Kevin and Stacey Hardy bought the farm 11 years ago from a family that had operated it for about 15 years. The family had grown strawberries on the old fashion matted rows, and taught Kevin to do the same. After three years, they became concerned about all the chemicals that were being used, and decided to do things differently. They now use organic sprays when possible, and use labor at times when chemicals would otherwise be necessary.

The farm store, which looks like a revamped barn, is the center of the operation. Here they sell pre-picked berries, home-made jam, raw honey, ice-cream, and freshly ground wheat products. Stacey also grinds wheat for the public and sells all the ingredients that are needed for making healthy bread, cinnamon rolls, cookies, muffins and more. She also teaches workshops on healthy eating right there at the farm.

Eleven years ago when the farm was just getting underway, Kevin and Stacey employed their children, who were home-schooled at the time, as their primary "pickers." Since that time, their oldest child has finished college and is now making labels for their home-made jam. In the first few years, they pre-picked about 10-20% of the berries for the public; now, they sell at least 50% pre-picked berries. But, they get a lot of families that come out to pick their own. They even have customers who have picked the berries from this farm for three and four generations! Customers love to come in and tell the Hardys about how they picked strawberries with their grandparents when they were children; and now they are bringing their own children to enjoy the farm experience!

The Hardys have made many great changes to the farm that have only enhanced the quality of their fruit. Today it is a healthier, more environmentally sound product that tastes even better!

Hardy Berry Farm is owned and operated by Kevin and Stacey Hardy.