Lewis Orchards A family farm with deep roots
Story and Photography by Wib Middleton
We love our farm markets .
And with COVID , we love them now more than ever . The uptick in local produce buying and CSA memberships we owe to the farmer . They didn ’ t stop when the pandemic hit . Most tried to increase productivity . There ’ s a Will Rogers quote that pretty much nails it , “ The farmer has to be an optimist or he wouldn ’ t still be a farmer .”
In the case of the Lewis family , fourth-generation farmers , and their popular Lewis Orchards , that optimism certainly rings true . You ’ ll find their expansive orchards and spacious farm market a short relaxing drive up Route 28 north of Darnestown . Their 197 acres of beautifully tended fruit orchards and vegetable crops slope down and converge onto sparkling ponds below . On another large portion of 400 acres of farmland out River Road between Whites Ferry and Edwards Ferry Road , they grow sweet corn , watermelons and cantaloupe as part of their seasonal harvest .
Linda Lewis and her husband Robert are hands-on owners . They ’ re in the market every day overseeing operations , talking to customers and ensuring — now — their maximum safety . During a typical season they have about 24 people working the farm and market . “ This year because of COVID , I have four young people greeting customers , putting produce in carts , sanitizing the carts , and filling call ahead orders ,” says Linda . Pulling up to the farm market
plenty I autumn harvest 2020 21