This October, we’re celebrating California’s fall harvest season, along with California Farmer and Farmworker Month – by exploring the people, places, and flavors that make our state’s agriculture special. In partnership with CA GROWN’s new digital hub — Experience California Agriculture — we’re highlighting farm adventures across the Golden State. From hands-on u-pick orchards and vineyard tours to local food experiences, this new resource makes it easier to connect with California’s vibrant agricultural communities across the state!

There’s nothing like an afternoon spent apple picking to kick those fall feels into overdrive. Before you (incorrectly) assume that apple picking is a cutesy activity relegated to families with small children or sappy date nights, hear us out. You don’t have to deck yourself out in plaid and cleanse your mind of anything but wholesome thoughts to enjoy spending the day apple picking. Do you like apple pie? Apple donuts? Hard apple cider? If you’ve answered yes to any of these queries, you need to make a trip to an apple orchard, stat.  We have it on good authority, and by that, we mean our own experience, that there’s no better place to enjoy all things apple than a visit to an actual apple orchard. And if you’ve never experienced an apple plucked straight from the tree…well, grocery store offerings can’t even compare.

A bonus is that California apples grow best in areas with cooler evening temperatures – specifically near the coast and in the Sierra Foothills. So, if you’ve been craving a weekend in Pismo or a fall Tahoe trip, we’re offering up the perfect excuse. Check out a few of our favorite u-pick apple orchards and start planning your next ag adventure!

California’s u-pick apple season runs roughly from August through November.

Chileno Valley Ranch, Petaluma

Nestled in the rolling hills outside Petaluma, Chileno Valley Ranch invites visitors to explore their u-pick orchard. This family-owned farm grows over 20 different apples – everything from the immensely popular Honey Crisp to heirloom varieties dating back to the 1840s! They ripen at various times throughout the fall, but on any given day, guests will be able to discover 3 or 4 unique varieties! 

Noble Orchards, Paradise

For four generations, the Noble family has grown apples in Butte County, California. Now the area’s last remaining apple orchard, owners Jim and Laurie Noble have changed up the business model to survive – embracing u-pick during the fall and supplying apples to Lassen Traditional Cidery. Outside of apple season, Noble Orchards offers u-pick peaches and nectarines from July through October, and a stunning assortment of irises in early spring!

Apple Ridge Farms, Camino

There’s so much to do at Apple Ridge Farms! After collecting a basket of apples, explore the nature trail (lined with thousands of zinnias), try your hand at gem-mining, and visit the Bake Shop to sample all the apple-packed treats. We bit into the world’s best caramel apple, but owner Steve Tuso says the apple cider donuts are his fave. 

O’Halloran Ranch, Camino

At O’Halloran Ranch, guests can choose to partake in the traditional u-pick experience or simply mix and match from bins overflowing with already harvested apples. This quaint little farm has a quiet confidence; it offers visitors a traditional and authentic quiet, pastoral farm experience without all the crowds. So, hop on the 50 towards Tahoe and head to O’Halloran Ranch.

Everett Family Farm, Soquel

Everett Family Farm sells organic apples, berries, stonefruit and more at their on-site farmstand and to local restaurants and grocers. During the fall, visitors can traipse through the apple orchards and pick their fill of 14 different apple varieties. Be sure to bring cash or check – this small family farm’s u-pick relies on the honor system! 

Gizdich Ranch, Watsonville

Spend a fabulous fall day at Gizdich Ranch. Collect your fill of u-pick apples, then settle in on one of the outdoor picnic tables with a slice of Nita’s famous apple pie. The recipe is a family secret – but Nita offers up one tidbit of truth: she doesn’t add much sugar to the apple pie filling. With apples this sweet, why would you? 

Swanton Pacific Ranch, San Luis Obispo

Heading to the Central Coast for a wine-tasting weekend? Add apple picking to your itinerary, too! Swanton Pacific Ranch, run by Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, grows 16 different varieties of organic apples. This extends the growing season and allows guests an opportunity to experience lesser-known, heirloom varieties. 

SLO Creek Farms, San Luis Obispo

SLO Creek Farms is a 14-acre u-pick apple orchard in beautiful San Luis Obispo. You’ll definitely want to pluck a basket-full of organic apples from the trees, and don’t forget to grab a few bottles of freshly pressed cider and apple brandy to enjoy at home! 

