REENDERS LEGACY
Our Story
It started with 20 acres and a pair of calloused hands. Our great-grandfather, Clarence Reenders and his sons, worked this land with grit, purpose, and faith that the Lord rewards honest work.
Today, we’re 900 acres strong and growing 22 varieties of blueberries. We’re proud to be fourth-generation West Michigan farmers, building a legacy that feeds our family, nourishes our neighbors, and supports our local Michigan economy.
THE TIMELINE
Where it All Started
Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. – Jeremiah 1:5
We all have a calling in life—for our family, it’s always been growing Michigan’s finest blueberries.
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Buying the land
1956
Clarence Reenders and his sons; Marvin, Lawrence, and Kenneth worked the land.
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Move farm locations
1958
Farm moves locations to gain 40 acres
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Iced out
1966
Reenders Farm overcomes a frozen winter, family endures by sticking together
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Next generation takes over
1988
Next generation takes ownership: Dave, Bruce, Mike, and Steve
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Iced out, again
1992
Farm freezes out again. Hard work and faith sees us through, learning, and growing.
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Fourth generation takes over
2024
Fourth generation takes ownership: Josh, Nate, Luke, and Ethan
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Today
2025
900 acres, 22 varieties of blueberries, and a farm market
REENDERS QUALITY
Our Process
What makes people drive miles to load their trucks with boxes of Reenders blueberries? It’s the love and care they taste in every bite. We pay attention to the details to make sure we get it right.
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Caring for the Bush
Healthy bushes grow better fruit. Michigan’s naturally acidic, sandy soil makes it one of the best places in the country to grow blueberries. We stick to a careful nutrient plan and walk the fields regularly to ensure every plant is thriving.
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Harvesting at the Right Time
We harvest at peak ripeness for best flavor and texture. Our market berries are hand-picked with a gentle roll of the thumb and forefinger to protect the fruit. Frozen and wholesale berries are mechanically harvested and flash frozen to lock in freshness.
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Mindful Cleaning Techniques
After harvest, our blueberries pass through dry cleaning systems that remove leaves and stems—without ever touching water. Washing strips away the natural protective coating, called the bloom, which helps keep berries fresh. By keeping them dry, we help them last longer, just the way nature intended.
Ready to taste the Reenders difference? Come visit us, and try our blueberries for yourself.
OUR BLUEBERRY TYPES
Experience 8 Unique Varieties of Blueberries
Did you know we farm 22 unique varieties of blueberries right here in Michigan? Some of them are distributed nationally, and the 8 other varieties we farm just for you! Here’s a little bit about each:
Blue Crop
Flavor Profile: Classic Sweet Flavor
Texture: Firm, consistent
Best Use: Fresh eating, baking
Availability: In Store, U-Pick
Duke
Flavor Profile: Mildly sweet
Texture: Firm, easy to pick
Best Use: Fresh eating
Availability: In Store, U-Pick
Liberty
Flavor Profile: Sweet with floral notes
Texture: Delicate skin
Best Use: Fresh eating
Availability: In Store
Elliot
Flavor Profile: Tart
Texture: Firm, slow to ripen
Best Use: Pies, preserves
Availability: In Store, U-Pick
Aurora
Flavor Profile: Sweet
Texture: Firm
Best Use: Fresh eating, shipping
Availability: In Store*
Collins
Flavor Profile: Sweet-tart, aromatic
Texture: Firm and juicy
Best Use: Fresh eating, baking
Availability: In Store*, U-Pick*
Blue Jay
Flavor Profile: Mild, slightly tart
Texture: Crisp, medium firmness
Best Use: Snacking, baking
Availability: In Store*, U-Pick*
Jersey
Flavor Profile: Very sweet
Texture: Soft and juicy
Best Use: Baking, jams
Availability: U-Pick
Ready to taste the Reenders difference?
Come visit us, and try our blueberries for yourself.