Asparagus farmer Harry Norconk seeks a team of three workers to help him pick his asparagus crop, starting this coming week. Interested applicants should be prepared to work 8-12-hour days, starting at 8 a.m. The asparagus season lasts for approximately 6 weeks. Norconk expects his crop will be ready to pick this coming week. Norconk’s farm is located at 10004 Aral Road in Benzie County, just south of the Leelanau-Benzie County Line. If interested, please call (231) 326-3540.
Empire’s Asparagus Festival this year drew the attention of Japanese food importer Tsukasa Miyakawa (pictured here with Miser’s Hoard owner Paul Skinner), who intends to purchase locally-grown asparagus and import it to Japan. Miyakawa visited Skinner in Empire on June 3. His company imports approximately 800 tons of frozen asparagus each year, and looks to grow that market by 250 tons over the next five years, according to Skinner. Northern Michigan may become their new supply source.