Avila Valley Barn, Avila

It’s easy to spend an entire afternoon at Avila Valley Barn! Kids love the u-pick apple orchard, ice cream shop and the friendly farm animals at the petting zoo, and adults can eat their fill of Avila Valley Barn’s iconic grilled artichokes and roasted corn. If you’re really into apple exploration, pop on over to their sister orchard, Gopher Glen, to taste over 65 different types of apples! 

Volcan Valley Apple Farm, Julian 

For many families, a visit to Julian is a cherished fall tradition. Volcan Valley Apple Farm’s trellised apple trees allow even the youngest participants to pluck their own fruit from the tree. 

Julian Farm and Orchard, Julian 

Stay – and play – at Julian Family Orchard! Spend the day enjoying the petting zoo, yard games and u-pick apple orchard, and then stay the night next door at Julian Orchard Ranch. While you’re there, be sure to grab a slice of Julian Pie Company’s famous apple pie!

Stone Soup Farm, Oak Glen 

Stone Soup Farm is just an hour outside of Los Angeles, but what a difference an hour makes! Tucked in the quiet hills of Oak Glen, this gorgeous farm offers apple picking and farm tours, where visitors can learn more about regenerative agriculture and the proper technique for picking the perfect apple. 

Los Rios Rancho, Oak Glen

Visit Southern California’s oldest apple orchard, Los Rios Rancho. Enjoy apple picking, horse-drawn wagon rides, cider pressing and more! Don’t even think about leaving without enjoying a slice of their famous apple pie with a cup of gourmet coffee.

Riley’s Farm, Oak Glen

Riley’s Farm boasts all the traditional u-pick apple orchard trappings, but its wildly diverse event offerings truly set this Oak Glen farm apart. Visitors can enjoy everything from musical theater and Civil War reenactments to Adventures in the Old World, where folks can step back in time and experience what life would have looked like in the 18th century!

Article by Hilary Rance. Photography by Hilary Rance and James Collier.

This article was published on California Grown.

Related:
Agritourism – California’s Pumpkin Patches: Hunter Farms
Agritourism – the Central Valley’s Best Pumpkin Patches

CDFA congratulates State Organic Program Special Investigator Leslie Fernandez for recently being recognized with a Women Making a Difference Award from Orange County.

This award is given to women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, impact and commitment in their fields, as well as meaningful contributions to their communities. The Certificate of Recognition reads, in part, “Your leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing the rights and issues of women in Orange County embodies this year’s theme: ‘Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.’ ”

The award recognizes both professional achievements and dedication to making a lasting difference beyond immediate roles. Leslie is a certified Spanish translator and heavily involved in the Latino Connection Conference, hosted annually by California State University, Long Beach, where she contributes to fostering connections, sharing resources and supporting initiatives that empower the Latino community. She also serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), a volunteer appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect, ensuring their needs are met and their voices are heard in court.

Leslie’s role at CDFA includes helping strengthen California’s role as the only state with a federally approved State Organic Program. She oversees collaboration with county agricultural commissioners and offers direct guidance on organic agriculture enforcement, registration, compliance, case coordination, and regional training activities. Leslie plays a pivotal role in bridging the state’s regulatory goals with local implementation, ensuring counties remain aligned with state and federal organic standards.

Congratulations, Leslie!

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross today joined University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) and other partners to introduce the California AgTech Alliance, a statewide initiative intended to transform how agricultural technology moves from lab to field as well as coordinate nine regional innovation hubs designed to deploy cutting-edge technology, train the next generation of agricultural workers, and attract millions in private investment to California’s farming economy.

The Alliance is funded by $15 million from California Jobs First, which invests in key sectors–like Ag Tech–to drive sustainable economic growth, innovation, and access to good-paying jobs.

Appearing at a news conference today at FIRA USA in Woodland, Secretary Ross spoke of the vast potential of the Alliance while noting California’s position as the national leader in agricultural production. “Our state has been the number one ag producing state, by value, in every year that the United States has kept records — over 60 years,” she said. “At a time when we know there are a lot of pain-points in agriculture, last year we still broke a record with over $61 billion in farmgate value.”

