Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Denson.
Hi Jeff, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My grandfather bought this farm after being a fighter pilot in war world II. He began the Christmas tree farm in the 80’s and as I grew up, I would help him. So many families would come year after year and it became a generational tradition for most families. When my grandmother passed in 2011, my grandfather quickly declined and he passed in August 2012. I stepped up that year and did the Christmas Trees for families who always looked forward to coming. Once the family had decided that they were going to sell the farm, I knew that I wanted to continue this tradition for our community. God stepped in and orchestrated everything and in 2013 we moved in. Doing just Christmas Trees that year I began to have a vision of wanting to grow pumpkins for our community. So in 2014 we grew our first crop of pumpkins and our community bought them. This was the beginning of the farm growing. We now have thousands of people that come every year to enjoy our pumpkin patch, Christmas tree farm, make your own pizza events, and private events.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Every year seemed to grow at a rate of visitors that we really just had to reinvest our earnings to expand our facilities. We added giant slides, play areas, a pavilion, bathroom, and then an outdoor pizza oven. I work a full time job as a farrier and that income would support us as the farm would expand. My goal is to eventually retire from being a farrier and just continue to grow our farm. Farming is what I enjoy the most but thankful that my farrier job has been able to support us for almost 30 years now.
Farming in itself is challenging, especially because we had no knowledge of it growing up other than my grandparents having a garden. Every year is different and we continue to learn more and more everyday.
Through all of this, without God, our families support, and our communities support, we would not be here today.
We’ve been impressed with Smith’s Family Fun Farm, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a faith based family owned and operated farm that strives to grow premium pumpkins and Christmas trees. Something we have learned over the last 10 years is how the crops are harvested earlier than most people know before they get to the customers. We try very hard to harvest our crops as close to the time it reaches our customers, which provides a fresh beautiful product that last longer than others. We also have always wanted to have a place where our community can bring their families and friends to enjoy without charging an admission cost. Once the farm began to grow we also decided we wanted it to be more about a pumpkin and a Christmas trees but about the spreading Gods word and growing his kingdom. We have signs with Gods word and cute sayings that remind us of Gods love.
Having an affordable fun place where all families can enjoy, create memories, and Lord willing experience the hope that God gives us through his scriptures, has become our desire for our farm.
What matters most to you?
Loving our community and growing Gods kingdom because that is where our hearts are.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://smithsfamilyfunfarm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smithfamilyfunfarm?igsh=MTdmYWN1ZDRsZjNtdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: Smith’s Family Fun Farm
