Phillips Orchards began in 1852 when farmer Robert Phillips obtained land from the US Government in Fulton Twp. Gratiot County, Michigan.
From the beginning, apples were a part of the farm. In the early years, like most farms of the day, they also grew many other crops, as well as raising sheep, cows, and horses. The farm continued to be tended through the following generations by James Hice Phillips, then Austin James Phillips (my great-grandfather) then by Parmer Raymond Phillips (my Grandfather) and Dennis AJ Phillips (my father). Finally Brian Mark Phillips is picking up the baton to carry the farm on into the future.
Over the years the farm has expanded, and contracted some, adding on farms to the east and west of the original parcel. For a time in the 1960's & 1970's when there was a Farm Market in DeWitt, Michigan, and later a new satelitte farm near Maple Rapids. Now we are back to 170 acres, that includes the original parcel.
We have over the years grown lots of different things, but have certianly been best know for apples in recent times. Today we grow 36 varieties of apples, 15 varieties of peaches, plums, pumpkins, squash, gourds and a few other miscellaneous things.
We hope you'll come enjoy some wonderful fruits and vegatables grown right here in Gratiot County, Michigan.
Listing last updated on
Jan 21, 2025