Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm Market Celebrates its Current and Future Female Ownership
The business has been female-owned and operated for over 40 years
Lansing, Mich. – Michigan Apple Committee is celebrating Women’s History Month by recognizing female apple growers like Suanne Shoemaker and her daughters, who own Ed Dunneback & Girls in Grand Rapids, Mich. Ed Dunneback & Girls celebrates its history of female ownership with pride.
Ed Dunneback & Girls started as Ed Dunneback & Sons until Michael Dunneback died during the Vietnam War. His sister Suanne was left to take over the family farm.
“I grew up on the farm and it was just a way of life. My dad didn’t have any sons to take over the operation,” said Shoemaker. “I went to college and earned my degree in social work however the farm was where I belonged.”
Shoemaker took over the farm in stride as she felt that was what she was meant to do. She was the first female farmer in the area, though was always welcomed.
She was then able to raise her daughters, Stephanie and Sarah, on the farm with her husband. Now, Shoemaker runs the farm with her daughters.
“I love what I do and have never regretted anything. I love growing, I love raising my girls on the farm and now my grandkids! If you love what you do, you will be a success,” said Shoemaker.
Ed Dunneback & Girls hosts events for their community along with their produce market, tap room, gift shoppe and more. Pink accents decorate the farm to honor their female ownership.
“Farming is a male-dominated field, and Suanne and her daughters have broken barriers and had great success as owners of Dunneback & Girls. We appreciate their spirit of collaboration as well as their role modeling for future generations of apple growers,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee.
The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan Apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. To learn more, visit MichiganApples.com