Fruitland, TX — As the growing and harvest seasons wind down, the family‑owned Purdum’s Produce is reflecting on what it calls its most successful summer on record. Founded in 1996 when a family member sold corn from a driveway, the farm has grown into a full‑service produce stand offering fresh corn, watermelon, green beans and a variety of fall crops.
Hard work and careful planning pay off
Owner Robyn Purdum says the farm’s growth is the result of “a lot of thought and a lot of planning.” She notes that corn is planted about 18 different times each season, while green beans are planted roughly weekly, making a steady supply a logistical challenge.
During the busiest weeks, the operation relied on 19 full‑time pickers, including domestic workers and H‑2A temporary agricultural laborers, to keep the stand stocked. An additional 15‑20 staff members work inside the stand, assisting customers and handling sales.
Family involvement and community support
Robyn’s granddaughter, Addison Purdum, enjoys working alongside the crew, describing the team as “a fun group.” Farm manager Mackenzie Mitchell, Robyn’s daughter, observes a growing demand for locally sourced fruit and vegetables, saying, “I think there’s a big drive for people to have fresh fruit and vegetables. They want to know where their produce is grown.”
Customers travel from across the region, even from outside Fruitland, to shop at the stand. Long‑time patrons who have been coming since the farm’s early days are now considered friends as much as customers.
Weather challenges and future plans
While smoke from regional fires affected some crops, overall warmer and drier conditions benefited most of the plantings. Looking ahead, the family is considering adding new vegetable varieties, offering farm tours and extending the seasonal operation.
After nearly three decades, Purdum’s Produce attributes its continued success to the steadfast support of its community, reinforcing the farm’s role as a staple of Fruitland’s local food landscape.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
