Simpson family celebrates 100 years on the farm

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — When Jean Simpson and her son, Allan, purchased 10 acres on Road 5 in 1921, little did they expect their farm to still be thriving in 2021.

Now, 100 years later, Wally and Debbie Simpson are the fourth generation to keep their growing tradition alive.

Since that 1921 start, Allan Simpson, Wally’s grandfather, purchased an additional 12 acres of land on Bruner Rd. and in 2000, the Simpsons purchased the adjacent orchard to the Bruner Road property to add to the compliment of acreage.

While 2020 was a challenge for so many small businesses, Simpson Orchards has seen an increase in customers looking to buy local fruits and vegetables.

“We’ve been fortunate,” said Wally. “Since March, more people have stopped in and we’ve been fairly busy.”

He credits their years of being part of the Windsor City Market, which they were involved in from 1928 until just last spring.

“We’re seeing more Windsor customers coming to the farm,” he said. “In the last five years, we’ve seen an increase in people wanting to buy local.”

Debbie, left, and Wally Simpson, in front of their sign on Road 5, Leamington.

Their decision to get out of the market was a tough decision to come to, according to Wally. After his father, Eugene, passed away, he and Debbie found it too difficult to keep taking their goods to Windsor every weekend. Now, they concentrate solely on selling their goods at the farm on Road 5.

They have over 20 different crops, including apples, pears, peaches, apricots, cherries, melons, watermelon, sweet potatoes, squash and much more. Their apple orchard boasts more than 30 different varieties, ranging from classics like Northern Spy to newer varieties like Honeycrisp.

In addition to their home-grown fare, they also sell fresh local honey, locally made pies and jams, apple cider and juices. They also carry fresh eggs, Lakeside pickle products and other gourmet preserves.

Farm founder Jean Simpson, with her great grandchildren, including Wally Simpson in the red.

Their kids — Curtis, Courtney and Greg — will comprise the fifth generation of Simpsons to farm the land after Wally and Debbie decide to retire.

In the 100 years since his great grandmother stepped foot on the land, Wally says the Simpson family has seen a lot of changes in technology, equipment and crop improvements.

To celebrate the monumental anniversary, the Simpsons are holding monthly draws, where they will give away baskets of goodies worth about $100.

If you’d like to get in on the draw, check out their Facebook page, or stop in at the farm at 239 Rd 5, between Highway 77 and County Rd. 31, Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 5:30 pm.