Broetje

Broetje Orchards is a family-founded agricultural brand based in Washington State, established in 1968 by Ralph and Cheryl Broetje. The brand is best known for growing apples and cherries, and for its integration of business with a philanthropic mission focused on serving children and communities in need. The orchard operation expanded rapidly in the 1970s, endured a severe setback during the 1982 farm crisis, and later rebuilt its operations in Prescott, Washington. Today, the Broetje legacy is held and stewarded by the Broetje Family Trust, which describes itself as holding in trust the legacy of Broetje Orchards and the Vista Hermosa community. The Trust operates through initiatives such as the Center For Sharing, Jubilee Foundation, and Vista Hermosa Foundation, continuing the founders' vision of servant leadership and community development. While the original orchard business remains a significant agricultural enterprise, the Broetje name is also associated with a broader family legacy of philanthropy and social impact.

Broetje Orchards was established in 1968 by Ralph and Cheryl Broetje, who settled onto a small cherry orchard in Benton City, Washington. Ralph's inspiration came from a teenage experience at a church hunger retreat, where a missionary from India spoke about the suffering of children. This planted a dream that he would one day own an orchard and use its profits to help children in India. The early years were challenging, but support from community members, including Ralph's Sunday school teacher, helped sustain the vision. The business expanded quickly in the 1970s. However, in 1982, during a period of economic recession and the related farm crisis in the United States, the Broetje family was forced to sell their home and most of their orchards and relocate to Prescott, Washington. This period also saw a shift in labor, as domestic workers slowed their migration and were replaced by young men from Mexico seeking work. In 1983, the Broetjes reaffirmed their calling, taking their children to the US-Mexico border over Christmas break to volunteer with a nonprofit serving vulnerable and displaced people. This experience deepened their commitment to serving children in need. Over the following decades, the orchard operation rebuilt and grew, and the family's philanthropic efforts expanded. The Broetje Family Trust was later established to hold in trust the legacy of Broetje Orchards and the Vista Hermosa community, which served as a learning lab for over 50 years. The Trust now stewards a family legacy through servant leadership, community building, and philanthropy, operating initiatives such as the Center For Sharing, Jubilee Foundation, and Vista Hermosa Foundation.

• 1983

  The Broetjes reaffirm their calling, volunteering at the US-Mexico border over Christmas break.

• 1982

  The Broetje family is forced to sell their home and most orchards due to the farm crisis, and moves to Prescott, Washington.

• 1970

  The business expands quickly during the 1970s.

• 1968

  Ralph and Cheryl Broetje establish Broetje Orchards in Benton City, Washington.

Family-founded orchard brand with a philanthropic mission, integrating agriculture with community development and servant leadership.

• Apples

  Broetje Orchards is known for growing apples.

• Cherries

  The original orchard was a cherry orchard, and cherries remain a key product.

1. 1Home - Broetje Family Trustbroetjefamilytrust.org
2. 2Founding Story - Broetje Family Trustbroetjefamilytrust.org