Grabemeyer Farms
Location: Dowagic, MI
Growers: Dave Grabemeyer, Don Grabemeyer, Brian Grabemeyer, Mike Grabemeyer
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.
Meet Grabemeyer Farms:
Over the decades, Grabemeyer Farms has evolved, expanding into a sprawling 2,200-acre operation that now produces a wide range of crops, including corn, soybeans, grapes, apples, and peaches. The tradition of hard work and dedication has passed seamlessly to the next generation. Brian and Mike take pride in preserving the farm’s legacy and instilling the values of diligence and determination in their children, the seventh generation, just like their parents did for them growing up.
The Work Never Truly Stops:
Farming is no nine-to-five job, and they’re the first to admit that the work never truly stops, especially when managing multiple crops. As the apple season winds down, the Grabemeyer family seamlessly transitions into grape and grain harvests. The race against time to gather the harvest before the first snowflake falls is a true labor of love. But for the Grabemeyer’s, there’s no greater satisfaction than seeing their hard work yield high-quality apples that find their way to your table. Despite its finicky growing conditions, Honeycrisp is the fan-favorite apple on the farm.
Resilience and Dedication:
The Grabemeyer family has faced their fair share of challenging weather events like early spring freezes or summer hail storms. Still, their resilience and dedication to preserving the family business motivate them to keep growing. It’s also why they encourage consumers to take a moment to check product labels and opt for locally-grown produce whenever possible. In an era of high inflation and rising input costs, supporting local growers is more important than ever.
So, remember to savor the taste of tradition and quality by choosing local, and take a bite of Dowagiac’s finest apples from Grabemeyer Farms.
