Joe Rasch Orchards
Location: Conklin, MI & Sparta, MI
Grower: Joe Rasch
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.
Meet Joe Rasch Orchards:
Joe Rasch’s roots in the apple industry run deep, having grown up on an apple farm in Conklin. His lifelong connection to the industry began as a family affair, with Joe and his brother venturing into apple farming in 1984. Following their separate paths in 2006, Joe established Joe Rasch Orchards, Inc. Over the years, the orchard has grown to cover 450 acres, with the majority of its apples finding their way to Walmart and Publix in the US.
Family plays a central role in Joe’s life, with his wife Mary and their children—son Rob and daughters Jessica, Katie, Emily, and Liz. Joe’s dedication extends beyond his orchard, as evidenced by his memberships in key industry organizations like MACMA, IFTA, Michigan State Horticultural Society, and Michigan State Pomsters. As one of 1,250 members of the Michigan State Horticultural Society, Joe actively contributes to the industry, co-hosting events like the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable, and Farm Market Expo each December.
Reflecting on Challenges:
Having graduated from West Catholic High School in Conklin, Joe’s passion for apples led him to spend six months in New Zealand working in an apple orchard after graduation. Reflecting on future challenges for the fruit industry, Joe highlights concerns about government regulations and labor issues. He envisions the use of mechanical assistance machinery as a potential technological solution to industry challenges.
Lifelong Commitment:
Outside the orchard, Joe enjoys rock hounding and copper detecting. As a family, the Raschs share a love for travel, exploring different countries, and camping in the scenic Upper Peninsula. Joe Rasch embodies a lifelong commitment to the apple industry, embracing both its challenges and the joys of family life and exploration beyond the orchard.
