The land that was to become FirstFruits Farm, was purchased in the late 1970’s by Tom and Jeannine Thieme, themselves transplants from California. Our first trees, selected from Stark Bros., Carlton, and Sierra Gold nurseries were soon planted.  By the late 1980’s we had more that 1500 peach, apple, and pear trees—some free standing and others trained on trellises.  Varieties were selected for taste rather that for productivity.  Our goal was to provide fruit of the best quality--tree ripened, picked at optimum quality, and marketed fresh locally.

 

Our farm was named as both a play on words and to honor Jesus Christ who is the firstfruits of the resurrection (1Cor. 15:20).  In the Old Testament sacrificial system, the firstfruits were offered as the best and the first of the harvest.

 

FirstFruits Farm now grows a variety of peaches, apples, pears, quince, grapes, and plums.  We have 22 varieties of peaches, and 30 varieties of apples. Additionally we have several varieties of melons, as well as tomatoes, basil, eggplant, squash, and other vegetables, in season.   Harvest usually begins in mid-July.  Phone ahead or email to see when your product is being harvested.  We sell at our roadside stand and at local farmers markets in the Willamette Valley, including Corvallis, Albany, and Salem.