Blueberries are in season in Daviess County, and Blueberries of Daviess County not only picks blueberries for customers but also offers the opportunity for U-pick at their farm.
Blueberries of Daviess County has been a family-owned operation for 18 years. Farmers by trade, the McCormick family began growing blueberries in 2001. As their soybean and corn farm struggled to be profitable, the McCormicks chose to grow blueberries to replace the loss of their tobacco crop.
“When they took our tobacco, we decided to grow blueberries since there was no one else growing them in the area,” said owner Nancy McCormick.
Growing blueberries as an alternate crop proved to work in the McCormicks’ favor, and they continue to be Daviess County’s biggest blueberry producer, boasting three acres dedicated to the harvest of blueberries.
Blueberries of Daviess County opened for the season June 5 and will be open throughout June and July for the duration of blueberry season, which typically lasts six to eight weeks. McCormick said that the timing of the season is dependent on the weather, and this year’s blueberry season is occurring later than usual.
The McCormicks grow twelve varieties of blueberries, each with their own size and flavor, which allows the season to extend due to some varieties ripening early and others ripening late.
While pre-packaged berries are available during operating hours at their on-site market for $6 per pound, many customers opt for their U-Pick option, picking their own blueberries for $3.75 per pound.
McCormick said that U-Pick is a favorite among families and those looking for an exciting summer activity and that customers will be able to pick their own berries until the season’s end. They also offer glasses of blueberry lemonade.
For those unable to visit the farm in Utica, Blueberries of Daviess County sells their berries at local farmers markets by the quart and pint.
“We try to be at the Farmers Market each weekend for the entire blueberry season,” says McCormick.
Blueberries of Daviess County prides itself on offering ”excellent quality blueberries, fresh from the bush” to all of their customers, whether they are purchasing from the farm directly or at a local market.
Despite having grown blueberries for the last 18 years, McCormick decided to put the farm on the market after realizing that her children would not carry on the tradition of farming. One of McCormick’s daughters has three children while the other is studying to be a doctor.
“I’d like to find someone to take over for me,” said McCormick. “It’s time to let someone else take over.”
Potential buyers can contact Nancy McCormick directly through Blueberries of Daviess County’s Facebook page.
Even though the listing is on the market, the blueberry farm is open for the season and ready for business.
The farm’s operating hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through June and July. Blueberries of Daviess County is located at 1401 Hill Bridge Road Utica, Kentucky.
This article was written by Taylor Burden.
