People

Ted and Fran Loewen and their grown children, Bryce and Renata, along with about 3 full-time and 30 seasonal employees.

Farmland

78 acres in Reedley, about 200 miles from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.

Farm History

In 1931, Fran’s grandparents, Daniel and Babette Lichti, bought the land that has become Blossom Bluff Orchards (which sits on a bluff overlooking the Kings River). Fran’s father, Herb, farmed with his parents, then married and raised his family on the farm. Ted took over farm operations in 1990. Bryce and his wife, Natalie, live in the farmhouse next door to Fran and Ted, and Renata lives just down the road.

The Loewens produce over 175 varieties of high-quality certified organic tree fruit. They primarily market their fruit through farmers markets and to restaurants and stores. Most of the fruit is picked at the height of maturity, so what you buy is ready to eat. Overripe fruit is dried or dehydrated. Blossom Bluff jam is made by Happy Girl Kitchen.

Certification

California Certified Organic Farmer since 2006

Soil

Sandy loam, built with aged manure, compost, and legumes as cover crops.

Water Use

Water for flood irrigation and some drip irrigation is pumped from the nearby King’s River.

Weed Control

Mowing (including a berm mower) and discing (also for rodent control).

Pest Management

Creates habitat for beneficial insects often by leaving the “weeds” in the orchard, uses pheremone disruption, applies Bacillus thuringiensis at bloom time, and coats dormant trees with oil to smother pests.