Despite Mother Nature telling us it is winter-time, farming season is on the mind for growers all year long.

Swings in supply and demand, as well as the weather, determine a good season from a not-so-good one.

Much of southwest Michigan's economy is grounded in farming. Crops like grapes and other fruit benefit from specific weather conditions.

But when the weather turns south, that could spell trouble.

Grapes, apples, and cherries contribute to southwest Michigan’s economy in a big way.

“We know juice grapes of various kinds being grown in the late 1800s in the southwest Michigan area,” said Mike Reinke, Viticulture Specialist at Michigan State University.

Because fruit farming has such a rich history in Southern Michigan, growing the best yields every year is vital.

And the weather plays a huge role. This region is nearly perfect for fruit farming.

Lake Michigan acting like a buffer, creating warmer temperatures in the wintertime, and providing ample moisture.

"We'll see how we make it through the end of the winter here as far as some of the real cold temperatures and then the spring frost and freezes that can happen," said Jerry Grieser, Bainbridge Township Grower.

Grieser is just one of hundreds of growers and farmers attending the 2023 Southwest Michigan Horticulture Days at Lake Michigan College.

He says this year there is a good crop potential.

Despite a few cold snaps this winter, things have been quite mild, and overall, the amount of moisture is in good shape, leaving farmers optimistic.

"I've already networked with a few growers saying the buds look really good this year, so the report is, and the consensus is that we are in good shape," Bill Shane, Senior Extension Tree Fruit Specialist at Michigan State University.

The outlook is fairly good for consumers as well.

Juice grapes have had good yields over the last few years.

That means no major changes in supply or price for shoppers.

“For this year, expect more of the great stuff we had before and even more from some of the new people coming in," said Reinke.

Southwest Michigan Horticulture Days brings growers and farmers together to learn new methods and practices.