Published by: The News-Herald
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Growth while staying true to core values is among the focuses within the operations of Patterson Fruit Farm, now a seven-generation family business.
Located in Chester Township — Patterson’s Farm Market at 11414 Caves Road and Patterson Farms at 8765 Mulberry Road — the beginnings date to the late 1870s with Solomon and Mary Ferry. The couple, early settlers of the township, farmed at the corner of Ferry and Mulberry roads.
In 1879, the couple’s child married Augustus Patterson and the two continued the farming operation.
Today, Bill and Kristin Patterson are part of the sixth generation of the seven-generation business along with Bill’s brother, Dave Patterson, and his family. Allowing the next generation to farm if they so desire is part of the goal to carry forward and build on the business, Bill said.
“Part of that is making sure we’re strong both within keeping a strong reputation and making sure we have the ability to bring on additional people, which usually includes some level of expansion throughout those generations,” he said. Patterson’s Farm Market, is now in its 71st year.
“I think the key is my father-in-law and his dad were so good at evaluating situations,” Kristin said. “I think because there have been no huge swings, that’s been part of the reason for the multigenerational successes. We do feel super privileged to farm. That is not something we ever take for granted. It is hard work, but it is fun work for our family. The family works together so well, so it’s a sweet situation.”…