Our family's farming and ranching story began long before Mortimer Farms.
Both of my parents, Gary and Sharla, have deep roots in the farming and ranching community. When they met and fell in love, they knew they wanted to raise their future children on a farm or a ranch. They attribute many of their skills, dedication, hard work, passion, and love for land and animals to their time on the farm and ranch. These attributes were things they wanted their children to have the opportunity of possessing.
My mom and dad purchased their dream ranch, Ash Creek Ranch, in Dewey, Arizona, in 2003. The ranch furthered their dedication to the land, wildlife, animals, and natural resource conservation. Commitments they passed onto their children.
Seven years later, in 2010, we began a long-term lease with the property owners of what now is known as Mortimer Farms. Our priority - revitalize the land.
At about this same time, the idea of agri-tourism was becoming more and more popular in Arizona. Arizona citizens were itching to get their hands in the soil, experience the story of their food and connect directly with farmers. This movement coupled perfectly with our passion for connecting people to the story of their food. As our long-term lease of Mortimer Farms began, we felt called to open our real working farm up to the public, open the farm to your family.
Fast forward ten years, at the finale of our tenth anniversary, a miracle occurred! On December 30, 2020, a remarkable turn of events led to the opportunity of bidding on the property - a shock to all those involved, including my family. Today we are thrilled to own the entirety of the property once marked for development.
Today we grow over 40 different crops on the farm, including pumpkins, sweet corn, strawberries, blackberries, and vegetables. The farm is open to the public to enjoy and learn where food comes from, taste farm life, and experience farming and ranching. Additionally, guests enjoy the Country Store, farm-to-table food, unique and memorable food and drinks, the pick your own experience, farm-inspired rides, weddings, events, and entertainment all surrounding real farm fields. The definition of agri-tourism lines everything that we do here at the farm. Every activity, event, and experience at Mortimer Farms is conducted for the purpose of connecting our guests to the farming and ranching community.
Looking back on the story of our family, there seems to be a divine purpose. A being much more powerful than ourselves, making sure all the pieces fall into place. Each part of our story prepared and shaped us to share the farming and ranching experience with the public. In the next ten years, our passion for caring for the environment, growing and raising food, being caregivers to animals and wildlife, and giving your family an avenue to hear the story of your food will only grow stronger! What a privilege to welcome families from across Arizona to connect with the passion and principles of the farming and ranching community and the food on their plate. Thank you for supporting our passion and sharing our farm with us! Here is to connecting your family to your food for generations to come.
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