Please provide public comment by November 7, 2025

CDFA encourages stakeholders, including farmers, ranchers, technical assistance providers, and the public, to review the draft guidelines and submit feedback during the open comment period.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has just released the draft Climate Resilience Strategy for California Agriculture (RSA) for public comment. As California farmers and ranchers are facing an increasingly difficult landscape, including climate change effects, economic uncertainties, and more, the state is dedicated to supporting our agricultural industry and food system. This document is a key step in ensuring that the state is fostering resilience in the agricultural sector.

The RSA lays out the current challenges facing our agricultural system and what the state is already doing – including investing in tools and innovations, developing and administrating programs, offering technical assistance – and highlights where there are opportunities for the state to do more.

The RSA was developed with input from farmers and ranchers, nonprofits, technical experts, state agencies, and more. Now, CDFA is asking for public comment to ensure that the topic areas, goals, strategies and actions reflect stakeholder input and needs.

Here is how you can read and provide feedback:

1. Visit https://communitydocument.com/view/rsa to read the Climate Resilience Strategy and leave comments.
2. Download the RSA at www.cdfa.ca.gov/climate and email climate@cdfa.ca.gov to share your comments.
3. Sign up to attend a workshop to learn more about the RSA and share your feedback.

Upcoming Workshops – Register now!

• October 22, 6:30 – 8:00 pm (This event is happening tomorrow!)
• October 28, 9:00 – 10:30 am

For any direct questions, please contact Nina Bingham at climate@cdfa.ca.gov. Please share this information with your friends, co-workers, and neighbors!

Public comment ends on November 7, 2025 — make sure you provide your feedback before then.

This October, we’re celebrating California’s fall harvest season, along with California Farmer and Farmworker Month – by exploring the people, places, and flavors that make our state’s agriculture special. In partnership with CA GROWN’s new digital hub — Experience California Agriculture — we’re highlighting farm adventures across the Golden State. From hands-on u-pick orchards and vineyard tours to local food experiences, this new resource makes it easier to connect with California’s vibrant agricultural communities across the state!

Visiting your local pumpkin patch is practically a mandatory fall activity. Adults and children alike flock to family-friendly pumpkin patches to snap a few pics, maybe take a hayride, and – of course- to pick the perfect pumpkin. At Hunter Farms in Atwater, California, you can do all that – and a whole lot more. We dropped in to chat with Scott Hunter to learn a little bit about how he went from almond farmer to pumpkin patch proprietor.

How did the Hunter Family get into farming?

In 1971, Scott’s parents, Wil and Connie Hunter, purchased some farm land in Livingston, California. At the time, the family was living in Southern California. Scott was still in school and very active in athletics. So, during the early years, they traveled back and forth between Central and Southern California. Eventually, his parents moved up to the Central Valley, and Scott went to Cal Poly Pomona on a baseball scholarship. About a year and a half after Scott graduated, his father presented him with an interesting opportunity. His parents wanted to expand their farming operation to include almonds, and asked Scott if he wanted to join them. In 1992, Scott moved to the Central Valley and became a farmer.

So, how did the Hunter Family get into the pumpkin business? “It’s a unique story,” Scott notes, “Sometimes the Lord works in mysterious ways”.  After Scott joined the fray, the Hunter family’s farming operation grew. In 2011, they acquired a piece of property that was formerly a dairy. They planned to plant almonds on site, and went ahead with the necessary soil treatments to amend the ground. Unfortunately, California was in the midst of a severe drought. The young almond trees failed to thrive, and eventually died.

How did the Hunter Family decide to start a pumpkin patch?

Looking for a way to salvage the situation, they decided to plant three acres of pumpkins – and then had the brilliant idea to plant a corn maze as well. The following fall, they opened up their fledgling pumpkin farm to the public.  ​​The community came out in droves. “I remember saying that if we had 10 or 20 cars in the parking lot, it would be really cool. We had a lot more than 20 cars,” Scott recalls.

Encouraged by their initial success, the Hunter Family started working on even bigger and better plans for the next year.

They added more attractions and grew even more varieties of pumpkins. “Anyone can go to the store and buy the typical orange pumpkin. We wanted to grow unique pumpkins. We pride ourselves on the big stems. You can’t find those in stores – the stems will pierce the other pumpkins in transit,” he proudly states.

