The Kropf Family
Location: Lowell, MI
Grower: Chris Kropf
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.
Meet The Kropf Family:
Growing up in Lowell and working on the family farm, Chris’s lineage traces back to his great-grandfather, Christian Kropf. The farm passed through generations, reaching Chris’s grandfather, Carl, and then to his father and uncle, Ken and Roger. Chris pursued his education at Michigan State University, spending two years in the Ag Tech program. He completed his horticulture degree at Wenatchee Valley College in Washington.
After graduation in 1991, Chris returned to work on the farm, witnessing significant expansion in the 1990s, reaching its peak at 2,500 acres of apples. Financial challenges led to downsizing, and in 2003, Chris and Kim took the bold step of purchasing the family business. Chris then worked for United Agri-Products for four years before joining Valent USA.
Chris has accumulated 18 years of experience in the apple industry, and his family includes his wife Kim, and their children, Emily and Kenny. Currently, three managers oversee the day-to-day operations, while Kim manages the financial aspects. In addition to his farm responsibilities, Chris works as a sales representative for Valent USA, a California-based company specializing in environmentally sensitive pesticides and plant growth regulators.
As the Chairman of the Michigan Apple Association and the MSU Clarksville Experiment Station Advisory Committee, Chris actively contributes to key industry organizations. Additionally, he serves on the US Apple Membership/Communication Committee.
Balancing Act:
Balancing ownership of the apple orchard with his role at Valent USA, Chris appreciates the variety in his work. Despite not being at the orchard daily, he values the flexibility, working from a home office and traveling to meet industry professionals. This allows him to stay close to home and spend valuable time with his family, showcasing the diverse responsibilities that define his fulfilling life.
