Plymouth Orchards’ Female Ownership is Full of Positivity and Humor
Mary Emmett is not fazed by being a female farm owner
Lansing, Mich. – Michigan Apple Committee is celebrating Women’s History Month by recognizing female apple growers like Mary Emmett, owner of Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill. Plymouth Orchards has been a woman-owned family business since 1977 and feels no different to farms that are run by men.
Mary Emmett is the owner of Plymouth Orchards and works alongside Alicia Estrada, the general manager, and together they have grown the orchard to what it is today. Emmett started the farm with sixty acres and 5,000 apple trees to establish the orchard.
“I can honestly say that I have felt nothing but support. I do not know if it is the type of agriculture that this is but even in the very early days, from MSU Extension agents to suppliers to growers, it has been a very positive experience. Also, I do not look for skepticism. I just do what I do and enjoy myself,” said Emmett.
Emmett is confident in her abilities to run a successful farm, and she has done just that. In 2013, the farm started a three-year transition period to become certified organic. Then, in 2018 solar electric panels were added to the property.
“What we are today is the sum of some incredibly wonderful people over the decades. I also think one of the key ingredients to this business and life in general is humor. I think that is my real business strategy,” said Emmett.
Plymouth Orchards and Cider Mill is a certified organic farm, offering organic apples, raspberries, blackberries, and asparagus. Cider Mill season in the fall offers activities and treats for everyone to enjoy.
“Farming is a male-dominated field, and Mary Emmett has broken barriers and had great success as owner of Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill. We appreciate her spirit of collaboration as well as her role modeling for future generations of apple growers,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee.
The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan Apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. To learn more, visit MichiganApples.com.