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Dayton’s Not Dead: Peifer Orchards and Farm Market

Piefer Orchards | Monica Brutto | The Wright State Guardian


Peifer Orchards in Yellow Springs is a family-owned and operated farm that grows and locally sources a variety of produce, including pumpkins, apples, berries, peaches, sunflowers and much more. 

How the business started

Emma Peifer-Burns’ father, John Peifer, started the orchard in 1994, the year Peifer-Burns was born. According to Peifer-Burns, Peifer realized how much fun it was, seeing that the project could become a business and a way to earn a living wage. 

The initial project started as a hobby with only 200 apple trees; now, the business has 4,000 apple trees.

As the business grew larger in 2004, the orchard moved to its current location on route 68. 

Family 

According to Peifer-Burns, family and friends band together to help run the farm, especially in the busy fall season. 

“It’s always been a family thing. I’m a homebody. I actually went to Wright State and my husband, he went there too. We both love being in this community. I love working with my family and getting to be with my family,” Peifer-Burns said. 

Peifer-Burns mentioned a great experience growing up on the farm and an excitement to share that with others, especially kids. 

“I have a four-month-old, so we’re really excited to have her grow up here and be a part of this too,” Peifer-Burns said.  

Peifer-Burns’ mother-in-law, Margaret Burns, also helps with the business. 

“I just love being here, it feels good to be here, you know. The customers are fantastic overall, and it keeps me in touch with my son, my granddaughter and my daughter-in-law,” Burns said. 

Activities  

During the fall, the orchard has U-pick pumpkins and apples, where customers can pick crops or buy from the pre-picked items. 

The main barn houses the farm market with locally sourced goods and produce, such as maple syrup, honey and baked goods. According to Peifer-Burns, the family and workers press apples from the orchard to make fresh cider as well. 

The orchard is open from June through December and is located at 4590 U.S. 68 North in Yellow Springs. The current hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

For more information, visit the orchard’s official website.


Elayna Storts

Wright Life Reporter

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