From Christmas trees to cherries, the Kiessel brothers’ journey has created a farming legacy passed on to the next generation.
Bill and Don Kiessel bought what is now Kiessel Farms in 1976. Thanks to donors like you, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), the farm was permanently preserved with a Conservation Easement (CE) earlier this year.
The brothers were two of eight siblings and grew up on the neighboring land. “We originally bought 40 acres with the intention of growing Christmas trees. We planted 10,000,” Bill said. That first summer was unusually dry, causing all the pine trees to die. In a twist of fate, the cherry trees that came with the land thrived. “We had 50 cent cherries that year,” he remembered and smiled. The transition to cherry farming began soon after.
Through the decades, the brothers purchased more farmland from neighbor Lena Grayvold. Hidden pockets within the land reveal stunning views of West Bay and Lake Michigan, and woodlands lace the edges of 8,000 cherry trees. Each generation has spent time working in the orchard, hand-picking cherries. “My kids love coming here,” said Bonnie Kiessel, Bill’s daughter. “Farming is hard work, and they would hate it while doing it, but they have fond memories of being at the farm.” When the grandchildren of Bill and Don visit the farm during summer, they explore the land like they did when they were kids. And even though they know it like the back of their hand, they always request a farm tour, that Bill is happy to give.
Along with being Bill’s brother, Don was his business partner, confidante, and best friend. He passed away in 2018. “I was surprised how well we got along, considering we were brothers,” said Bill. “We were very close.” Don’s wife Jan Kiessel is now the proprietor of Don’s part of the farm. “Don and Bill grew up farming, so this all came naturally to them,” said Jan. “When they bought the farm, they thought it would give their kids something to do in the summertime. They wanted to teach them hard work and life skills, and what the world was like for farmers.”
Like most farmers, Bill and Don worked full-time jobs. Bill worked in a tool and die shop, and Don worked for Consumers Energy. After retiring, they both went full time on the farm. “I usually ran the harvest crew, and Don did the hauling,” said Bill.
The brothers started thinking about permanently protecting the farm in the early 2000s. You may remember the Conservancy protected Kiessel Orchards in 2022. The sons of Don, Ed, and Don Jr Kiessel also lease the newly protected farm. “Ed reached out to the Conservancy and got the ball rolling on protecting the farm,” said Bill. The decision to protect came from the love and legacy within the land. “With Uncle Don passing, there’s a legacy aspect to it,” said Bonnie. “What becomes important changes, and you look at what matters differently.” Director of Natural Land Protection Matt Heiman worked with the Kiessels on this project. “The Kiessel Farm conservation easement protects amazing scenic ridgelines with sweeping vistas of West Grand Traverse Bay, Power (Marion) Island, and Old Mission Peninsula,” said Matt. “Helping the Kiessel family maintain their farming legacy on such beautiful and productive agricultural land was a true pleasure.”
The Kiessel Farm, now being farmed by the next generation, embarks on a new chapter of care and sustainability. And while they don’t know what the farm’s future looks like, its protection guarantees that the farm’s story will continue forever.
