Apr 7, 2007

Mike Wittenbach Named Head of Michigan State Horticultural Society

Mike Wittenbach is following in his father’s footsteps, not just as a farmer, but also as president of the Michigan State Horticultural Society (MSHS).

The new president starts his one-year term during the 2005 Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO, scheduled Dec. 6-8 in Grand Rapids, Mich. The EXPO is a joint venture between MSHS and the Michigan Vegetable Council.

Mike’s father, Ed Wittenbach, was MSHS president in 1982. He instilled in his son a desire to get involved in the fruit industry and not just sit on the sidelines.

“It’s important for everybody to get involved in their industry,” Mike said. “There are a lot of issues that affect us. If you stay at home, you shouldn’t complain.”

Mike and his father run Wittenbach Orchards near Belding, Mich. Between them, they own 225 acres of apple trees and 450 acres of corn and soybeans. Ed, 65, is still active on the farm, but he’s let go of the reins somewhat.

“I like to let him make the decisions,” Ed said. “We have a good relationship together. Mike’s very sharp.”

Mike represents the fourth generation of the family to run the farm, which was started by his great-grandfather in 1890. He lives in the farmhouse with his wife, Marnie, and three kids, Elizabeth, 11, Tye, 9, and Victoria, 5. His grandparents lived in the same house. Mike grew up in a house down the road, where his parents still live.

There was never a doubt in Mike’s mind that he wanted to be a farmer.

“I didn’t have to figure it out,” he said. “When you grow up around it, you learn to appreciate nature and the challenge it presents. Every growing season is different. I enjoy the risk and rewards.”

Mike’s agricultural education extended beyond his family farm. After finishing a two-year program at Michigan State University, he spent a summer on a progressive farm in Washington state, which was a great experience. He picked up some interesting growing techniques there, he said.

He’s been an MSHS member for almost 20 years. He learned its inner workings through his father. He’s also a member of the society’s Trust Committee and the International Fruit Tree Association’s rootstock research committee.

Mike will replace Ross Stein as president. His responsibilities will include running a minimum of four meetings per year and representing the society at different functions. He’ll also work with state legislators to promote state horticultural crops. He’d like to see the society increase its legislative pressure to influence political issues that affect producers and marketers of fruit.

MSHS, organized in 1870, is primarily an educational organization. There are 1,250 members actively engaged in horticultural pursuits, according to www.mihortsociety.org.

The annual EXPO is an important part of the society’s educational efforts. MSHS wants to increase attendance from outside the state. Mike would like to see it become the predominant fruit and vegetable show of the Midwest.

MSHS presidents don’t get paid and have to find time to do the job while still farming. So why do it?

“The education you get from meeting new people in the industry is worth the investment in time,” Mike said. “Quite often, you can learn more from people in the trenches with you than from a book.”