Armstrong’s Pumpkin and Petting Farm grows into a family tradition
by Joan Tucker
Dave and Shannon Armstrong began growing pumpkins in 2004 on their newly acquired farm at 19070 Williamsville Road in Gregory. They started by planting a quarter-acre of pumpkins. Initially, the pumpkin signs would go up and customers could drive down to the farm, pull in the drive, and pick pumpkins from the wagons sitting in the front yard.
Now, the farm has five acres featuring 65 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds. Customers drive back to the red and white barn and see pumpkins displayed on wagons, fence rows, and more. With so many varieties to choose from, pumpkin selection becomes an hour of autumn pleasure for the whole family. The big pumpkins are on the outside, but the cute little ones are in the barn along with winter squash and gourds.
“It’s intriguing,” Dave says. “There is not much interest in picking your own pumpkins before October 15th, but then there is a shift and over 50% of customers want to go to the field and pick their own.”
They all seem to be looking for the perfect jack-o’-lanterns. It’s understandable why customers leave with a few more pumpkins than they planned. Each child or parent wants their own. The good news is the Armstrongs work hard to keep their produce affordable.
What child can resist the opportunity to pet and interact with farm animals? Lambs, goats, Dorper sheep, bunny rabbits, piglets, standard donkeys and a black Angus calf make up the petting farm, which is located a few steps beyond the pumpkin barn. Children of all ages (some over 20) come to see and feed the animals. Do you know that piglets like marshmallows? The most recent addition to the farm is a 21-year-old Percheron draft horse, retired from Mackinac Island.
Some smaller organizations have taken field trips to the Armstrong Farm. Dave never misses an opportunity to give a tour and explain the caring of animals and growing pumpkins. This time is often the highlight of his day.
The Armstrongs, who both have full-time jobs, have three children (Samantha, first-year vet student and twins Mike and Kyle, 16) that work right along with their parents. Their involvement in the Fowlerville FFA and 4-H has given them the skills they need to get the work done. Other teens, who also have been involved in 4-H and FFA, work on this farm as well. Dave says, “We couldn’t do it without them.”
So, make your pumpkin picking a family experience to remember at Armstrong’s Pumpkin and Petting Farm!
Nathaniel Tucker checks out the little donkey at the petting farm. Photo credit Jenny Tucker
Nathaniel Tucker picks his own pumpkin from the field. Photo credit Jenny Tucker
Crystal Flash (white) pumpkins really make a statement at the farm. Photo credit Joan
Tucker
Armstrong’s Pumpkin and Petting Farm is located at 19070 Williamsville Road in
Gregory. Photo credit Joan Tucker
