Country Lifestyles
April 2018 Profile – Young Orchard & Berry Farm
By Jessica Crabtree
Driving north of Henrietta in Clay County up Farm to Market road 810 will lead you to the small community of Charlie. There you will find tree after tree of pecan and peach orchards and row after row of produce. Fresh from the ground, the land around Charlie is made up of sand and clay. Charlie resident and owner of Young’s Orchard and Berry Farm Steve Young said, “We have sandy soil with clay underneath.” The mixture proves effective for the yielding of fruit and vegetables, “Sand doesn’t hold nutrients; however, the clay underneath holds the water in. Clay is also finer material and sticks and holds tight.” Young added, “We drilled for water 20 foot and found it. We drilled further to 45 feet and run out. Here we are a part of the Alluvial Aquifer from the north fork of the Red River.”
Young is a third generation produce-grower. Originating in the Panhandle of Texas in Muleshoe, Young’s grandfather Dillard Chitwood came to Charlie in 1945 and bought property for himself and his brother. “That was a year before I was born. He [Dillard Chitwood] would spend his summers here in Charlie and winters in Muleshoe,” Young detailed.
Starting with 110 acres, his grandfather eventually added another 100 acres, developing the family’s orchard of pecan and peaches, mostly peaches. From a very early age Young and his family traveled summers to the orchard to spend time with his grandfather and work the orchard. “I remember coming here as a little boy, climbing trees. I had an attachment to here,” Young acknowledged.
In his adult life, Young’s occupation was in the business telephone system industry, where he retired from after 30 years. With the orchard being close to Young’s heart, he and wife Jan considered retirement, but first purchased 50 acres of family land in Charlie in ’96. Living in Keller and maintaining both their careers in the telephone industry, Jan with Southwestern Bell, Young’s parents J.B. and Grace Chitwood had a surplus of peaches. “My dad began having health issues. So we began to develop a market for his peaches to make it easier on him. This was the mid ‘80s, and as I worked in the telephone industry converting communication for stores, I made connections with several grocery store chains,” Young explained.
To read more pick up a copy of the April 2018 issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
Jan Young, owner of Young’s Orchard and Berry Farm. (Courtesy photo)
Steve Young, owner of Young’s Orchard and Berry Farm. (Courtesy photo)
Local celebrity dancers of the greater Gainesville area brought the house down recently at the second annual “Dancing With Our Stars” contest in Lindsay. The event raised more than $200,000 as the sponsored dance teams did their best to take home the grand prize.
The money raised will go to the “Heart of NTMC” Campaign for the purchase of a cardiac capable CT machine for the Gainesville hospital. Rodolfo “Rudy” Martinez and Sherry Sherriden took home the Mirror Ball Trophy.
To read more, pick up a copy of the April issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By Jesse Kader
I’m super excited for this month’s article. I’m thrilled to share my first ever Jesses Jewelz exclusive piece with you. This blazer has been in the works and design for close to a year and I finally get to offer it to you. It is also available in two other colors. I hope you love it as much as I do. See them and the other colors at www.jessesjewelz.com
Country Lifestyles
National Ranching Heritage Center to Host 10th Annual Summer Stampede Western Art and Gear Show Presented by Capital Farm Credit June 1
A superior showcase of Western artists and craftsmen
Celebrating its milestone 10th anniversary, the Summer Stampede Western Art & Gear Show presented by Capital Farm Credit promises an unforgettable evening of art, entertainment, and camaraderie on Saturday, June 1, from 6 to 11 p.m. at the National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock, TX.
“Summer Stampede has become a favorite way to kick off summer,” said the show’s art curator, Dr. Robert Tidwell, who serves as the Helen DeVitt Jones Endowed Director of Collections, Exhibits and Research at the National Ranching Heritage Center. “This year’s event promises to be no exception, offering guests an enchanting evening filled with exceptional artwork, lively Western swing music, and the chance to mingle with talented artists.” The Summer Stampede Western Art and Gear Show presented by Capital Farm Credit is a premier showcase of renowned Western artists and craftsmen. Highlighting the diversity of Western artistry, the exhibition will feature works by recognized artists and craftsmen including Billy Klapper, Bruce Greene, Emily McCartney, Herman Walker, Garland Weeks, Teal Blake, and many more. Each piece in the show embodies the spirit and heritage of ranching in keeping with the mission of the National Ranching Heritage Center.
Attendees can view and purchase authentic Western pieces—from exquisite paintings, photographs and sculptures to meticulously crafted cowboy gear—as well as meet many of the artists in person.
In addition to the art show, attendees have come to regard Summer Stampede as one of the most looked-forward to events of the year for its fun and friendly atmosphere. Enjoying a steak dinner by Cagle Steaks & BBQ on the patio and dancing to Jake Hooker & the
Outsiders under the West Texas stars has become the perfect kickoff to summer for 10 years running.
As an annual fundraiser for the National Ranching Heritage Center, proceeds from ticket and art sales support the historical preservation and education initiatives of NRHC. Capital Farm Credit continues its outstanding support of the event as the 2024 presenting sponsor.
Limited tickets are now available and advanced purchase is required. Tickets can be purchased online at summerstampede.com or by calling (806) 742-0498. Prices are $100 for Ranching Heritage Association members, $125 for the general public, and $1,500 for a reserved table for 8 under a tent. Ticket sales close on Friday, May 28, or when capacity is reached.
For additional information about the 2024 Summer Stampede Western Art & Gear Show presented by Capital Farm Credit, visit summerstampede.com.
About the National Ranching Heritage Center
Supported by Texas Tech University and the Ranching Heritage Association, the NRHC is a 27-acre museum and historical park that offers educational programs and exhibits about ranching history and contemporary ranching issues. The center is located at 3121 Fourth St. in Lubbock, Texas, and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free, and the historical park is wheelchair- and stroller accessible. For more information, visit ranchingheritage.org or call (806) 742-0498.
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