Farmers » Ellis Family Farms

Contact

René Gelder
269 944-5420
4461 East Britain Avenue
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
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Specialties

fruit, vegetables, jam, honey, cider, eggs, vinegar

Participation

Indoor and outdoor markets
Wednesdays and Saturdays

Bio

René and Bruce Gelder are responsible for the family’s 56-acre farm, but the whole family focuses on selecting fruit varieties, planting, and harvesting on this fourth- and fifth-generation operation. René specializes in Integrated Pest Management systems and sustainable practices; Bruce and son Mathew keep the equipment running; son Marc does a lot of the planning with René; Mary (as in Mary’s Eggs) works with the hens and does odd jobs that, she says, “my brothers don’t want to do,” and Mathew’s wife, Christina does photography. Marc's wife, Laura, helps with the Saint Joseph MI Farmers Market. René and Mary see to the updates on Facebook, Twitter, and website. The family grows asparagus, rhubarb, strawberries, cherries, apricots, blueberries, raspberries (red, black, and golden), blackberries, nectarines, peaches, apples, grapes, pears, and chestnuts – and the newer generations are raising summer and fall vegetables. Pictured, from left standing are Laura, Marc, Mathew, Christina and Mary. Seated from left are Rene' and Bruce.