Utah's Cherry Heart: Chad Rowley on Payson Fruit Growers' Legacy, Land, and Longevity
Release Date: 11/17/2025
Uncle Hoss' Criss Cross Crunch: The Makings Of Utah Treat
Utah's Own Podcast
Join us for a deep dive into the world of Uncle Hoss's Criss Cross Crunch! In this episode, we sit down with Millcreek's own Sonja Erickson, to learn about its humble beginnings to its current place in the local market. Sonja shares the past, present, and future of Uncle Hoss's Criss Cross Crunch. Discover the inspiration behind the crunch, the challenges they've overcome, and their exciting vision for the future. We also explore the role that Utah's Own has played in their success. Sonja details how this vital program has supported their growth, helped them connect with local consumers, and...
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Utah's Cherry Heart: Chad Rowley on Payson Fruit Growers' Legacy, Land, and Longevity
Utah's Own Podcast
Go straight to the source for a taste of Utah County's rich agricultural history! In this episode, we sit down with Chad Rowley, a third-generation fruit grower and representative of Payson Fruit Growers, a co-op whose roots in the region date back to the early 20th century. Chad provides a fascinating look at the history of cherries in Utah County, revealing how the unique microclimate near Utah Lake created the perfect conditions for growing the tart cherry. Learn about the challenges facing cherry growers today including the constant threat of urbanization that puts pressure on valuable...
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Resisting the Sell-Out: The Six-Generation Story of the Smith Family, Farming, and Community in Pleasant Grove, Utah
Utah's Own Podcast
Step onto a piece of Utah history! Join us as we sit down with Utah's Own member Chalise Smith of Oliver's Place and Hee Haw Farms, a family operation that has been cultivating community and crops in Utah County since 1870. Chalise shares the incredible six-generation journey, from the original homestead to the local farm and vibrant agritourism business and they are today. Discover the challenges of adapting a multi-generational farm in the face of modern development, and the successes of building a place where the community can connect with open land, farm-fresh food, and fun all year...
info_outlineGo straight to the source for a taste of Utah County's rich agricultural history! In this episode, we sit down with Chad Rowley, a third-generation fruit grower and representative of Payson Fruit Growers, a co-op whose roots in the region date back to the early 20th century.
Chad provides a fascinating look at the history of cherries in Utah County, revealing how the unique microclimate near Utah Lake created the perfect conditions for growing the tart cherry.
Learn about the challenges facing cherry growers today including the constant threat of urbanization that puts pressure on valuable farmland. Chad shares the successes of the co-op, which innovated decades ago by focusing on value-added products like their signature dried tart cherries and tart cherry concentrate.
Discover how being a part of Utah's Own has been a positive support system which includes helping to bring awareness to the Payson Fruit Growers high-quality, locally grown products with consumers who value Utah's agricultural heritage.
Finally, Chad gives us the outlook for the future, sharing his commitment to innovation, family values, and ensuring that the tradition of growing great Utah fruit continues for generations to come.