A special thank you from Rolling Hills Orchards

It’s now been three years since the Ashland Food Co-op took ownership of Rolling Hills Orchards to aid in the preservation of generations of trees, fruits, and seeds. And this season, we were met with some unexpected challenges we hadn’t seen before. Such as: 

• Weather 
  • It was unusually warm this Winter. With no cold to keep the insects and bacterial blights at bay, we lost more than we had wanted. 
  • An early and warmer Spring brought early blossoms followed by a late frost, which caused us to lose fruits once more. 
• Smaller Crop Yield 
  • A number of our trees produced less fruit than normal, with some not producing at all! 
• Labor 
  • Given the smaller crop, income projections, the loss of long-time market labor, and the small market for the type of trusted skilled labor needed. We operated with a 3 man crew to run all daily orchard operations including harvest, deliveries, & pop up markets. 

The smaller crop and labor constraints were the only factors preventing our attendance at the Rogue Valley Growers Market this season. We hope to be back in full force next season with a Bumper Crop, market labor, and a weekly presence for our Ashland, Medford, and beyond communities at the Tuesday and Thursday Rogue Valley Growers Markets!

On behalf of the Orchard and Produce teams with the Ashland Food Co-op, we would like to say a special thank you for all of the support we have received this season! Your positive communication, love for peaches, and overall enthusiasm for our Orchard is beyond what we could have asked for. The popularity of our fruit lies in the hearts of Co-op, Rogue Valley, and Applegate Valley communities alike - you are the reason we do this. 

We would also like to take this opportunity to shout out our Staff at the Ashland Food Co-op who are vital to our mission and success. Produce Manager, Joe, splits his time between the Co-op and the Orchard; and without the diligence of the Produce Department, he would not have been able to bring the literal fruits of his labor through our doors and into neighboring communities. 

Lastly, a big thank you to Fry Family Farm, they were pivotal to our 2026 season this year. For supporting the Orchard as a consistent peach retail outlet, featuring our peaches in a number of processed/baked goods, and allowing us to do a number of Pop ups for our Medford, Applegate, Central Point, Sams Valley, and Shady Cove supporters! And shout out to Whistling Duck Farm Store, for being a consistent retail outlet for our Applegate, Ruch, Williams, and Grants Pass supporters! As well as featuring our peaches in a number of processed goods! Have you tried those Whistling Duck Freeze dried peaches? Delicious!  

Thanks to ALL for the support we receive in keeping Rolling Hills's certified organic Peaches alive in our community!