Michigan Apples: Meet the Growers

Joe Rasch Orchards, a sixth-generation Michigan apple orchard, stands as a testament to resilience and dedication in the face of adversity. Amid the escalating H-2A labor cost crisis, the farm navigates significant challenges threatening its longstanding heritage. Katie Vargas, daughter of Joe and Mary Rasch, works alongside her mother, father, and husband Manuel on their multi-generational farm. As a dedicated board member of US Apple and an experienced advocate in Washington, D.C., Katie sheds light on the pressing issues within the apple industry, particularly labor challenges.

In the heart of Michigan, tucked away within the quaint town of Kent City, lies a road that has been named with a predestined purpose: Fruit Ridge Avenue. This stretch of land, renowned for its fertile soil and gentle slopes, lies New Leaf Orchards, an emblem of agricultural heritage and family legacy. The Nyblad family has tendered this land for three generations, transforming it into a bastion of top-quality Michigan Apples, a testament to their constant dedication and passion.

For Kyle of Third Leaf Farm, apple farming is not just a profession; it's a language he grew up speaking with his father, grandfather, and brothers. As far back as he can remember, Kyle was eager to help out on the family farm and formally began working in the orchard when he was sixteen. These early years marked the beginning of an exciting journey that would take him around the world and back.

Conklin, Michigan, is home to Centennial Farms, where the Umlor family legacy continues to blossom. The farm started back in 1930 with 80 acres and has now grown into a thriving family farm sprawled across two counties. Today, owners Roger and Mark have taken pride in carrying on the family farm their father, Bob, and grandfather, Walter, created. With a rich history spanning beyond four generations, this farm is a testament to dedication and a deep love for growing apples.

Grabemeyer Farms, tucked away in the southwest corner of Michigan, is a cherished agricultural treasure with a rich heritage dating back to 1860. What makes this farm truly special is its resiliency and steadfast dedication. The farm has thrived under the care of the same family for six generations. The legacy continues today with brothers Dave and Don, alongside their sons Brian and Mike, who together manage over 70 acres of bountiful apple orchards in the heart of Dowagiac, MI.

Located in Conklin, MI, Michigan Apple grower Brent Klein is part of a father-son duo that brings a legacy of agriculture roots and experience spanning four generations. With a wide range of skills and abilities, Brent is often referred to as a ‘Jack of All Trades,’ making him an agile and efficient asset to the family business.

Almost a century ago, in 1922, Edwin Dunneback embarked on a journey that would shape the future of a picturesque farm nestled in Alpine Township. With 170 acres of rich Michigan soil, Edwin tended to a diverse bounty of apples, peaches, corn, hay, and even a cherished herd of dairy cows. The Dunneback family story was just beginning to unfold.

Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of northern Michigan, atop gently rolling hills that overlook pristine lake waters, King Orchards stands as a cherished gem. Opening its doors back in 1980, when brothers John and Jim King embarked on their farming journey, this idyllic orchard has now gracefully passed into the capable hands of the second generation. Today, the legacy continues under their skillful stewardship, crafting a narrative of tradition and progress.

In the heart of West Michigan, where fertile soil meets the boundless rolling hills, stands a testament to perseverance and passion: PG Orchards. A beacon of apple-growing excellence, this family farm is the result of dedication, grit, and handed-down wisdom. Meet Patrick Goodfellow, the visionary farmer who built his business from the ground up.

Growing up on a centennial farm was nothing extraordinary for seventh-generation fruit grower Denny Alt. It was just second nature to him, a heritage that he always planned to continue at their farm in Comstock Park, Michigan.

Established in 1930, Kugel Farms is a place where family and farming come together. Nestled in the heart of Southwest Michigan, its idyllic location lends itself to ideal growing conditions with rolling hills, fertile soil, and a temperate climate thanks to the Lake Michigan coast 15 miles away.

Jim Engelsma’s grandfather George bought an 80 acre farm in 1920 and began farming 18 dairy cows and 35 acres of raspberries and other vegetables on the land that is now called J Engelsma Orchards, Inc. Jim’s father was the first person to plant apple trees on their land. Currently, Jim farms 145 acres of apples and peaches and his fresh apple cider has won many awards over the years.

Travis Bratschi started working on his grandpa’s cherry and apple farm every summer beginning at age seven. Farming all the way through high school, Travis learned the key components to good farming practices and found himself back on the farm after graduating college and working at a pest control company for two years. He says he has a passion for working in the fruit industry and hopes to keep expanding his farm, Bratschi Orchards, in the future.

Growing up on an apple farm, working in the apple industry seemed like second nature to Joe Rasch. Joe Rasch Orchards, Inc. now has two locations in Conklin and Sparta, where he harvests apples and cherries every season. His five children, Jessica, Rob, Katie, Emily and Liz, get to experience the same everyday lifestyle that their dad had growing up on an apple farm.

Chris and his wife, Kim, purchased the 135 -acre family farm, all in apples, about five years ago. A fourth-generation apple grower, Chris has a long history with the land which is ideally situated for apple production with nearby lakes.

Dietrich Orchards was started by Al Dietrich's great-great grandfather Joseph Dietrich five generations ago and the family business has remained intact ever since. However, Al, his brother Joe and his cousins Mike and Jim, have split the business into two operations. Al and his brother run Ridgeview Orchards and his cousins run Leo Dietrich and Sons. The two operations still operate through Dietrich Orchards, the packing, storing and shipping portion of the business.

Roger's grandfather, Walter Umlor, bought the land in 1930 and started the farm with 80 acres, which has always been heavy in fruit production. Today, there is one main farm in Conklin, as well as two satellite farms in the Hart and Shelby area, consisting of about 600 total acres and over 340 acres of apples. Roger, along with his father Bob, uncle Ray, brother Mark and cousin Steve run Umlor Orchards farm together.

Joe Klein and Joe Klein 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.

The Wittenbach family farm was started in 1900 by Ed's grandfather, Fredrick Wittenbach. It began as a dairy farm, with a small apple orchard. After receiving his horticulture degree from Michigan State University, Ed returned to the farm and took over the family business. He decided to get out of cattle and focus on apples. Ed's vision paid off. His orchard has blossomed to 225 acres and continues to be a profitable family-run business.