Elizabeth Wittenbach of Belding (right) was crowned the 2014 Michigan Apple Queen, and Emily Webster of Paw Paw is first runner-up. (Richard Lehnert/Good Fruit Grower

Elizabeth Wittenbach of Belding (right) was crowned the 2014 Michigan Apple Queen, and Emily Webster of Paw Paw is first runner-up. (Richard Lehnert/Good Fruit Grower)

Elizabeth ­Wittenbach of Belding was crowned the Michigan Apple Queen for 2014, and Emily ­Webster of Paw Paw is first runner-up.

The contest took place in December at the annual Michigan Apple Committee grower luncheon during the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable, and Farm Market Expo. Contestants—there were eight—must have a connection to the Michigan apple industry. Both are from apple-growing families.

Wittenbach, 19, is the daughter of Mike and Marnie Wittenbach and is a student at Michigan State University, studying agribusiness management. Both her father and her grandfather Ed Wittenbach are nationally known apple growers and industry leaders.

Webster, 21, is the daughter of David and Anne Webster. She is studying animal ­science at Michigan State University. Each received a scholarship from the Michigan Apple Committee.