Northern Michigan Fruit Crops ’Devastated’ By Wind, Hail Storms

Apple, grape and tart cherry crops were hit hard by the winds and hail that raked across the Leelanau Peninsula, Old Mission Peninsula and the fruit belt near Elk Rapids on Sunday, Aug. 2. "It’s pretty heartbreaking," said Extension Specialist Nikki Rothwell, coordinator of Michigan State University Extension Service research station, on Tuesday, Aug. 4. "I feel for the growers who have taken care of these apples since April. To lose them two or three months before harvest is pretty devastating." There are no dollar estimates of damage yet, Rothwell said.