FACES OF THE FARM Series

Meet Rachel, Caleb's sister and a vital force behind the quality and precision that defines our operation. Her journey from health science graduate to asparagus pack room manager showcases how family values, professional expertise, and agricultural passion come together to create something extraordinary.

A Path Back Home

After graduating high school in the area, Rachel pursued her education at Grand Valley State University, earning a degree in health science. This background led her to quality control work in factories, where she developed the meticulous attention to detail that would prove invaluable to the farm's future.

In 2019, when changing food safety requirements created new challenges, Caleb turned to his sister for help. What started as food safety support has evolved into Rachel managing the entire asparagus pack room—a role that perfectly combines her quality control expertise with the family's agricultural heritage.

Managing the Beautiful Chaos

"I guess I just try to manage the chaos," Rachel says with a smile, describing her approach to running the pack room during peak asparagus season. For her, quality isn't just a job requirement—it's personal. Every bundle that leaves the facility reflects the standards she's maintained throughout her career.

"Quality is important to me 'cause it's been ingrained in just everything that I've done," she explains. "It's really important that we are packing and doing a really good job, making our bundles look good, trying to get the sizing right."

The Spirit of Teamwork

Rachel is continually impressed by the dedication she witnesses daily. Whether it's apple season or the intense pace of asparagus harvest, she sees a team that embodies the principle of "grit where you dig in." When the weather turns warm and orders pile up, farm workers seamlessly transition to help in the packing shed—a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives the operation.

She holds deep respect for the seasonal workers who leave their families behind to contribute to the farm's success. "They're missing their kids growing up, all the things that we see every day... just to provide better for them where they live," Rachel reflects on their sacrifice and dedication.

Family Legacy in Action

Working alongside her brother Caleb fills Rachel with pride. "He's amazing. He just never stops thinking. He keeps coming up with more all the time," she says. What she appreciates most is his leadership style—inclusive and inspiring rather than demanding.

Rachel is also raising her own children with the same values that shaped her upbringing, including wisdom passed down from their grandfather: "Curl me work is worse than no help at all" and "Do the task right the first time because no one wants to do it again."

Making a Difference

For Rachel, farm work offers something that factory jobs never could—the ability to influence outcomes and make a meaningful difference. Here, she's not just another part of the machinery; she's an integral part of a family operation that values quality, relationships, and the satisfaction of work well done.

Watch Rachel's story in the video above and see how professional expertise, family values, and agricultural passion create the foundation for excellence in every harvest.