Cherry Bay Orchard’s farm was born out of a discussion at the Farm House Fraternity at Michigan State
University during the late 60’s and early 70’s. This discussion turned into reality in 1972 when
Bob Gregory and Norm, Dean, and Gene Veliquette organized their farms in Leelanau and Antrim Counties
into Cherry Ke Inc. Bob managed the farms in Leelanau County. The operation grew through leased and
custom managed orchards.
Don Gregory joined the operation full time in 1974. By 1978, expansion in the Leelanau enterprise
brought Bob Gregory back to the operation where he and Don adopted a co-management concept that
continues today. Since its inception, the farms have been managed as separate enterprises. In 1995,
they split into separate business entities, with Leelanau Enterprise becoming Cherry Bay Orchards Inc.
Tart cherries have historically been the primary focus of the operation. Since 1972, the operation was
vertically integrated into the pitting and freezing of tart cherries through the relationship with its
sister company, Great Lakes Packing Company.
In the late 90’s, the farming operation expanded into Southern Michigan with 300 plus acres and became
a Pro-Fac member. Today, the 2,000 plus acre organization is 60% tart cherries, 20% sweet cherries, and
20% apples and other fall fruit. Cherry Bay Orchards is one of the founding members of Shoreline Fruit
Inc., a grower-marketing cooperative. In 2001, it became a partner in Atwater Foods LLC, a fruit drying
operation in New York and in 2006, a continuous dryer was installed in the Michigan operation. Cherry Bay
Orchards is a family run operation involving Don’s wife, Ann, and their four children, and Bob’s wife,
Dianne, and their four children.
Don and Bob have been active in numerous organizations. Some of the positions Don has served on are
Cherry Industry Promotion Task Force Chairman, Cherry Industry Advisory Board Chairman and Board member,
and a CMI and Michigan Cherry Committee member. Bob has served on the Board of the Michigan State
Horticultural Society and as President. He is an MSHS Trust Committee Trustee and Past Chairman of the
Red Tart Cherry Information program and MSU Cherry Breeding Committee. Both are active in their churches,
local communities, MACMA, and with Farm Bureau.
The Michigan State Horticultural Society is pleased to present the Distinguished Service Award to
Don and Bob Gregory.