Today is National Eat Your Vegetables Day, and there’s no better place to spend it than in Michigan. Our state has over 9.9 million acres of farmland and produces more than 300 commodities, making it the state with the second most diverse agriculture industry in the nation just behind California. This means there should be no problem finding your vegetable of the day today. For the Schultz family of Schultz Fruitridge Farms, fresh produce is their livelihood. Bill Schultz, president and owner of Schultz Fruitridge Farms, celebrates this day as “a great reminder to people that we are blessed to have such wonderful fresh quality food here in Michigan.” For nearly 70 years the Schultz family has owned and operated the family farm, growing their own variety of high-quality local produce right in Mattawan.

Currently, Schultz Farms is coming out of asparagus season and gearing up for sweet corn which is getting ready to be harvested in July. Even though farmers have had their share of difficulties this year with the spring weather, “we will still be able to offer our customers a pretty nice selection of produce this season,” says Bill. As a third-generation farmer, he knows that you can plan for difficult seasons only so much, as ultimately, he explains, “The weather trumps everything.” Another storm that farmers couldn’t plan for was the COVID-19 pandemic which changed the landscape of life as we know it. “The community support has been encouraging,” Bill says. “We know that people still need to eat every day, and we hope that people think of us when they have their next meal.” Customers of Schultz Fruitridge Farms can expect a very good crop of grapes and a crop of blueberries this year, along with peaches, apples, and more, according to Bill.

The Schultz Family also owns Texas Corners Brewing Company, now open for dine-in customers at reduced capacity and continuing takeout service. “As long as people keep patronizing us, I think we’ll be able to get through this,” said Bill. In addition to supplying produce to their own restaurant, you can also enjoy Schultz produce at a variety of local restaurants that source ingredients from the farm, including Chinn Chinn, Nonla Vietnamese Street Food, Food Dance, Bold, and many more.

If you want to cook your own veggies or eat fruit straight from the source, you can order goods online for pick up at the Schultz Farm Market Store or visit them on Saturday mornings at the Texas Township Farmer’s Market. You can also learn more on their website about U-Pick and other ways to dig into the fun. Just don’t forget to eat your vegetables!