TOGETHER. WE GROW.
AMERICAN FARMERS
The History of the Farm
Grandpa Marvin Aebig was a WW2 Veteran that started to farm after returning from the war. At the age of 39, he suffered a stroke deeming him paralyzed from the waist down. That merely slowed him down as he proceeded to farm many years after his stroke. To describe his will, effort & determination would be nothing short of can do, will do, or perhaps just pure grit.
At 18 I, Caleb Coulter, was set out to WA to Wenatchee Valley College for year round fruit school focused on apple growing. A few days before going my grandfather took a bad fall & I couldn’t leave. His misfortune again perhaps left me on a better path. My uncle Dan then approached me about a farm recently purchased with me in mind for after college & said why wait?
In the fall of 1996 at 18 yrs old I purchased my first 100 acres. From there I worked for my uncle on his farm and also grew pickles on rented ground for cash flow in the summer while I raised the funds to replant 100 acre piece to apples & peaches.
Spring of 1999 the first employee Chris Monroe started with the farm. Chris was instrumental in daily activity working side by side to build production but also a friendship. Everyone needs that one friend they can count on Chris is mine. Today he is still employee number #1
Fall of 1999 we lost my Uncle Dan at age 48. Later that farm was sold off. My grandpa then approached the new owners who agreed to sell him the 80 acres adjacent to his house, also where our packing facility is today. It wasn’t until the day of closing I found out he made the deal added my name at the local bank with his credit I just had to make the payments. Up another 80 acres but this farm was planted with producing fruit.
Spring of 2002 Grandpa Aebig was killed in a traffic accident riding an electric scooter returning from visiting me trimming peaches in the orchard.
Fall 2002 Sarah & Caleb married, hands down best decision of my life right above purchasing that first 100acres.
Caleb Coulter
“Farming has been in my blood since I could walk, growing up around my Grandpa Marvin & then later Uncle Dan’s farm I knew from early on my path was cut. ”
Meet the Farmers
Through authentic interviews in our Meet the Farmers Library, you'll hear personal stories from passionate growers about their farming practices and dedication to bringing quality food to your table. Because when you know your farmer, you know your food.
Benefitting C.S. Motts
Children’s Hospital at U-M
When you choose American Farmers, you're not just getting fresh, quality produce – your purchase benefits C.S. Motts Children’s Hospital at U-M. Together, we're making a difference one purchase at a time, because every child deserves the best care possible.
Recipes
From seasonal favorites to creative ways to use fresh ingredients, each recipe celebrates the flavors of farm-to-table cooking. Discover new dishes that make the most of your farmers market finds and bring the taste of the harvest to your kitchen..