Our family's farming and ranching story began long before Mortimer Farms.
My dad, Gary grew up on a corn and soybean farm in Iowa. As a teenager, he and his mother moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to escape the cold winters. While working for a landscape company, he was sent to an install job in Prescott. He fell in love with the area and decided to stay. In 1986 he opened a nursery and landscaping business — a company still today, Mortimer Nursery.
My mom, Sharla, has deep roots in the Arizona farming and ranching community. Her relatives homesteaded what is now known as Dobson Road in Mesa. The citrus trees there today are some of the original trees her relatives planted. She, herself, grew up on a cotton farm. As a child, her family moved to Prescott to escape the brutal heat.
When my mom and dad met and fell in love, they knew they wanted to raise their future children on a farm or a ranch. They attribute many of their skills, dedication, hard work, passion, and love for land and animals to their time on the farm and ranch. These attributes were things they wanted their children to have the opportunity of possessing.
My mom and dad purchased their dream ranch, Ash Creek Ranch, in Dewey, Arizona, in 2003. The place we kids (Ashlee, Hayden, Kayla, and Kolten) grew up. The ranch furthered their dedication to the land, wildlife, animals, and natural resource conservation. A dedication, commitment, and passion my parents not only passed on to us but to the community. We hosted field trips, weddings, church events, boy scout camps, and youth camps at the ranch for years. Our goal was (and still is) to connect our visitors with agriculture. A goal backed by the fact that American agriculture is underrepresented in this country. People need an avenue to understand how vital an industry farming and ranching is in order to protect it and protect our future food supply.
Seven years later, in 2010, we received a call from the Mayer of Dewey-Humboldt, Len Marinaccio. He introduced himself and spoke of the farming property on the corner of 169 and 69 in Dewey. It had sat vacant for many years, the weeds were as tall as our trucks, the buildings were falling apart, the land was deteriorating, and the owners were looking for a family to maintain the farm. A few days later, my dad had the opportunity to meet with the property owners and Mayer Len. As they toured the property, all parties involved had the same priority - revitalize the land. Both ten years ago and today, our goal is to protect and do what is best for the land. We are forever dedicated to the cultivation of the land as we do our part to feed the population.
At about this same time, the idea of agri-tourism was becoming more and more popular in Arizona. Arizona state statute explains: ""Agritourism" means any activity that allows members of the general public, for recreational, entertainment or educational purposes, to view, enjoy or participate in rural activities, including farming, ranching, historical, cultural, u‑pick, harvest‑your-own activities or natural activities and attractions if the activity is conducted on farmland or land that is adjacent to and operated in connection with farmland." At that time, Arizona citizens were itching to get their hand in the soil, experience the story of their food and connect directly with farmers. This movement coupled perfectly with our passion for connecting people to the story of their food. As our long-term lease of Mortimer Farms began, we felt called to open our real working farm up to the public, open the farm to your family.
We grow over 40 different crops on the farm, including pumpkins, sweet corn, strawberries, blackberries, and vegetables. The farm is open to the public to enjoy and learn where food comes from, taste farm life, and experience farming and ranching. Additionally, guests enjoy the Country Store, farm to table food, unique and memorable food and drinks, the pick your own experience, farm-inspired rides, weddings, events, and entertainment all surrounding real farm fields. The definition of agri-tourism lines everything that we do here at the farm. Every activity, event, and experience at Mortimer Farms is conducted for the purpose of connecting our guests to the farming and ranching community. We love hosting our guests, sharing a glimpse of how food is grown, and giving your family the insight needed to know that the food you are feeding your children is healthy and grown with passion!
For the last ten years, as our guests were connecting to the story of food as they visited Mortimer Farms, behind the scenes, the previous owner was working with development companies, water attorneys, the town of Dewey, and others to finalize a development plan on the property. Development was always their end goal; however, we held on to the possibility of one day purchasing the farm, saving the land from development, and continuing the opportunity to connect our guests to their food.
At the finale of our tenth anniversary, a miracle occurred! What we had been hoping and praying for came to fruition. On December 30, 2020, a remarkable turn of events led to the opportunity of bidding on the property - a shock to all those involved, including my family. Today we are thrilled to own the entirety of the property once marked for development. My dad said: "Over the last ten years, we have been happy to work with the previous owner, and today are thrilled to own the property. A property that will continue to grow and raise food for the community and welcome the public to hear the story of the food on your table."
Mortimer Farms' primary purpose will continue to be farming and agriculture education - and will be for generations! We are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to create stronger connections between our guests and the farming community. What an extraordinary experience to feel the soil, harvest your own food, connect with farm animals, and anchor your life to the backbone of America - agriculture.
My mom said it best "Today marks a miracle. Today marks a celebration! Happy New Year! We are so glad to share our farm with you! Here is to "connecting your family to your food" for generations to come."
Looking back on the story of our family, there seems to be a divine purpose. A being much more powerful than ourselves, making sure all the pieces fall into place. Each part of our story prepared and shaped us to share the farming and ranching experience with the public. In the next ten years, our passion for caring for the environment, growing and raising food, being caregivers to animals and wildlife, and giving your family an avenue to hear the story of your food will only grow stronger! What a privilege to welcome families from across Arizona to connect with the passion and principles of the farming and ranching community and the food on their plate. Thank you for supporting our passion and sharing our farm with us! Here is to connecting your family to your food for generations to come.
