A Harvest of Memories: Riley Orchards Offers Up Local Fruit, Family Experiences
Author
Published
10/25/2024
For families looking for fresh, healthy, and exciting food experiences, Riley’s U-Pick is a hidden gem tucked behind the hills in Genola, just west of Santaquin. While the family farm sells fruits and vegetables directly to the public at its onsite farmstand and a location next to Payson High School, it is also a must-visit destination for those looking for a fun family outing or simply to come experience the harvest on their own.
If it seems odd to be drawn to this farm that is more than just a little ways off I-15 than most people go, Chris Riley, the third generation to run the farm, explains that his family has been repeatedly drawn to the farm in a similar way.
“My dad was very young and living in Bountiful with his family when my grandfather, Howard Riley, got a call from his father-in-law with the Muir-Roberts fruit packing company asking if he would consider moving to Payson to help run a fruit farm,” Riley said. “My Grandpa asked, ‘Where in the world is Payson?’, but agreed to come down and grow apples along the benches here in the 1950s.”
In the 1970s, Chris’ father, Alan, was going to BYU and planning to go into medicine. He knew of another fruit farm in Genola owned by an out-of-state doctor, that would have medical school students come work on the farm. When Alan approached the man about leasing the ground, the doctor instead offered for Alan to buy the farm outright. He excitedly agreed and shelved his plans for going to medical school.
The Riley family managed the two farms separately while helping each other when tasks overlapped until Howard sold the Payson benches farm in the early 2000s. While farming and raising their family, Alan worked for several irrigation supply companies to supplement his farm income. Two of the Riley children – Chris and Jordan – continue to farm today. Jordan runs orchards in Perry, Utah selling under the name of Grammy’s Fruit-N-Produce, while Chris has taken over the farm in Genola – a place he’s always been drawn to.
“The farm is where I always wanted to be. While I was in high school or getting my degree at USU, I just had to get back to the farm so I could be outside,” Chris Riley said. “Since we were young, we had responsibilities on the farm. For getting licenses, hiring employees, harvesting and packing fruit, fixing equipment, etc. I think I was 12 the last time I remember being bored!”
Chris also had to make the difficult decision to transition their farm from how they had been doing things, selling their fruit to a packing house which then distributed fruit to consumer markets, to being a U-pick orchard and selling directly to the customer.
“We had to change how we were selling,” Chris said. “We were too big for individual farm stands, but too small to work with a packer. We wanted to hold our future in our own hands, so we went direct retail and worked with a whole new set of customers.”
Going with this approach gave Riley more control over the pricing of their fruit and how to manage their inventory.
A Variety of Apple Types
The orchard boasts a rich variety of apples, each with its own unique flavors. Whether you prefer sweet and juicy apples for snacking or tart ones for pies and cider, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your family's taste buds. Chris and his staff at the orchard are more than happy to guide customers in choosing the best apples for their needs.
“We grow Earligold, Gingergold, Gala, Honey Crisp, McIntosh, Smitten, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Granny Smith, and Fuji apples,” Riley said.
Customers often come with their kids because it allows them to learn about the process of growing apples, picking their favorite varieties, and gaining an appreciation for where their food comes from. The fall season also allows for the changing of colors in the leaves and taking a break from the stresses of everyday life.
Picking More Than Apples
About 10 years ago, Chris decided to expand their offerings by providing sweet cherries, peaches, tomatoes, peppers, pumpkins, and other produce for customers to pick. But apples remain the star attraction.
“We also grow 14 kinds of peppers, watermelon, cantaloupe, squash, cucumbers, pumpkins, sweet corn, raspberries, and just this year started growing grapes,” Riley added.
For liability and other reasons, not all commercial orchards are open to U-pick, but Riley has embraced it as an activity where families could spend time together. For Riley, it’s not just about getting fresh, crisp apples, but also about creating memories that last.
“It’s a different type of customer that comes to U-pick,” Riley said. “They’re often less particular about the produce they get, because the experience is about more than just the food. They also hate to see food wasted, and so they are more accepting of the varieties of shapes and sizes of produce.”
Drawn to the Farm
In a world where convenience often trumps quality and experiences, discovering a local farm where you can participate in the harvest is a fun experience that will draw you to the farm just as generations of Rileys have been. The delicious produce, the educational opportunities, and the chance to connect with nature make it an ideal family outing. So, if you're looking for an enjoyable way to spend time with your loved ones, why not head to Riley’s U-pick and create memories that will last a lifetime?
The U-pick farm opens in late June through November with u-pick experiences varying depending on availability of the different crops. You can learn more about the family’s orchards and details on how to pick your own fruit at rileysorchard.com or visit Riley’s U-Pick on social media platforms.
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