Years in Industry: 5 years
Family: wife Bridget, daughters Brianna and Mary
Memberships and Organizations: Michigan Farm Market Association and Agri-Tourism Association, Michigan Farm Bureau's MACMA Apple Division, Eaton County Farm Bureau
History: The orchard was first established just after the Civil War by the Upright family, who started the original orchard and farm market. Steve's father, Bernie, and his late mother, Ann, bought the land in 1971 and expanded the farm market to include cider making and the "u-pick" orchards.
Steve believes that the inclusion of the picking-the-apples-yourself option is one of the biggest draws to the Country Mill. Over the years, there has been an increase in the number of consumers who want to visit the orchards for a first-hand experience. Consumers today want to see how things work and where their food comes from.
"Our big thing is family fun on the farm," Steve says. "We want the consumer to enjoy the Michigan apple experience and hopefully that will influence them to buy Michigan apples the rest of the year."
What's New: Along with being a fun, family attraction, the Country Mill is also an environmental friendly farm. The orchard recently received MAEAP verification. This comprehensive program for Michigan farmers is focused on reducing waste from the use of chemicals and pesticides, protecting water supplies, reducing waste run-off and lowering overall effects that farms can have on the environment.
Becoming MAEAP verified requires meeting a certain standard for environmental assuredness, including inspections by a third-party verification consultant. Steve says verification has a lot of intangible benefits and that the process pushes farmers to take more protective and preventative measures. He believes consumers are appreciative of farmers who are proactive about being environmentally friendly.
Other notable attractions include the Country Mill's Apple Festival in late September, haunted attractions in October, train rides and an option to have apples and cider shipped directly to friends and family. Another popular option for consumers is providing organic apples. Organic apples now make up half of the orchard on the 120-acre farm. The orchard is 34 acres in total.
Most of their apples are sold directly from the farm market, and through other markets in the state, or processed into cider. However, a growing amount is being sold and shipped to southern states like Florida and Arizona. A complete list of events, shipping options and other products available at the mill can be found at http://www.countrymill.com/.
Steve is the youngest of four children. His two older brothers, Michael and Chris, still live in Michigan and their families help out at the mill seasonally. His sister, Toni, lives in Virginia.
Steve attended the University of Notre Dame, where he received his degree in electrical engineering and took part in the ROTC program. After graduation he worked for four years as an engineer and logistics officer in the Marine Corps. His service offered lots of travel. Thailand, Korea and Hawaii were a few of his favorite destinations. In 2003, he returned to the farm and began the transition into ownership of the mill. Steve met his wife, Bridget, when the two were still in college. They married in 2001 before Steve returned home to the farm. Today they have two daughters, Brianna and Mary.