End of an Era: No U-Pick Berries at Rowe’s Produce Farm

I knew the day would come, but kept hoping it was several years in the future. Rowe’s Produce Farm in Belleville, Michigan, where I’ve picked berries for several decades, announced they would no longer have u-pick strawberries. Visiting the Rowe’s website last week, I found their news update: Due to catastrophic weather conditions in 2024 and 2025 we no longer have any strawberries for you pick. I received their “The List” newsletter this week, with more details: This is the first email of the 2026 you pick season. In case you missed the notification on our website or our Facebook page. WE NO LONGER GROW STRAWBERRIES. The last two seasons resulted in the worst two crops we have ever grown due to catastrophic weather conditions. We did everything we could to try and bring them back but have failed. At our age we would rather play with our grandchild than start over in the berry business. There will be no more berries going forward. Sad news to read, but sounds like they made the best…