Schnepf Farms

   

Ray and Thora Schnepf moved to the desert community of what was then, Rittenhouse. The Schnepf’s joined other notable farmers to begin clearing the brush to prepare it for row crops. The farmers soon realized the sandy soil in this area was perfect for crops such as cotton, wheat and vegetables. In the late 60′s, Ray Schnepf began growing Potatoes used for potato chips. The Schnepf’s continued to diversify in the 70′s planting Queen Palms, Mexican fan palms and pine trees in a large field. Before long the Schnepf’s were farming over 5000 acres and shipping vegetables across the country. But his favorite crop was candy corn. As visitors drove out to the small farming community they would often stop and ask if they could pick a few ears of corn and some peaches. It wasn’t long until Ray realized that selling corn and peaches for U-Pick was the way to go. And Schnepf Farms began to grow…

In the 90′s The Schnepf’s wanted to keep guests on the farm longer, so they started diversifying. Land was sold as the farm downsized and agri-tourism began. In 1992 Country Thunder USA began. 250 acres was set aside to produce this concert that remained on the farm for the next 9 years. More attractions were added to the farm including a petting zoo, carousel rides, landscaping, a bakery and more. Visitors to the farm began to enjoy a petting barn, play yard, narrow gauge train and carousel. The year 2000, the Schnepf’s started relocated old farm buildings from neighboring farms that were being developed. In 2004 the Schnepf’s moved the original 100 Year old homestead and created the Schnepf Family Museum which tells the history of the family farm dating back to the late 1800′s. Today, the original Roadside Stand is now the Country Store and Bakery. The original family home became a wedding and reception center called “the Farmhouse”. All these improvements continued while still maintaining a strong agricultural presence. The Schnepf’s are the largest organic Peach grower in the state and still farm hay and vegetables crops.