Malburg Farms is located in Weare Township and is owned and operated by Gerald and Ryan Malburg. Malburg Farms has been in the asparagus business for more that 25 years. In addition, they also grow asparagus roots, carrots, squash, sugar beets, corn and rye.

Malburg's currently have three year-round employees, but during asparagus season they hire up to 50 workers. With other crops, Malburg's maintain around 15 employees.

Types of labor performed by employees include: picking or packing (sorting/grading) asparagus, planting asparagus roots, hand-sorting, washing, sizing, and bagging carrots, hoeing and picking-up rocks and brush.

The harvesting seasons run as follows: Asparagus crown digging begins around April 1st, with asparagus picking following right after (around May 1st and running through approximately July 1st). July through mid-August primarily consists of hoeing the asparagus roots, squash, and carrots. After this there is a 'down' time since the other crops are mostly mechanically harvested. However, the carrot line runs from approximately October 1st through the end of November.

Housing: Malburg Farms has approved housing, 16 units total. A deposit is required and there is a charge for utilities. When workers stay in the housing and work for other employers, there is a rental charge. A majority of the housing has a washer/dryer hook-up.

Local Amenities: The employee housing is a bus-ride away from the Chase Telamon Migrant Head Start. In addition, the Northwest Michigan Health Services (some call it the "Migrant Clinic") has an out-station site twice weekly at the Chase Farms Community Center, which is located next to the Head Start Center.

As employers, Malburg Farms are subject to unemployment taxes and employees are covered for worker's compensation.

Catalina Burillo
E Mail: burilloc@michigan.gov
Voice: (231) 861- 2162
Fax:(231) 861-6300

Oceana Employment & Training WDC
195 North Michigan Avenue
Shelby, MI 49455