Where is Daniel visiting this week?
Dorr Farms is a family-owned produce farm in Gable, SC. Owners Maynard and Marie Dorr started the farm in 1996 by building two turkey barns and raising poults for Prestage Farms in Cassatt, SC. In 1999, Maynard started a one-acre garden, and then in 2001, Greg Harvey, a former Clemson Extension Agent, encouraged them to sell produce at the new Sumter Farmers Market.
In 2012, they held their first u-pick strawberry season, which was a major success, but they still sold most of their produce at the farmers’ market. In 2020, COVID shut down the farmers’ market, so the Dorr family brought their tables to the farm. This was so successful that they established a permanent farm shop that continues to expand as the farm grows. Since then, the farm has exploded to around 20 acres of seasonal produce harvested year-round, plus the two turkey barns, a playground, and even an animal feeding pen.
At Dorr Farms, there is something for everybody. They offer you-pick strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and pumpkins. In April, Dorr Farms hosts a helicopter easter egg drop. Over 15,000 eggs will fall from the sky for kids to collect. Come by in the fall for Fall Farm Days and take a hayless hayride, pick your own pumpkin, and explore the corn maze. Dorr Farms also hosts educational field trips to teach groups the importance of agriculture and where food comes from. They also offer birthday parties and a farm camp for boys and girls who show an extra interest in learning about the farm. For fresh and delicious local produce, come out and visit Dorr Farms!
This month’s spotlight is from Daniel Lyon, Midlands Fruit and Vegetable Agent.
The South Carolina Grower 