Today, Hunter Farms boasts eight family friendly attractions -ranging from a time-travel train to a zip line –  and sells over 70 varieties of pumpkins. All of the pumpkins sold at Hunter Farms are grown on site. Scott personally oversees every step of the process, from planting to harvest. 

How are pumpkins grown at Hunter Farms?

All Hunter Farms pumpkins are grown from locally sourced pumpkin seeds. Hunter Farms times their plantings to make sure that they will have a constant supply of fresh pumpkins throughout the month of October. The seeds are started off in trays in May or June. After 7-10 days, the seedlings have germinated and are ready to plant in the field.

“Pumpkins are a temperamental plant,” Scott explains. “Pumpkins are very subject to water, either too much or too little, insects and also the quality of your ground.” Drip lines ensure that each plant gets just the right amount of water and nutrients, and Hunter Farms works with a team of specialists to determine when and how to best treat any insect issues that may arise.

Are pumpkins sustainably grown?

“Sustainable farming is an important part of our family’s business plan,” Scott states. He defines sustainable farming as “methods used to make sure that you’re putting back what you take out.” The Hunter Family has installed solar fields that power their pumps and provide for the facility’s electric needs. They conserve water by using drip irrigation on all of their crops, and use compost as fertilizer.

How are pumpkins harvested at Hunter Farms?

It’s easy to tell when pumpkins are ready to harvest. “How do you know when pumpkins are ready to harvest? They turn orange,” Scott deadpans. Pumpkin plants have a limited life cycle, so it’s important not to wait too long after they’ve ripened to harvest. “If you wait too long, that pumpkin plant will get weaker and weaker,” Scott explains.  “In the Central Valley, the heat can become an issue. We have to make sure the sun doesn’t burn our plants. The minute they start maturing, the plants themselves start to brown up. When they don’t have any more shade, the sun will burn them, and they become susceptible to insects. So once they’re ready to go we get them outta there.”

Harvest typically commences in late September and continues throughout the month of October. This ensures that there is a constant supply of pumpkins while the Pumpkin Patch is open.

During harvest, Scott leads a team of family and crew members. Each pumpkin is harvested by hand. The team uses a sharp knife to carefully cut each pumpkin from the vine, and places them into wooden storage bins. The bins are transported on a trailer to the barn, where they are sold to customers.

Why should you visit Hunter Farms Pumpkin Patch?

Scott is proud that Hunter Farms is a great place for families to disconnect from their devices and reconnect with each other. Younger children will enjoy an adventure through the ages on the “Time Travel Train”, or getting up close and personal with farm animals at the Critter Corral. There are plenty of fun activities for older kids and adults, too – everything from ziplines to corn maze – and much more!

 Learn more about all of the exciting attractions at Hunter Farms!

During the week, Hunter Farms hosts local elementary schools. Ag education is important to Scott. “We wanted to expose kids to the importance of agriculture in California. For them to know where their food comes from,” he says. To this end, Scott designed a giant animatronic puppet show, based on the Hollywood Squares game, starring farm animals. The interactive game teaches children about topics like farm animals, California’s agricultural commodities, and water conservation. Over 5000 children experience this “ag edu-tainment production” each year.

“One of the coolest things about our place is that when you get here, you put your phone away – and I like that,” Scott confesses. “You’re seeing parents and kids interacting with each other. We’re giving people the opportunity to enjoy their family.”

Ready to plan your family’s visit to Hunter Farms? Learn more, and purchase tickets here!

Article and photography by Hilary Rance for CA GROWN. Additional photography provided by Hunter Farms.

Story featured on California Grown

Related: Agritourism – the Central Valley’s Best Pumpkin Patches

On October 16, CDFA Undersecretary Christine Birdsong joined the Community Alliance with Family Farmers California CRUNCH event at Charles Mack Elementary School in Sacramento. The “CRUNCH!” heard across the state is an annual event where California students all at once take a bite of locally grown fruits and vegetables to celebrate local farms and healthy eating!

Learn more about CDFA’s Farm to School healthy eating programs!

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is proud to partner with California Grown during Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15) and California Farmer and Farmworker Month—to highlight the stories of Latino and Hispanic farmers who help feed our state and nation. Through this collaboration, we’re celebrating the resilience, innovation, and deep agricultural traditions that shape California’s farming communities.

