Nye farms, in southwest Michigan, has been owned and operated for five generations going back to the late 1800's. The farm originally grew apples, peaches, grapes, sweet and sour cherries, plums, corn, wheat, oats, and hay. The family expanded in the 1940's and 50's to raising dairy cows and cattle until it was no longer economical. In the late 1960's after quitting the cattle business, Harry Nye decided to convert an old hay barn into a building to house a farm market. Nye's Apple Barn opened its doors in the spring of 1968 and has stayed open every summer since.

The Apple Barn sold all the fruits and vegetables that the Nye family grew. Many of the other fruits, like the apples, were and still are sold to packing houses throughout Michigan and packaged to sell at grocery stores or used for juice. Their peaches were sold to the Chicago area supermarket Jewell as well as the grocery chain Hilltop in Saint Joseph. The family has also sold their grapes to the well known Welch's company for almost 40 years.

Many generations of Nye's have worked on the farm as well as at the Apple Barn. The farm was taken over by Harry Nye's sons, Dale and Gordon, in 1976. Dale and Gordon focused mainly on growing apples, grapes, peaches, pears, raspberries and many different vegetables. Today the farm market is being operated by Dale's wife, Jacquie, and children, Chris and Angela. Besides the farm market, the family also has several U-Pick operations including raspberries, peaches, cherries, and apples.

Around the farm and Apple Barn you'll frequently find the newest Nye generation enjoying what generations have before, fresh air and fresh fruit. Dale and Jacquie's granddaughter, Kaitlyn, spends a lot of time at the Apple Barn helping customers pick the best fruit; she's pretty good considering she's only 4 years old. She'll always give you her opinion if you ask. She also likes to spend time on the tractor with her uncle Chris or her mom, Angela. She enjoys playing in the apples or the vineyards with the numerous farm dogs. Stop by and enjoy the fresh air and fresh fruit for yourselves.