A FAMILY TRAIDITON

Meet the Barkham Family

 

About Rochester Cider Mill
 
Nestled in the heart of Oakland Township, the Rochester Cider Mill stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Michigan’s agricultural heritage. Since its inception in 1981 by the Barkham family, this cider mill has not only been a place for crafting apple cider but also a beacon of community and tradition.
 
The Barkhams, with their deep roots in the cider industry, transformed what was once Sargeant’s Cider Mill into a vibrant hub where cousins, aunts, uncles, and core family members collaborate to produce the region’s finest cider and donuts. Their approach is as artisanal as it gets: selecting the finest, sequentially ripening Michigan apples to create a cider that resonates with the rich history of their family and the land they cherish.
 
The journey of the Rochester Cider Mill has been one of perseverance and passion. In 1981, when Dr. Tom Barkham, a local veterinarian with a love for cider-making, took over Sargeant’s, he faced numerous hurdles.
 
Today, under the stewardship of Tom’s son, Trevor, the mill continues to thrive, offering not just its classic apple cider but also innovative blends incorporating grapes, pears, peaches, blueberries, and cranberries, all dependent on the seasonal bounty of local orchards.

For more on the rich history of the mill, please explore this article.

Oakland County Michigan Rochester Cider Mill Agriculture Best Cider Mill

For more historical insights into the mill, please visit this article by Deborah J. Larsen at Rochester Media, which celebrates the enduring tradition and community connection of the Rochester Cider Mill.

Trevor Barkham of Rochester Cider Mill holding farm fresh grown produce at the start of a new season

4-H: Nurturing the Next Generation

The Rochester Cider Mill is more than just a business; it’s a family tradition that extends into community involvement through 4-H. The Barkhams’ three boys are actively engaged in this youth development organization, which emphasizes “head, heart, hands, and health.”

Through 4-H, they learn invaluable life skills by raising lambs, piglets, broilers, and tackling various projects. Their annual participation at the County Fair is not just about competition but about celebrating the agricultural lifestyle that defines their family.

This involvement in 4-H is a reflection of the Barkham family’s commitment to nurturing not only the land but also the next generation of community leaders, fostering a love for agriculture, and promoting the values of hard work, community, and stewardship.

The Family Business

Using local Michigan apples fresh from the orchard and selecting the best aromatic varieties (sequentially ripening) the Barkhams blend a crafted cider that is as rich as their roots. The cider is never the same from week to week, except for its excellent flavor and taste. There are no preservatives and it is not pasteurized.  It is truly a unique and pleasant tasting experience even for the most delicate of pallets. 

Aside from the amazing cider, the Rochester Cider mill only uses the best Michigan ingredients for our donuts and caramel apples. The Caramel is handmade with Michigan sugar, butter, and molasses. Our pies are baked fresh everyday.

Family Farm

At the heart of our family’s story are these vibrant scenes of our farm, where the joy of agriculture comes to life. We live close to the cider mill and our lives bridge both locations.

Here, amidst rolling fields that stretch towards the barn, our family nurtures a variety of animals including playful lambs, curious goats, and a bustling array of chickens and turkeys, all part of our 4-H endeavors.

Our summer garden bursts with color and flavor, yielding fresh carrots, tomatoes, peppers, and more, which find their way to the Rochester Cider Mill. These images capture not just the beauty of our land but also the essence of our commitment to sustainable farming and community sharing.

Springtime at our farm means lambs and chicks which will later move to the cider mill in the autumn to be available for guests to meet.