Why use cherry pits in my stove?

-The BTU's/Lb are cherry pits 9523, wood pellets 8000, and shelled corn 8500

-They burn hotter then then wood pellets and corn and leave virtually no ash

-They come in 33lb bags

-Its a cheaper alternative way to heat your home for less.

While there's no snow in the forecast, it won't be long before the flakes start to fall. A mid-michigan man says he's found a cheaper and greener way to help keep you warm. They say life is just a bowl of cherries, but for Jeff Smith, it's the pits. Smith's family started the Michigan Cherry Pit Recyclers in July 2008 after they learned the pits could be used as alternative energy to heat homes. During the winter season, Smith says roasting them can save homeowners lots of money. The pits not only heat homes, but Smith says they also provide work for businesses throughout the state. Despite the economic and eco-friendly benefits, Smith says he does run into pitfalls as a small businessman. Because cherry pit recycling is a rare concept, he says the state won't support it financially, even though Michigan dominates the industry.

Jeff Smith: "75% of the cherries produced in the United States are produced in the state of Michigan."

Whether or not others catch on to this new wave of alternative energy, Smith says he'll keep growing his mountain of pits right along with his business.

Click the links below to read what Michigan Farmer Magazine had to say in a recent article about our business. ( .pdf format )

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