Unusual weather patterns and a variety of birds that help themselves to the plants haven't dampened the year-two crop of blueberries at Miller Farms
John Miller, along with his wife, Rosann, and their seven children relocated from Indiana to their 30-acre homestead just outside of Campbell Hill several years ago. The first strawberries were planted in 2007. Last year, Miller decided to add blueberries.
While the 1.5 acres of strawberries are going strong, the unusual warming spell followed by the sub-freezing temperatures in March made Miller fear for this year's blueberry crop.
"It got down to 15 degrees," said Miller, a member of the Amish community. "We brought in junk hay bales and spread and burned them."
Miller also brought in orchard heaters. The combination of smog and heat was intended to keep the plants from dying.
His strategies worked. The six varieties of blueberries he planted are bountiful and available for customers to pick.
Miller said he also has to worry about several varieties of birds that enjoy his berries as much as his human customers.
"They (the birds) ate about half of our produce last year," he said with a smile.
Not wanting to harm God's creatures, Miller did some research and chose to install a laser light that sits in the middle of his blueberry patch.
"It's USDA approved," he said, adding that it doesn't harm the birds, just discourages them from flying into his acres of blueberries.
In February 2016, Miller and his family decided to open a grocery store.
"We offer discount groceries and staples," he said of his store, the only one in town.
Miller's son, Daniel, is often on hand to greet customers with a huge smile and offers of help. "We enjoy working together," Miller said. "It gives us family time."
Visitors to Miller Farms can pick their own blueberries, which are ripe on the vines now. Miller said he expects the "fruits" of his labor to provide for his family for the next 65 or so years.
"These plants will last my lifetime," he said.