Last week I shared coffee break with one of our long-time employees, Mehmood. He has been working with us for over twenty years now! I can’t remember how we got on the topic, but we were reflecting on years gone by, on how some things have changed, and how some have stayed the same. 

   What stood out to me, was that he reminded me of how we continue to benefit from the sacrifice, hard work, and lifelong commitment to the farm of the generations of the past.

   I’ve found that when I take a few minutes to think and remember my history, I can really learn from it. How blessed we are to have older folks around us, part of our families, part of our communities. They have seen so much change and their experience is literally irreplaceable. Their opinion is usually different than ours – and that is a very good thing! They bring invaluable wisdom and experience to our decision making and overall perspective.  

   To be sure, the conversation with our loyal employee was a humbling reminder. As we reminisce on eighty-five years of farming, we, as the next generation, are taking our history and values seriously. We always want to be true to what the previous generations have worked so hard to accomplish.  

   Our anniversary is coming up this weekend on Saturday, June 9^th. We want to invite you to come and join in the celebration with us. We owe much of why we are celebrating to you – our faithful supporters. Your support enables this land to continue producing and these farmers to continue farming. As a family, we truly believe that.  

   We are celebrating, “Sharing Our Orchard–growing farm food and family fun.” So what better way to commemorate than bringing the family to see the orchard and enjoy some farm food?! There will be FREE orchard tours from 10am-4pm and FREE cake at 1:30pm – as long as supplies last! We will also have live music from 11am-2:30pm. The snack shack will be supplied with pulled pork, chips, and old-fashioned ice cream floats. Rachel Davison will be showing kids the timeless art of how to card wool. And our own fresh strawberries are ripe, juicy and ready to be enjoyed by all!

   My grandfather’s uncle, Tom, purchased our family farm in 1933 and the sunny, Bella Vista slopes have been green and productive each year since! We are committed to maintaining that legacy into the future and we hope that you will join us on Saturday to celebrate our history with us. 

Laura Shaw

4^th Generation Davison