The Scenic Route: Pit stops at California farms and ranches

As summer approaches, satisfy your wanderlust with a farm-fresh adventure. Across the state, farm trails allow visitors to explore agricultural roots, pick seasonal produce, meet farm animals or enjoy local goods directly from producers. Ready to plan a day on the trail? Here are three destination spots.

Underwood Family Farms,
Moorpark and Somis

For more than 150 years, the Underwood family has provided the community with firsthand agricultural experiences. Best known for its pick-your-own fields, guests can harvest fruits and vegetables directly from the land. A stop along the Camarillo Farm Trail, Underwood Family Farms was founded by fourth-generation farmer Craig Underwood in 1980, beginning with just 5 acres and growing to more than 200 across locations in Somis and Moorpark. underwoodfamilyfarms.com

Harris Family Farm,
Pollock Pines

For seven generations, Harris Family Farm has welcomed visitors to experience farm life rooted in tradition. Guests can enjoy seasonal U-pick crops, a pie shop featuring goods made from the farm’s harvest and hands-on workshops throughout the year. Harris Family Farm is a stop along the El Dorado County Quilt Trail, where farmer Jane Harris, a founding member, has hand painted many of the quilt squares displayed on barns and buildings across the region. harrisfamilyfarm.com

The Peach Tree Fruit Stand,
Clovis

Since 1952, the Peach Tree Fruit Stand has been a must-stop destination in Clovis. What began as a simple roadside stand where Muriel Smittcamp sold extra peaches from Wawona Packing Co. has grown into a staple in the local community more than 70 years later. Still operated by the Smittcamp family, the stand is open seven days a week beginning in mid-May and is a stop along the Fresno County Fruit Trail. wawona.com/about-us/peach-tree-fruit-standhttp://wawona.com/about-us/peach-tree-fruit-stand

Farm Bureau members: Do you operate an agritourism site? Contact us to be featured: agalert@cfbf.com.

In this edition...

• Big cats complicate ranchers' livelihoods
• California weighs 'truth in labeling' wine industry law
• Water guides discussion at global agriculture forum
• Dry conditions push farms to new irrigation strategies
• Study measures regulatory costs for Napa vineyards
• Researchers study ways to control flatheaded borer
• New CDFW director addresses priorities, predators
• National survey shows most farmers can't afford fertilizer
• What options are available to manage citrus thrips?
• Efficient irrigation through smart and informed irrigation purchases
• Going farm fresh: School districts look to growers as they ditch ultraprocessed foods
• Bountiful Finds: A curated collection of goods made by Farm Bureau members
• Super Snacks: Big California Flavor
• Peaches signal arrival of prime fruit season
• The Scenic Route: Pit stops at California farms and ranches
• From auction ring to dinner table: Coalition ensures no junior livestock exhibitor goes without a sale
• Why calling 811 before you dig is essential for California farmers
• Study: Maximize winter cereal yields with less water