Mottman's Orchard, Allendale.
TALLMADGE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WZZM) - An Ottawa County apple orchard will not open this fall after frost in April killed off its crop. Motman's orchard off of Lake Michigan Drive posted signs Tuesday which read "lost our apple crop" and "our farm market will remain closed this year."
Motman's usually opens in the fall to sell apples and other fruits grown at the orchard.
"We had that mild winter and all of a sudden the cold weather came-- froze the blossoms and once the blossoms are froze, there's no crop," says neighbor Alan Sutter.
We left a message for the owners of Motman's to find out more about their plans for the coming year. They have not returned our phone call.
Meanwhile, owners of another West Michigan business reliant on apple crops for the fall season will not let a bad season shut them down. Robinette's Apple Haus & Winery in Grand Rapids Township is turning to other growers for help.
Owner, Ed Robinette says all of his apple crop was frozen in the last frost, so he is buying apples from other michigan growers to make the cider, wine, and other products. Robinette says he has no intention of closing for the fall.