Tour 1: Orchards
Historic Round Barn & Farm Market
The Historic Round Barn & Farm Market is a family owned and operated farm market just 8 miles west of the Civil War town Gettysburg. Built in 1914, it is one of only a handful of truly round barns surviving today. Set in a scene of picturesque Pennsylvania foothills, you'll love its beautiful architecture against the rolling, orchard-covered hills. Whether you're here for an event, our fresh fruit, or just exploring, we think you'll find it's a truly well rounded experience.
We keep busy growing over 30 types of apples, 20 types of peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, pears, cherries, berries, and grapes. Phew, that's quite a list...and that's just the fruit. In our spare time - do farmers have that? - we have expanded into vegetables, including sensational sweet corn, amazing asparagus, tasty tomatoes and others like peppers, cucumbers, zucchinis and egg plants. Plus, plenty of pumpkins, from jack-o-lanterns to pie pumpkins to beautiful heirloom varietals.
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Fruit Research and Extension Center
The Fruit Research and Extension Center (FREC) in Biglerville is situated on 125 acres of fertile land in south-central Pennsylvania, in the heart of the major tree fruit production area of the state. The center's total orchard and land holdings include an additional 55 acres approximately three miles west of Biglerville, near Arendtsville.
The southcentral and southeastern counties of Pennsylvania grow about 80 percent (23,966 acres) of the state's apples and pears and approximately 84 percent (7,774 acres) of the stone fruits (peach, nectarine, plum, and cherry). Located in the area are two major processing companies that manufacture a variety of fruit products such as apple sauce, pie filling, apple juice, and specialty fruit products. Commercial productions of apples, peaches, nectarines, cherries, pears, and plums are valued at approximately $84 million annually.
The center is part of the research and extension division of Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. In addition to providing site-specific conditions for research, the facility increases opportunities for growers, consultants, consumers, and students to observe experiments and to consult with scientists. Extension specialists apply experimental findings to local conditions, and, in turn, make suggestions to scientists about new research needs.
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McCleaf’s Orchard
Located near Gettysburg, in the hills of Adams County, Pennsylvania, McCleaf's Orchard is a 5th generation family farm. We grow a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables for direct sale to our wonderful customers and farm with sustainable practices, evidenced by our Primus and IPM certifications. On our 52 acre historic farm we grow apples, peaches, plums, apricots, pears, cherries, pluots, kiwi berries, other unique fruit offerings as well as a wide variety of vegetables and herbs. We strongly believe in creating a biologically diverse farm, creating natural protection for our fruits and vegetables, while keeping our minds always stimulated with something new to learn!
Our marketing takes us to ten farmers markets across Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.
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