Discovering NC Agriculture is a year-long series focusing on twelve N.C. grown, raised, caught, and made commodities. Tune in each month to see how an N.C. commodity is grown, harvested, packed for consumer use and more. Learn nutritional value, find fun recipes to try, hear from local chefs who use that product, and other unique commodity facts throughout the series. We look forward to helping you better understand some of our N.C. commodities and how they impact your everyday lives!
Many families use strawberry season as a chance to get out on the farm and spend more time with each other. For thirty years, Patterson Farm Market & Tours in Mount Ulla has been offering agritourism events, including pick-your-own strawberries, that both entertain and educate consumers. Just as the farm continues to grow from generation to generation, so do the plethora of activities for visitors to enjoy.
Since the 1970’s, the Patterson family has been growing strawberries on the family farm. Starting at a young age, Doug and his brother Randall worked on the family farm and developed a passion for the agriculture industry. “The farm has always been hard work, but it has never been unenjoyable,” he said. “In fact, as a kid, we invited our friends to help on the farm as well. Even though we were working, we were also having fun together!” Today, Doug is the Vice-President of Patterson Farms, and his wife, Michelle, is treasurer. Randall serves as President and his wife, Nora, as Secretary. Doug runs the operation alongside his brother, Randall. “Farming has always been a family business,” he said. “We are a third-generation family farm, and we already have the fourth generation working on the farm with us.” Randall’s son, Taylor, and Doug’s daughter, Victoria, are back helping the family business.
Each year, strawberry season begins for the Patterson family around September or October with planting season. “Strawberries need water, but not on the outside of the berry,” Doug said, “so we plant berries with a drip tape running under the plastic as their water source.” The berries grow from then to late April before harvest begins. This year, the Patterson family will harvest 75 acres of Camarosa and Ruby June strawberries for their consumers. “The weather plays a big role in strawberry production, both with harvest time and strawberry yields,” Doug said. “We pick to order on the farm, so it is very labor intensive, but worth it to give our customers the freshest product possible. Strawberries are also very perishable, so it’s important that they be handled in a manner that preserves their shelf-life as much as possible.” The Patterson family places high emphasis on the flavor and safety of their products. In fact, they not only practice safety measures for staff and farm crews, but also educate visitors on food safety, including washing their hands.
In addition to packing strawberries for wholesale distribution and consumer convenience, Patterson Farms also offers a variety of events throughout strawberry season to bring families out to the farm, including pick-your-own berries. “We always encourage people that want to pick their own berries to start by washing their hands,” Michelle said. “Then we educate them on ways to pick the best berries, like pinching at the stem above the leaves, looking for berries that are red all over, and more. Once they have their berries picked, we always tell them to refrigerate them as soon as they get home and wash them before consumption.” Throughout the season, the farm also has a variety of fun games, rides, and activities for families to enjoy, including farm animals, educational programs, an ag-magination play town, ag-themed games, slides, hayrides and more! “We really take pride in creating a place where families can come and make lasting memories,” Michelle said. “Many people make our farm a yearly tradition, which generates a lot of pride for us as the producers.” Make sure to visit the Farmers Market on-site during your visit to stock up on local produce from Patterson Farms, value-added items, ag-themed toys & books, ice cream and more. In fact, their homemade strawberry ice-cream is a must have during your visit!
Patterson Farms produce can be found on-site at the farm, as well as other retail locations across the state, including Food Lion, Lowes Foods, Walmart, and the Hickory Lions Club. Their on-site market and online store are great spots to stock up on value added products like ice cream, jams, and jellies, farm merch, and other delicious items, like salsa. “We take pride in making products that customers across our state, and others, enjoy,” Michelle said. “It’s a lot of work, but when we see people come out to enjoy the farm and walk away with memories that will last a lifetime, even the hard days become worth it.” Mark your calendars to visit Patterson Farms this strawberry season and enjoy local produce and life on the farm!
