Faith, Family, Farming and Fruit

HARVARD, Il.
Complimentary Story

   Royal Oak Farm was established in 1992 and opened to the public in 1997.  While many things have changed since then, the core of the orchard’s operation is focused on their mission:
   “Our Mission is to glorify God on our family farm by producing quality fruit, serving our community, and growing family traditions.”  
   Royal Oak Farm has positioned their business around four qualities: Faith, Family, Farming, and Fruit.  The orchard was founded and still holds true to their strong, Christian faith based approach to business.  Founders, Peter and Gloria Bianchini, see their orchard as not only a place for customers to come pick apples and have a fun family day, but they believe they are here for a reason, to minister to others through their business. 
   The orchard also holds strong family ties.  While Peter and Gloria started the orchard, they have since come to see their daughter and son-in law, Dennis and Renee Norton, son, Peter Bianchini, Jr., grandson, Paul Norton, and granddaughter and her husband, Justin and Sarah Bell, all take part in running the orchard.  As of today, there are four generations living and working on the farm.  But, family ties are not only important for the Royal Oak family, but for all the other families that have made a tradition of coming to the orchard every Fall.  
   Farming is another important aspect of any agriculturally based business.  Royal Oak is fixed on implementing sustainable agriculture, safe farming practices, and high quality standards throughout their orchard.  However, farming is not only about the day to day at the orchard, but the relationships with other local farms and growing the knowledge of the everyday consumer about the places their food comes from and how it is grown.
   With over 16,000 trees and 29 varieties, Royal Oak specializes in apples, apples, apples.  Whether it’s Gala, Red Delicious, Fuji, or even Honeycrisp, Royal Oak grows your favorite variety.  The orchard offers their customers a wide variety of choices for apple picking.  The orchard also produces some other specialty products like vegetables, pumpkins, squash, gourds, melons, and raspberries.  As with everything, they pride themselves on producing high quality and yummy tasting produce.  
   As with all businesses, change is a necessary step, and while Royal Oak has held firm on being closed to the public on Sundays, this fall will be the first time that the orchard will be open on Sundays in September and October.  The orchard hopes to better serve their customers during this very short apple picking season and will have shortened hours, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Sundays to allow their staff to be able to attend their church services in the morning.
   Royal Oak is very much looking forward to the upcoming apple season.  Beginning on August 22nd, the orchard will be open for apple picking, shopping in their gift shop and bakery, meals in the restaurant, and enjoyment of their playground, petting zoo, carousel, trackless train, and orchard tours.  The orchard will be open through November 15th this season.  Be sure to bring your family to the orchard to begin growing your own family tradition. 
   You can contact Royal Oak Farm by calling them at (815) 648-4141 or by visiting their website at:
www.RoyalOakFarmOrchard.com.  Royal Oak Farm is located in Harvard, IL.    

 

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