The picture at the bottom of this page is a map.  A map of a segment of our farm.  It was in the middle of a table, surrounded by people, including myself, who will make key decision about the future of the farm.  The cool thing is, we are in an amazing time for agriculture.  New methods, real time data, resources that are beyond imagination and an industry where people support each other, share information and want to help you succeed because it really is about caring for our land, our community and our families.  
All that being said, it can still weigh heavy on my shoulders.  There are some big risks that come with changing the way we always farmed, just like there are big risks associated with not changing the way we farm.  
And then there is reality.  Reality is, due to one night ... just one night ... where the temps dropped too low and the peaches had just pushed too far into blossom, we lost a significant amount of our peach crop. There is no recovery from that, only a hope that next year will be different.  
And then there is another reality.  The reality that each new day I will have familiar faces and new faces who will walk in our front doors. They will smile and feel welcome in our farm market and even when I explain how our crops were impacted this season, they will understand, they will still come back.  And I will know that every decision we make, every risk we take is because those faces depend on us.  Depend on us to help them understand a little more.  They depend on us to create a great place for kids to play and learn. So even though we struggle in one area we succeed in another. 
So facing the future, it's a good thing.  It's hopeful.  It's challenging but the hard times keep life in perspective.  
Thanks for walking in our doors, it means the world!
​dB

Early spring is a crucial time on the farm.  In a matter of days so many things can change in the crops and in the orchards.  Weather is critical and this year is no exception.  Three weeks ago we experienced a night of low temperatures, dropping to 29 and frost. We had early strawberries in bloom.  The strawberries in bloom couldn't sustain the combination.  We lost some of the early strawberries but we are still finding plenty of blooms!  Sunny days seem to be few and far between and we really need the sunny days!  I am hopeful they are coming soon.  
Last week we had a sudden and extreme hail storm.  After an assessment of the fruit it seems like the leaves took the majority of the impact.  There were some tiny strawberries that did get hit, you will see spots on some of the early berries.  The apples may also have some spot damage but overall we are very thankful and it doesn't look like extensive damage.  For now it's a waiting game to see how everything grows.  
Even when the weather hampers our outside plans our doors are open for a wonderful experience inside of our farm market!  This year we are excited to offer our new event space!  So far we have hosted a baby shower and a birthday party.  I love seeing families coming together and celebrations of life experiences.  If you are looking for a space to gather your family for a special occasion please check it out!
With June just around the corner, we are now waiting for the end of the school year and the start of our summer workshops and summer event plans.  Be sure to visit our Calendar of Events to see what exciting things are lined up for the summer!  Our goal is to provide outside (as often as possible), educational hands on fun at an affordable price.  So even as we wait, enjoy the moments, enjoy the cool spring evenings and chilly mornings, enjoy the end of year events for school and the winding down of one season as we get ready for the next!  
Enjoying the moments, 
​dB

Welcome to our brand new website!  It's a year of new beginnings.  Soon we will be opening our doors for our 64th season.  I welcome the warmth and sun!  It's also a new schedule of events for the year ahead and we have a line up that you will enjoy!  The familiar favorites are back, like the strawberry festival and of course all the fall events, but this year we added more experiences and learning opportunities.  I can't wait to share more as the year unfolds.  
As this is the first blog for this website, well my first blog ever actually, I want to share a few foundational things about who we are.  First of all, Dan and I have often been on a journey that is more about faith than it is about certainty.  Over and over we have been called to step out not knowing what the future holds, but our hearts and hands hold fast to a faithful and loving God who has met every need.  
Second, our families mean the world to us.  Our parents have been gracious, supportive and loving to us through each step of our ventures in life.  We are so grateful for this as it has been a key to moving forward. 
Last, but not in anyway least, we have the most amazing staff.  There are so many little behind the scenes details that go into the farming, the store, and the events that we are so pleased to have you attend.  Without the amazing, committed people who put their talents into action, we could never bring together the experiences we have to offer.  
In future blogs, you can expect to hear more about what is happening on the farm, special events, and favorite recipes too!  Sometimes we will be learning together!  I am excited to BEGIN! 
Grateful for you, 
dB