Ronald Rasch Farms, LLC- Grower Ronald Rasch
Location: Conklin, MI
Grower: Ronald Rasch
Ronald Rasch is a fifth-generation apple farmer. He grew up surrounded by his family working in the industry, which sparked his interest in pursuing this career. He went to Michigan State University to pursue an Agriculture Business degree, to start his own apple business. After graduating from Michigan State University, Rasch began working at West Central Packaging. It was there that he earned the money to help him purchase his farms and begin his apple business.
The Varieties on Ron Rasch’s Farm:
Rasch is now a commercial grower who sells a wide variety of apples. He grows Sweet Tango, Ginger Gold, Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, KIKU, Everest, Jonagold, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Braeburn, Pink Lady, Kanzi, and McIntosh. This wide variety of apples helps to make Rasch’s farm unique. Although most of the farm’s apples are sold commercially, Rasch’s wife enjoys selling some apples at their small market that is open during harvest season.
Challenges:
The apple industry can be a dream to many, but there are still some struggles that come with the job. Farming requires a large investment with high input costs. It can be challenging to see a return on those investments. Alongside this, farming equipment can be expensive, offsetting any potential earnings. Amid these industry-wide struggles, Rasch finds solace in owning a business that supports his family.
What Is to Come:
Rasch is looking forward to raising high-quality apples for consumers in the coming years and sharing the benefits apples have on the body. His commitment to the Michigan Apple industry extends to his granddaughter, Elle Fonnesbeck, who recently received a scholarship through the Michigan Apple Committee. Elle is currently a senior at Sparta High School and will be attending Aquinas College in the fall, where she will play for the women’s rugby team. At Aquinas, she will study business and marketing, two interests she hopes to pursue in her future career. Even though her studies may lead her to a career beyond the Ronald Rasch Farm, she is proud to be a part of the Rasch family legacy rooted in Michigan agriculture.
