberry farms in Northern Michigan because the soil tends to have lower pH levels, but the Wagner’s farm near Gaylord has had the right characteristics since they first planted blueberry bushes there in 2011, opening to the public one year later.
Running a blueberry farm is a busy endeavor but a seasonal one, where late spring to mid-July constitutes the growing season. Blueberries generally are ready to pick within two or three days of August, and the farm remains open for pickers through Labor Day.
“Weather plays a big role in exactly when the blueberries are ready and how big of a crop we have but it’s pretty consistent,” said Bob Wagner. “We have everything we need here with the irrigation and better soil than other parts of (Northern Michigan). Southwest Michigan is a better fit, but Michigan is not a big blueberry (producer).”
Up North Blueberry Farm has over 2,600 bushes that have grown to an average of 72 inches, Wagner said. The farm can have between 7,000-10,000 customers picking blueberries during the roughly six to seven-week window in late summer. While crop amounts vary, an average of around 10,000 pounds of blueberries is available any given year.
With the recent winter weather challenges Northern Michigan has faced, it is good that blueberries are a “hardy” crop, according to Wagner. The 2025 ice storm damaged some bushes but as long as there are few, if any, days of temperatures below 27 by mid-May, it tends to be a successful growing season. Moderate temperatures that stay below the mid-80s are ideal for June and early July.
“Like with many crops, extreme weather is bad,” Wagner said.
The Wagners prepare for picking season by putting mulch around the bushes in the spring, which keeps weeds down and the bush roots cool. Family members and some friends help during the busy season along with a small seasonal staff. Outside of that, running Up North Blueberry Farm is a two-person operation for the Wagners, even as they are retired from their other careers and in their 60s.
“We started (the blueberry farm) as a way to generate some income in our retirement but the way the community embraced us has been amazing,” Wagner said. “People are amazing. They are so nice to each other. When we see smiles on their faces that puts smiles on our faces.”
Up North Blueberry Farm offers nine varieties of blueberries for pickers, who continue to descend on the Gaylord farm in growing numbers each year. Wagner characterized the first week as being “packed,” with blueberry picking serving as a good family activity for multiple generations. The Wagners don’t need to market much beyond social media, as they see many of the same customers come back each year.
The Wagners also sell blueberries at farmers markets in Gaylord and Boyne City, so during picking season the farm is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and from 1-6 p.m. on Sundays.
“Monday is our off day and we need it,” Wagner said with a laugh.
Located at 3964 Hallenius Road, Up North Blueberry Farm also offers pre-picked berries and a variety of products, including jams, local honey, dehydrated blueberries and blueberry-themed gifts.
The farm will open for the market season on Saturday, July 11. U-Pick is not yet open, but check for updates at upnorthblueberryfarm.com or facebook.com/upnorthblueberryfarm.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Gaylord’s Up North Blueberry Farm preps for busy summer picking season
Reporting by M. Alan Scott, The Petoskey News-Review / The Petoskey News-Review
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By M. Alan Scott, The Petoskey News-Review | USA TODAY Network
