CL-August 2024 - 12

COOPERATIVE FOCUS
'Just Peachy'
(continued fr om page 9)
thousands of acres of orchard.
" It just kept growing into what
it is today, " Barbara says
Abigail's aunt, Katherine,
and cousin, Emily, own and
operate a farmers' market in
Winchester. Th e Homestead
Farm at Fruit Hill Orchard
LLC, served by Shenandoah
Valley Electric Cooperative, sits on
the same property as John Th waite's
original cold storage building. " If you're
passing through Winchester, stop by
Homestead Farm, " Abigail says. " You
can buy ice cream, pre-picked apples,
peaches and all kinds of produce. "
A FAMILY TRADITION
Barbara and Terry say there's an
incredible sense of pride in seeing
their children keep the family business
thriving. " I can't tell you what a blessing
it is to have been raised in a farming
family and then see our children step
up and take over. It's a beautiful thing, "
she explains.
Th ere are, of course, challenges
when operating an orchard: weather
that damages crops, keeping inventory
" There's nothing better than putting something in the ground,
saying a prayer over it and hoping that it grows. "
- Terry Lintecum
in stock and not having the space
to accommodate the growth of the
orchard - for parking, especially.
" We have such a wonderful
community around us. Th e outpouring
of support from our community is
what helped sustain us, especially
during the early years, " Barbara says.
When asked what makes the
orchard special, Abigail doesn't
hesitate. " First and foremost, we see
our orchard and market as a ministry
opportunity to share the love of Christ
with all those who visit us, " she says.
Th e second thing that makes the
orchard special is that it is steeped in
family history. " My family has been
growing fruit for over a hundred years,
and that's something we're really proud
of. We think family is very important,
so it's vital to us that we create a
beautiful, fun and inviting place where
families want to come and spend
some time together and make special
memories. "
According to Terry, there's nothing
better than " putting something in the
ground, saying a prayer over it and
hoping that it grows " - and then
seeing people enjoy the fruits of their
labor.
*
For More Information
Fruit Hill Orchard
2745 Th omas Jeff erson Pkwy.
Palmyra, VA 22963
Phone: 434-589-7215
Email: fr uithillorchard@gmail.com
Website: fr uithillorchard.com
IT'S A FACT
The peach develops from a single
ovary and ripens into a juicy edible
part with a hard interior, also known
as the stone or pit. The fl esh of the
peach can be yellow, white or even
red. It is believed that the fuzzy skin
surrounding the peach acts as a
barrier against insects, helps repel
excess moisture, and traps moisture
inside the peach to prevent it from
drying out. Peaches are very nutritious
and contain high amounts of fi ber,
potassium, and vitamins A and C.
10 * Cooperative Living * August 2024
co-opliving.com
http://www.uithillorchard.com http://www.co-opliving.com
CL-August 2024

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