Charlotte Farm Maintains Local Apple Traditions
Country Mill Farms operates a longstanding apple orchard and cider mill for the Charlotte community.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Organic Food
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Country Mill Farms, a 213-acre site in Charlotte, Michigan, continues to produce fresh goods including buttermilk and apple donuts. The orchard, purchased by the Tennes family in 1971, devotes over 40 acres of its land to customer apple picking.
Why it matters
The farm serves as a pillar of the local agricultural landscape, contributing to the broader Michigan industry comprised of over 900 family-run apple growers. It maintains community ties through charitable initiatives and traditional orchard operations.
Country Mill Farms spans 213 total acres and dedicates 40 acres to customer apple picking. This contributes to a state-wide network of over 900 apple growers operating across Michigan.
The players
Country Mill Farms
This family-owned orchard and cider mill is located in Charlotte, Michigan, and maintains significant acreage for fruit production.
The Tennes family
They are the owners who purchased the property in 1971 and have managed the site for over five decades.
The details
Each morning, the facility utilizes a dedicated machine to prepare a variety of fresh donuts, including buttermilk, pumpkin, and gluten-free options. The farm also supports food security through the Pick a Peck for People event, where volunteers fill a semi truck with apples for regional food banks.
Timeline
The Tennes family purchased the farm in 1971.
The Pick a Peck for People harvesting event takes place on November 1st from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Culture Shift
The farm highlights the shift toward sustainable and community-focused agriculture, mirroring a broader trend in local food sourcing. Its operations align with the historical pattern of Michigan's agriculture department's records on family-run fruit orchards.
Residents can support the local agricultural economy by participating in apple picking on the 40-acre orchard section or purchasing fresh donuts. The annual harvesting event offers a specific opportunity for citizens to volunteer and provide produce to those in need.
The takeaway
Supporting local family-run farms helps maintain regional agricultural diversity and provides direct access to fresh, seasonal produce. Residents are encouraged to check local harvest schedules to participate in community-driven events like charity orchard pickings.
Further reading
Learn more about local agriculture at Organic Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wilx.
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