By ANNA GENASCI
Stanislaus County
Farm Bureau
MODESTO — Recently I had the pleasure of visiting VanderHelm Farms, a fruit u-pick on Albers Road to the east of Modesto.
Now if you had visited this location in the mid-1990s, you would have seen more cows than blueberries.
Today Ron VanderHelm and his wife Sarah spend their days running the u-pick that now features blueberries, strawberries and new stone fruit trees.
Ron’s parents originally purchased the property in the 1980s. And the family ran the dairy until the mid-1990s, when they decided to sell the cows and rent the dairy out. But, in 2008, during the recession, Ron and his family knew they needed to do something different. So, they planted five acres of blueberries.
Before we get much deeper into their story let’s meet Ron, Sarah and family.
Ron VanderHelm, Farmer & Mechanic
Ron grew up on the farm and has always enjoyed growing things. He started his first garden when he was only four years old. Ron is the third of six sons.
When he graduated from high school, he joined the army and was trained as a mechanic. After leaving the army he made his way back to California to be near his family. In 2009 Ron, Ryan and Corrie decided to start growing blueberries. Ron is on site daily weeding, picking berries, mowing, pruning and taking care of the farm.
He spends most of his spare time building much of the specialized equipment we use here. He also enjoys working on old cars and tractors. He always has a few projects he's working on. Ron and Sarah have four kids. And Ron loves to spend time with his kids and teach them about farming.
Sarah VanderHelm, Farmer & Mother
Sarah did not grow up on a farm. She enjoyed spending time at her grandparent’s almond orchard and isn’t a stranger to country life. She was born in Modesto, but grew up in Washington, near Seattle, an area known for growing blueberries. When Ron and Sarah married, she was working for an optometrist in Oakdale.
When Ron and Sarah started having kids, she became a full-time mom. Sarah spent her college years working in retail management. So, when the decision was made to open the farm to u-pick she naturally took that on. Sarah has always enjoyed being able to bring her babies to work. Now that they have gotten older, she is enjoying having them in the barn to help out the customers.
Corrie VanderHelm-Davis, Farmer & Painter
Cornelia is Ron's mom. Corrie VanderHelm Davis emigrated to California from the Netherlands in 1967 with her husband. Arend worked on a few dairies until they saved up and were able to purchase their own dairy. After Arend passed away, Corrie leased the dairy facility out. In 2009 two of Corrie's six sons took out the dairy and planted blueberries. In 2007 Corrie remarried and gained 2 more sons. She has 28 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
Corrie is a painter in addition to a blueberry farmer. Her oil painting studio is in her home in Escalon. She has won many awards for her beautiful paintings.
You will sometimes find Corrie in the barn and she is happy to talk to you about paintings and blueberries. She always has a smile and some friendly advice about picking berries.”
I asked Ron, “why blueberries?”
Ron said, “We knew we needed to do something different. I really wasn’t sure if we were going to do a u-pick, but we planted the first five acres in a u-pick friendly manner.”
Well, their “try something different,” paid off.
Today, both Sarah and Ron work fulltime on the farm and on any given Saturday during the season, the parking lot is full.
VanderHelm’s U-Pick is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Their farm is family friendly, but please no pets (food safety requirements). “About 80 percent of our customers are repeat,” shared Sarah. “And some travel here from the Bay Area to see the farm,” said Ron.
So, what can a customer expect? Well, grab a bucket. It is a u-pick, so fill your bucket with your favorite, blueberries, strawberries or multiple stone fruit. You pay by the pound. Sarah recommends that you bring a hat, it gets hot!
The farm features a darling kid-friendly picnic area. “Bring your lunch and enjoy the play area,” shared Ron. The picnic area comes in very handy when Ron and Sarah host field trips from local elementary schools.
Ron and Sarah have four kids. While they are all still pretty young, they help on the farm too. “They help pull weeds, especially in the strawberries,” shared Ron.
I asked Ron, “what are your customers surprised to learn when they visit?”
“Yes, we actually farm. The ‘pick’ is harvesting, just one of the many steps that goes into growing fruit,” said Ron.
Ron said he loves that he doesn’t even have to leave his driveway to get to “work.” For the last couple of years Ron has been able to farm fulltime and he is always coming up with something new. Like, in 2019 when they planted cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, apriums, nectaplums, and plumcots.
But, if you asked Ron and Sarah’s daughter, what is the family’s favorite, “blueberries!”
Thank you to Ron and Sarah for sharing your sweet u-pick farm.
Check them out at https://www.vanderhelmfarms.com/
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