Ham Orchards was established in 1979 by Dale and Judy Ham. The orchard lies just east of Terrell. Dale planted his first orchard of 50 trees in 1979 on the original 23 acres. In 1980 he planted 450 trees and continued adding fruit trees each year after. The first peaches were sold at the roadside of Texas Highway 80 that borders the Ham Orchard’s property.
As the orchard size increased the selling stand was moved over the railroad tracks and onto Ham’s property where an open-air farm market was constructed. In 2000 the open air market was enlarged and air-conditioning was added. This was the year Ham Orchards’ Homemade Peach and Strawberry Ice Cream was introduced.
The farm market store was again updated in 2007, increasing the overall size of the store and adding a fudge bar. As demand has grown, so has the orchard’s acreage and farm market store. A bakery was added in 2008 and a pavilion was built in 2009 where customers can enjoy Ham’s BBQ or pass the time in a rocking chair.
Today, Ham Orchards consists of 100 acres containing five orchards with approximately 10,000 peach trees and a variety of additional fruit trees. There are also two blackberry patches. One is located behind the Farm Market Store and open to the public for pick your own during blackberry harvesting time.
Check them out at www.hamorchard.com