Meet first-generation California farmer, Mel Resendiz. To Mel, being a farmer is more than just a job, it’s the fulfillment of a dream. “Being a farmer means that I have been able to achieve the American Dream.” said Resendiz “To own a business, own land, create jobs for family and others in the community, and to wake up every day doing something that I love doing.” 

Starting out in Farming

Mel’s career in agriculture started in Mexico where he farmed alongside his three brothers. Then, in 1977, the brothers immigrated to California and continued to work in agriculture. Once in California, Mel took a temporary job at a protea farm. At that farm, Mel fell in love with flowers, eventually starting his own Protea Farm, Resendiz Brothers Protea.

Passion for Flower Farming

Mel’s passion for flowers is evident in the way he speaks about his flowers, and the care he takes in growing them. In 2018, Resendiz Brothers hosted an American Grown Field to Vase Dinner on their property. Over a hundred guests came to experience the beauty of their flower farm.

Today, the flower farm spans 100 acres and is home to an extensive selection of Protea, Pincushions, Banksia, Kangaroo Paws, Leucadendron, Filler Flowers and Foliage, as well as plants. Many of the varieties grown on site are hybrids, exclusive to Resendiz Brothers. 

California Farmer Advice

Mel encourages people interested in farming to go for it. “Find something you are passionate about growing and nurturing, and once you have discovered what that is… don’t let it out of your sight. Keep in mind that farming is not a 40-hour-a-week job, it is a lifestyle. Farming can also be a risky venture, it takes money, time and a lot of patience to get started and survive.”

“Connect with other farmers who are growing similar crops as those relationships can be extremely valuable and fulfilling. I learned about growing proteas from California’s Protea Pioneers, Howard Asper Sr. and Dr. Peter Sacks. They were the best and they taught me everything I know about these amazing plants that thrive so well here in California’s Mediterranean climate,” added Mel.

Story featured on California Grown.

We welcome you to also visit California Grown’s new website — Experience California Agriculture — and discover how our state’s farmers, ranchers, and producers help shape ag across the Golden State.

Related: CDFA Recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 | September 15 – October 15.

Hispanic Heritage Month — Javier Zamora’s Journey from Farmworker to Farm Owner

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Kathy Topete and the Topete Family Farm Story

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: CDFA Panel Discussion Reflects on Language, Identity and Community

Resources: Farm Equity Office, Farmer Resource Portal

A Visit to Reedley: California’s Ag Secretary Engages with the Valley

California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross joined The Ag Meter host Nick Papagni at Reedley College to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping California agriculture. The conversation, held on the east side of the San Joaquin Valley, covered everything from workforce development and ag tech innovation to water storage and the future of food production in the Golden State.

“It is a beautiful day at a beautiful campus,” Ross said, praising Reedley College for its leadership in agricultural education and workforce advancement. She highlighted how important it is for her to travel across the state to hear directly from regional leaders and farmers.

“For all the sameness in farming, if you’ve seen one farm, you’ve seen one farm,” Ross noted. “Understanding regional specifics helps us see where people are working together to really lean into the future.

Preparing Farmworkers for the Future of Ag Tech

Ross praised Reedley College’s competency-based certificate programs that help incumbent farmworkers gain new skills for the evolving agricultural workforce. With the rise of automation and precision technology, Ross emphasized the importance of ensuring that “no one is left behind.”

“It’s the science and technology that will attract young people to see that agriculture isn’t what they thought it was,” she said. “These are really awesome opportunities for young people who love their rural communities and want great jobs for their families.”

Facing 2026: Headwinds and Hope in California Farming

When asked about her biggest concerns heading into 2026, Ross reflected on the many pressures facing agriculture today — from market volatility and labor challenges to climate change and regulatory burdens.

“There are so many pressures on margins,” she said. “Then you compound that with changing weather patterns, the implementation of SGMA, and ongoing immigration and labor issues. These are all piling up.”

Despite the headwinds, Ross emphasized collaboration, education, and technology as key solutions. She discussed how the state is encouraging circular economy innovations, such as turning farm waste into renewable energy and compost alternatives to synthetic fertilizers.

“There are opportunities in conversion technologies,” she said. “We’re talking about taking waste that costs money to remove from the farm and turning it into value.”

