The History of Sandy Farms
Sandy Farms is located along the route of the old Barlow Road, the final extension of the Oregon Trail and the first wagon road over the Cascade Mountains. The Timber was cleared to
establish the original farm in the late 1800's as the Sandy Area was being developed. This area, known as Sandy Ridge, held the distinction of producing the finest berries in the county and in 1942 the first 512 acres of Sandy Farms was purchased by F.T. Rowell and Robert Hudson. In 1947 the property was incorporated and given the name Sandy Farms.
establish the original farm in the late 1800's as the Sandy Area was being developed. This area, known as Sandy Ridge, held the distinction of producing the finest berries in the county and in 1942 the first 512 acres of Sandy Farms was purchased by F.T. Rowell and Robert Hudson. In 1947 the property was incorporated and given the name Sandy Farms.
In 1951 F.T. Rowell's son John and his new bride Marilyn took over management of the farm. John came from a strong farming background having spent his summers working on the family farm in Scholls Oregon. The Scholls farm, now known as Rowell Bros., is located on the original Ziba M. Rowell homestead and has been farmed by the Rowell family for over 150 years. Rowell Bros., a designated Century Farm, is now owned by John and Marilyn's son Douglasand managed by Jim Steele. With John's love of farming and Marilyn's knack for business Sandy Farms began to grow and thrive. They slowly acquired more property. Although berries were always the primary crop a variety of things were grown over the years including potatoes & vegetables. In 1981 John and Marilyn bought Hudson's share of the farm and with the inheritance of his fathers interest became the sole owners of Sandy Farms. In 1993 the Rowells offered their farm manager, Robert Underwood, the option to begin purchasing Sandy Farms stock. In 2005 Doug and Bob partnered to purchase the remaining stock acquiring ownership of the farm.
Over the years Sandy Farms has grown to over 1200 acres and has received numerous awards. Sandy Farms has been listed as one of the top 20 berry growers in the nation consistently since 1990 by Fruit Grower Magazine.
Over the years Sandy Farms has grown to over 1200 acres and has received numerous awards. Sandy Farms has been listed as one of the top 20 berry growers in the nation consistently since 1990 by Fruit Grower Magazine.