Johnson’s U-Pick Farm is Sure to Please

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - A hidden gem sits off the beaten trail on Higgins Lane, Gridley.  You may have seen signs along the highway for Johnson U-Pick Farm, and if you haven’t ventured their way, you should.

The family-run farm, open to the public on specific weekdays and weekends, offers fresh, organic produce to the public. Easily accessible with a friendly, peaceful atmosphere, and fresh, home-made ice cream, the farm draws a steady stream of canners, produce lovers, and families.

Owner Mark Johnson has a long background in agriculture and farming, growing up helping his parents at Johnson Farm south of Yuba City and their fruit stand. Johnson helped bake pies from the fruit his family grew, but later the family would sell their business. Johnson’s farm is now known by another name, the popular Stephens Farmhouse, which continues the tradition of baking pies.

Johnson would continue to farm on his own, selling his produce at fruit stands and farmers markets until he took his life in a different direction. He would eventually attend UC Davis and earn a master’s degree in horticulture and organic weed control. After meeting his wife Jenny, the couple purchased acreage off Higgins Lane and decided to start their own little farm.

With his growing family, Johnson would live out a dream, striving to grow produce using sustainable farming methods. As a stay-at-home dad, he taught his daughters the way of farming and how to run a business. They would help him with a variety of jobs on the acreage, while his wife managed the websites and marketing of their enterprise.

Johnson U-Pick is now in its 11^th year of operation and has been growing in popularity. Johnson no longer sells his produce at fruit stands, as patronage to the farm supports his family. Last week’s busy Saturday morning proved this with a parking lot full of vehicles and buckets upon buckets of produce hitting the scales at the weigh station.

A sign that reads “This Farm is PG – Parental Guidance” welcomes pickers. Parents with children of all ages take advantage of the experience, grabbing baskets of various sizes supplied at the weigh station for the harvesting of seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Children and adults pick directly from the vine or tree, learning about where their food comes from and the chance to taste the difference between store-bought and farm-fresh produce. With most of the crops grown organically, it is safe for little ones to do their own picking – and early sampling - which is not encouraged but happens due to over-excitement.

The addition of home-made ice cream made from the fruits that are grown on the farm also bolster his business and offer a sweet treat to pickers after they return from the fields and orchards with their hauls. A shaded picnic area and small play area give visitors a great place to enjoy a scoop or two that is made onsite.

Johnson says that it is incredibly rewarding to see the families and youth come visit the farm, watching them learn through experience about where their food comes from, and have a delightful time doing so. Many return again and again.

Johnson grows a variety of crops so that the produce is available through October, including pumpkins and apples in the fall.

Visit their website for produce currently available for self-harvest on the farm, prices, hours and days of operation, directions, and a menu of ice cream flavors sold by the scoop or pint. For ease, Johnson’s U-Pick takes cash and card. Plan your visit at www.johnsonupickfarm.com/ or follow them on Facebook for updates.