Ross also sees opportunity in a growing national dialogue around nutrition. “We’ve never seen this much focus on diet and health as a way to prevent chronic disease,” she said. “If we help people eat better, we improve outcomes — and what a great time to be growing the fabulous food that we do here in California.”

The Water Challenge: Droughts, Floods, and Future Storage

No discussion about California agriculture is complete without talking about water. Papagni pressed Ross on whether the Central Valley would ever find lasting solutions for water storage.

Ross described the state’s complex efforts to adapt to changing precipitation patterns and warmer winters that alter snowmelt and flood timing. She pointed to seven major water storage projects already approved under Proposition 1, including the long-anticipated Sites Reservoir project.

“It’ll be the biggest new large-scale off-stream storage project,” Ross said. “Underground storage also has huge capacity. If we can get that water underground during peak flows, it becomes our bank account for drought.”

Ross emphasized that California’s future depends on a diverse water strategy — a “menu” that includes conservation, groundwater recharge, brackish water cleanup, and better management of local basins.

“There’s no life without water,” she said. “And there’s no agriculture without it. If we can figure out water solutions in California, that innovation itself could become an export.”

Connecting Sacramento to the Central Valley

Papagni asked how Ross bridges the gap between farmers in the Central Valley and policymakers in Sacramento. Ross said that regional collaboration is key.

“The state’s first-ever economic development plan was built on 13 regions,” she explained. “What works in Long Beach, Reedley, and Humboldt are three very different things. But ag rose up as one of the anchors — we must strengthen it, not weaken it.”

She highlighted the rise of AgTech and life sciences as critical areas of growth, alongside initiatives like the BEAM Circular Economy, which helps farmers generate new revenue streams from sustainable practices.

“I see the future of California in what’s happening in the Central Valley,” Ross said. “F3 Innovate has really set the bar. These are exciting opportunities that build on our great academic institutions and the ingenuity of our farmers.”

A Message to Californians

As the interview wrapped up, Ross shared a personal message for all Californians:

“I want every person who has access to California-grown food to not only value its flavor, quality, safety, and health benefits — but to feel proud,” she said. “What California agriculture produces cannot be easily duplicated anywhere else. That’s something every resident should take pride in.”

California Ag Secretary Karen Ross’s visit to Reedley College underscored a clear vision: investing in people, technology, and water management to sustain agriculture for generations to come.

Her optimism for the future — grounded in education, innovation, and community — is a reminder that the heart of California agriculture still beats strongest in the Central Valley.

This October, we’re celebrating California’s fall harvest season by exploring the people, places, and flavors that make our state’s agriculture special. In partnership with CA GROWN’s new digital hub — Experience California Agriculture — we’re highlighting farm adventures across the Golden State. From hands-on u-pick orchards and vineyard tours to local food experiences, this new resource makes it easier to connect with California’s vibrant agricultural communities across the state!

An annual visit to the pumpkin patch is a treasured fall tradition – and the Central Valley is home to some of our favorites! From Bakersfield to Butte County, these pumpkin patches offer something for everyone – whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or a scary good time.

Sweet Thistle Farms

And the award for most picturesque pumpkin patch goes to…(drum roll, please)….Sweet Thistle Farms! Located near the outskirts of Clovis, where the Central Valley bleeds into the foothills, this charming pumpkin patch is the perfect place for fall photos and fun. Throughout October, guests can enjoy tractor rides, a corn pit, and a hay maze, as well as feed the friendly farm animals. With over seventeen varieties of pumpkins to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect pick – and snap an Insta-perfect pic! 

During the month of October, you’ll also find u-pick flowers and Indian corn at Sweet Thistle Farms. While you’re there, be sure to sample the goat cheese from the adjoining Rocky Oats Goat Creamery! 

Mike’s Pumpkin Patch

Mike’s Pumpkin Patch promises the classic pumpkin patch experience with face-painting, a petting zoo, pumpkins and food trucks! Set aside a few hours this October to enjoy everything this beloved Lodi pumpkin patch has to offer. 

Bobby Dazzler’s Pumpkin Patch 

If you’re looking for pumpkin patches offering “down-on-the-farm” vibes, check out Bobby Dazzler’s. This Yolo County pumpkin patch is surrounded by fields as far as the eye can see and grows ALL of its own pumpkins. Face painting, a corn “bath”, a petting zoo and pony rides keep younger visitors entertained. Older kids will enjoy the Milo Maze, bungee jump and pony rides. 

