History: Joe Klein and Joe Jr. are a father-son team who own and operate two farms in Sparta, along with a satellite farm in Hoover. Joe is the second generation to own Royal J Klein Farms, which was founded in 1940 by Joe's father and uncle.

Joe Jr. started his farm, J K Farms, in 1997. The two consider each other full partners and work together to run all operations. Today, they have 225 acres of apples.

Joe's father, Royal, worked on the farm almost everyday until he was 90. At that time there were four generations helping to run the farm (Joe Jr.'s son, Austin, helped as much as a 7 year old can). Joe plans to slow down over the next 10 years and relinquish much of the daily responsibilities to his son, and eventually his grandson. Joe admits that letting go of decision making and passing the operation onto the next generation can be difficult. Fortunately, the father and son have established a great working relationship and have mutual respect for one another. Joe Jr. credits his father for instilling a strong work ethic and goals in him.

Years in Industry: Joe - 41 years; Joe Jr. - 11 years

Family: Joe is married to Sharon, son Joe Jr. and daughter Kara. Joe Jr. is married to Colleen, son Austin, daughter McKenzie.

Memberships and Organizations: Joe: Jack Brown Produce Board Member (35 years), Pomsters Organization (25 years), Michigan State Horticulture Society (6 years), MACMA (6 years), Clarksville Advisory Committee (12 years), Farm Credit Board (6 years), Michigan Apple Research Committee (6 years) Joe Jr.: MACMA (first year)

What's new?: Joe and his son are relatively satisfied with their current level of potential production and do not anticipate any drastic changes, aside from a small expansion if the timing is right. They will concentrate on current operations and continue to plan for future shifts in the market. Decisions are based on their optimistic approach, knowledge within the industry and what they can handle working together.

They believe labor issues and the expanding foreign market continue to challenge the industry and that understanding these effects are crucial. Planning for and understanding shifts in both domestic and foreign markets and producing new varieties are a never-ending struggle.

Joe and his son enjoy working in the fruit industry because it is something they love doing and because it gives them the opportunity to work together. But time away from the farm is important as well. "You have to take time to enjoy other parts of your life as well," Joe says. Playing golf, taking hunting and fishing trips, and covering for one another when they take vacations are all benefits of working together.