Family farms backbone of Michigan industry
The 775 family farms that cover 34,500 acres play a vital role in the Michigan apple industry, the largest and most valuable of the state’s fruit crops, said Diane Smith, executive director of the Lansing-based Michigan Apple Committee.
“Michigan Apple growers share a common goal of producing flavorful, high-quality apples,” she said. “They work with tree fruit researchers to implement the latest growing techniques and use new technology to monitor growing conditions.”
The growers are committed to their communities and to social responsibility, as well as stewardship of the land, she added. And they’re committed to bringing the best-quality fruit to the consumer.
“It’s imperative to growers that they take care of the crop and the land, so that they can pass the tradition on to the next generation,” Smith said.
The Michigan Apple Committee recognizes a number of these family businesses, some of which are in their fifth or sixth generations of apple growing, on its website — Michiganapples.com. Here are some highlights from that site:
J Engelsma Orchard Inc.
Jim Engelsma has worked full time on the family farm in Grand Rapids, Mich., since he graduated in 1983 from Grandville High School, Grandville, Mich. Engelsma says the operation will “continue to be a family farm that stresses high quality standards rather than focusing on growth that would create a need for large volume at the expense of quality.” His father planted the first apple trees on the family farm in 1950, built a cold-storage facility in 1956 and installed a fresh packing line in 1957. The company’s fresh market fruit is sold through Jack Brown Produce, Sparta, Mich.
Bratschi Orchards
Travis Bratschi says he always had a passion for farming. He and his wife, Erin, bought a farm in Williamsburg, Mich., in 2010, where they grow apples and sour cherries. He is a graduate of Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Mich., where he majored in human resource management with a minor in finance. He worked on his grandfather’s farm before starting his own business. Bratschi says he believes in the benefits of modern technology, such as platform picking systems that will improve efficiency. His apples are sold through Jack Brown Produce.
Joe Rasch Orchards Inc.
Joe Rasch grew up on an apple farm in Conklin, Mich., and graduated from West Catholic High School. After graduation, he spent six months in New Zealand working in an apple orchard. Rasch and his brother started their own farm in 1984, and he established Joe Rasch Orchards in Sparta when they split in 2006. The company also specializes in cherries. Rasch says he sees a bright future for mechanical assistance machinery. His apples are marketed by Riveridge in Sparta.
The Kropf Family
Chris Kropf, a fourth-generation apple grower, and his wife, Kim, purchased the family apple farm in Lowell, Mich., in 2003. He attended Michigan State University, where he spent two years in the ag-tech program. He later graduated from Wenatchee Valley College, Wenatchee, Wash., with a degree in horticulture. Kropf has a long history with the land, which was first owned by his great-grandfather, Christian Kropf. He has hired managers to handle the daily operations of the farm, and Kim Kropf does the bookkeeping. He also works as a sales representative for Gowan USA in Lowell.
Dietrich Orchards
Dietrich Orchards, Conklin, Mich., actually consists of two operations – Ridgeview Orchards, run by Al Dietrich and his brother Joe; and Leo Dietrich & Sons, run by their cousins Mike and Jim. Dietrich Orchards is the packing, storing and shipping portion of the business. It was created by Joseph Dietrich, Al and Joe’s great-great grandfather, and has stayed intact ever since. Both farms pack, store and ship all of their own apples, cherries and asparagus, and they do custom packing for other local growers. Most of their fresh apples are sold through Riveridge Produce Marketing Inc., in Sparta.
Umlor Orchards
Walter Umlor, grandfather of Roger Umlor, bought the land that now makes up Umlor Orchards in 1930. Fruit always has been a main commodity for the farm. The operations now consist of a main farm in Conklin, Mich., and two satellite farms in the Hart and Shelby area. Roger, with his father Bob, uncle Ray, brother Mark and cousin Steve run the farm together. They have always packed and stored their own apples and have several controlled-atmosphere rooms. The apples are sold by BelleHarvest Sales, Belding, Mich. Roger says he never stopped learning. “There is always something new in the farm industry,” he says.
Royal J Klein Farms, JK Farms
Joe Klein and Joe Klein Jr. own and operate two farms in Sparta, as well as a satellite farm in Hoover, Mich. Joe is the second generation to own Royal J Klein Farms, which was founded in 1940 by his father and uncle. Joe Jr. started his farm in 1997. The two work together to run all their operations as partners. The Kleins enjoy working in the fruit industry because they say it is something they love doing and because it gives them the opportunity to work together.
Wittenbach Orchards LLC
The Wittenbach family farm was started in Belding in 1900 by Fredrick Wittenbach, grandfather of Ed Wittenbach. It originally was a dairy farm with a small apple orchard. Ed Wittenbach graduated from Michigan State University with a horticulture degree and returned to the farm and took over the family business. He abandoned the cattle operation in favor of apples. Today, he and his son, Mike, run the farm together. The Wittenbachs replace part of their orchard each year to keep pace with changing consumer and market demands. Ed says he looks forward to retiring turning the family business over to the next generation.