Bishop’s Pumpkin Patch

Bishop’s Pumpkin Patch has a pretty bold claim to fame: it’s the world’s largest u-pick pumpkin field! There are plenty of amazing ways to spend the day at this Yuba County destination. Grab a homemade apple muffin and catch the hay ride into the pumpkin field. Once you’ve picked the perfect pumpkin, make your way through the corn maze, frolic with farm animals at the petting zoo, or enjoy the carnival rides. On the weekends, Bishop’s Pumpkin Patch offers even more fun – with live music, puppet shows, magicians and even pig races!

Hunter Farms

Hunter Farms is the place to go for good, old-fashioned family fun. This Atwater farm is basically the Disneyland of pumpkin patches – where screen time takes a back seat to adventure. Race mini tractors, jump around the giant bounce zone, sail down a zipline, and ride on a time travel train! Looking for something a little less action-packed?  Choose from hundreds of pumpkins, pan for gold, make your way through the corn maze, or hop on the hayride. Either way, Hunter Farms will surely be an unforgettable fall family experience. 

Vossler Farms Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch 

During the day, Vossler Farms masquerades as a mild-mannered pumpkin patch – with a corn maze, pony rides and all the traditional trappings. On October weekends, however, it’s transformed into the Field of Screams – a spine-chilling, haunted trail weaving through the field, leaving a trail of terror in its wake. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun or thrills and chills, there’s something for everyone at Vossler Farms. 

Murray Family Farms

Throughout October, Murray Family Farms is the place to be! This iconic Bakersfield farm serves the classic pumpkin patch experience and so much more. Murray Family Farms goes way beyond the classic pumpkin patch with three epic mazes, a glow-in-the-dark tunnel, a paintball gallery, apple cannons, giant bounce houses and slides, and even a popcorn pool. Check their website for more information on their annual costume contest and Trick or Treat trail! 

Cotton Tree Ranch 

Cotton Tree Ranch Pumpkin Patch offers fall fun for kids of all ages! Littles will enjoy picking out the perfect pumpkin, exploring the toddler mini-maze and frolicking in bounce houses. After dark, teens and adults can brave the Ghosts vs. Goblins Scary Maze – if they dare! 

Madera FFA Pumpkin Patch

Disclosure: The Madera FFA Pumpkin Patch doesn’t boast carnival rides or crazy corn mazes. This Central Valley pumpkin patch is unique because it is operated, start to finish, by Madera High School FFA students. The students are involved every step of the way, from planting and harvest to sales. At the end of the supervised agricultural experience (SAE), expenses are deducted, and the profits are divided evenly between participating students. If you’re looking to find the perfect pumpkin AND support the future of farming, check out the Madera FFA Pumpkin Patch.

TJ Farms Estates

Step back in time at the TJ Farms Estates Pumpkin Patch, where history meets harvest. The farm’s 1900s blacksmith shop, antique farm tools and even a stagecoach help bring the past to life. Visitors can borrow a wagon or traipse through the pumpkin patch until they find the perfect pumpkin and snip it from the vine. 

Article by Hilary Rance. Photography by Hilary Rance and James Collier.

Story featured on California Grown.

As part of CDFA’s Farm-to-School Month celebrations, we’re highlighting an awardee in our Farm-to-School Incubator Grant Program, the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) in Orange County.

The school district is a two-time grantee that has procured over 430,000 pounds of local and culturally relevant produce and has worked to develop farm-to-school culinary clubs, school gardens, local farm field trips, and farm-to-school focused career technical education programs.

Thank you to SAUSD’s Farm-to-School Coordinator Moises Placencia, Food Service Director Joshua Goddard, and all of the SAUSD staff for the incredible farm to school work you do every single day modeling this important program for California and the nation!

If you would like to learn more about our Farm-to-School Program and our nearly 200 grantees, please visit the Farm-to-School Incubator Grant webpage well as the California Farm-to-School Program webpage. 

This year’s National Farm-to-School Month theme, Growing for the Future, emphasizes the role of farm-to-school in creating thriving communities now and in the future. Farm-to-school helps young children and students eat healthy, fresh and locally grown meals in schools, and helps provide local farmers with a reliable source of income by feeding their communities.