Our History
The Roots Go Deep
Originally called the Swiss Rifle Club Farm, the roots of Heritage Farm go back to 1976 when an early twenty something couple met, fell in love and began to dream the dream of their lifetime. Greg and Linda’s dream included a rural lifestyle and a small farm in the mountains; a place where they could live simple lives, close to nature and in peace. After marriage in 1979 and many moves between two states, the farm became a reality in 1990 with the purchase of their second piece of land. Now they owned a worn out, run down 19th century rifle club building (converted to a house in the 1940’s) and two acres on which to raise fruit, vegetables, eggs and small livestock! Although small, it was the start that was needed. Always a family affair, in the summer of 1991 they began selling produce with their three children at the St. Marys Farmers Market. The following year they added the Ridgway Farmers Market. Now along with their home they have three sales locations. At the same time the farm’s offerings increased with the addition of home ground baked goods, jams/jellies, herbs, flowers, maple syrup and more!
Their third land purchase of 25 acres was made in 1995. This greatly increased the size and scope of the whole operation and enabled them to participate in yet a third farmers market in 1999 as well as initiate a pasture fed beef enterprise. But wait, the Burns’ family farm wasn’t finished yet! Late in 2000 the farm adjoining theirs came up for sale and the family was able to sell the old rifle club and purchase the new property. The vision continues to unfold as the family restored and enlarged their business on this 19th century farmstead which includes a house, large bank barn, two smaller barns, a workshop and 51 beautiful acres. The Burns have an on-farm market as well as pastured beef, pork and poultry exterprises in addition to the established fruit and vegetable operations. Heritage Farm now has seven sales locations in six different communities to better provide the area with healthy, nutritious food.
In April 2005 their oldest daughter Rebekah married Jason Oberholser and, in 2008, moved to New Mexico where she and Jason are Christian missionaries to the Navajo Indians with their 2 (going on 3) children. In 2007 Dan graduated college and is now working at a Christian missionary school in Puebla, Mexico. Greg and Linda have joined in partnership with their son Pete and together they manage the operation with Anna and Tim. The crew helps out everywhere. Pete, 23, is the livestock head including pigs and pasture fed beef and poultry. Anna, 16, is in charge of the greens production. Tim, 10, is chairman of rodent control managing the farm's 4, 9, 11, 16, dozens(?) of cats. He also actively seeks employment in all departments. Mom is department head of maple syrup, whole grain breads and the jams/jellies area. She shares charge of the vegetable production with Dad. Dad has responsibility for the tree fruit and woodlot management departments as well as being CEO and general fixer-upper/handyman for the whole place.
We are a committed Christian family and invite you to check out our products or just come and visit us at any of our locations. At the farmers markets look for a brown, hand carved, wooden sign hanging over the back of a pickup truck and young people that are working their hearts out. Our statement of purpose is as follows:
Heritage Farm exists to glorify God in that our family will put into practice and provide a public example of the principles of biblical lifestyle. A tool in developing virtuous character and lives pleasing to the Lord, the farm is to be a Christian witness to others both by our example of a family working together and by providing a constant supply of "clean," fresh, high quality, nutritious and healthier foods.