After 100 years, Simpson Orchards changes hands

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — While the familiar faces of Debbie and Wally Simpson won’t be behind the counter at Simpson Orchards this year, they are confident that their loyal customers will come to know Corrie and Jason Adamson just the same.

With the orchard celebrating 100 years in business last year, Debbie and Wally saw themselves looking to slow down a little. Business was booming and on one particular day not too long ago, Jason Adamson came strolling in like any other day.

“Do you want to buy a farm?” Debbie asked, half-joking.

Jason’s response led to the transaction that took place on March 31, when he and his wife Corrie purchased the farm from the Simpsons.

The familiarity between the two Road 5 families goes way back.

“I have a picture of my grandfather standing with Jasons’s great-grandfather,” said Wally Simpson. “So we’re very familiar with each other.”

The families have farmed across the road from each other for over a century now and Jason is happy that they get to carry things on.

He and Corrie own a 10-acre farm down the road (west, past the Albuna) on Road 5 where they grow sweet corn, green beans, garlic and other crops. Their ‘wagon at the road’ has turned into quite an enterprise.

The passing of the torch at Simpson Orchards. From left are previous owners Debbie and Wally Simpson with new owners Jason and Corrie Adamson.

SUN photo

Now, they take on over 50 more acres where they will quickly learn to grow apples too.

“It’s all farming,” said Wally Simpson. “They’ll do just fine.”

The Adamsons do not plan on changing anything about the flourishing retail store on the farm, so customers can rest assured that they will get the same level of service and quality products.

“In fact, we may have a few new vegetables to introduce,” added Jason. “We’re looking forward to greeting our existing customers and also to meeting all of the Simpson regulars.”

The Adamsons are grateful to the Simpsons for their guidance over the six-week transition period that just wrapped up.

“I’ve been tailing Wally for weeks and have learned a lot,” says Jason.

“I’ve been doing the same with Debbie,” added Corrie. “Without their support and kindness, we wouldn’t be able to do this.”

As for Debbie and Wally Simpson, they hope to be able to take some time and enjoy hobbies and spend lots of time with their grandchildren.

Life has come full circle for them, as Wally was once one of the grandchildren running through the orchard.

Corrie and Jason Adamson, who are still years away from having grandchildren, are settling in nicely on the farm and in the store.

Who knows, maybe someday their grandchildren will be running through the orchard too.

Simpson Orchards remains open the same hours, Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm at 239 Rd. 5, between County Rd. 31 and Highway 77.