Charlotte Farm Highlights Michigan Apple Harvesting
The Tennes family manages local apple production and food bank donation efforts in Charlotte.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Organic Food
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Country Mill Farms in Charlotte, Michigan, spans 213 acres and provides local produce including donuts and apples. The site supports regional food security through its annual harvesting program.
Why it matters
Supporting local growers like those in the Michigan network of over 900 apple farmers helps sustain regional agriculture. These family-run operations often anchor the local food supply and community engagement efforts.
Country Mill Farms operates on 213 total acres, with 40 acres currently dedicated to customer apple picking. This reflects a small portion of the broader Michigan landscape, which contains over 900 individual apple growers.
The players
The Tennes family
The family owners and operators of the 213-acre Country Mill Farms in Charlotte.
The details
The farm utilizes a specialized machine to prepare fresh donuts daily, offering varieties such as buttermilk, pumpkin, and gluten-free options. Beyond retail production, the farm manages crop distribution by repurposing certain apples for animal feed and coordinating the Pick a Peck for People event where volunteers load semi trucks to supply local food banks.
Timeline
The Tennes family purchased the farm in 1971.
The Pick a Peck for People event is held on November 1st, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Health Landscape
The operation of Country Mill Farms reflects the broader effort to maintain small-scale agricultural diversity within the state of Michigan. This model reinforces the importance of local food systems alongside the historical trend of family-run orchard management.
Residents can support regional food access by participating in community-focused harvesting programs like the one held at the local farm. Individuals interested in specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free options, should inquire directly with local growers about their production practices.
The takeaway
Supporting local orchards helps maintain the diversity of the regional food supply. Residents can engage with their local food system by volunteering for community harvests or identifying local sources for specific dietary preferences.
Further reading
Learn more about local agriculture and harvest sourcing at the Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wilx.
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