Frost pushes harvest timetable back for Buurma Farms’ Michigan operations
Frost pushes harvest timetable back for Buurma Farms’ Michigan operations
Earlier frost conditions are expected to delay some of the first crops grown by Buurma Farms Inc. in Michigan during 2013.
“Frost took out the first couple of plantings of most crops, which put us about a week to 10 days behind schedule. We just have to be patient,” Treasurer Loren Buurma told The Produce News. “But quality looks really good on what we have coming.”
The history of the multi-generational farming company dates back to its founding in 1896.
The company is headquartered in Willard, OH, with farming operations there and in Gregory, MI. Buurma Farms of Georgia LCC grows fresh produce in Claxon, GA.
Buurma Farms Inc. is a grower and shipper of quality fresh produce. The multi-generational family farm first began operation in 1896 and today moves commodities into the eastern United States from operations in Ohio, Michigan and Georgia. (Photo courtesy of Buurma Farms Inc.)Buurma Farms grows radishes, beets, cilantro, dill, curly and flat parsley, carrots, celery, kale as well as collard, turnip and mustard greens from its Michigan operation. “Radishes started May 28,” Buurma went on to say. Cilantro, dill, turnip and mustard greens were scheduled for June 14. Collard, kale, beets and curly and Italian parsley were expected the following week. Celery and carrots start the last week of July.
Commodities are marketed under the “Buurma” label to customers in the eastern United States.
On the facilities side, Buurma said a new office and break area was built last year. “We continue to upgrade the packing and shipping facilities,” he added. The company is focused on food safety, and its annual audit by Primus Labs has already been conducted. “We are doing a GFS audit this year,” Buurma said.
On the personnel side, “Dustin Buurma has moved from the company’s Georgia farm to Michigan to help with the transition from fourth- to fifth-generation family members in charge of the operation there in Gregory,” Buurma stated. “He is learning all aspects of managing the operation, from seed to harvest, from tractor to truck, production to personnel and even helping mix chemicals for the spray plane.” Dustin Buurma is a 2006 graduate of Michigan State University.
