From Memories to New Traditions: A Family’s Return to Quinn Farm

At La Ferme Quinn (Quinn Farm), every season brings something fresh and exciting—apple picking in the fall, baby animals in the spring, pumpkins and hayrides that make memories last a lifetime. But sometimes, the most meaningful harvest is not found in a basket, but in the stories and traditions that families carry with them.


Recently, Phil and Stephanie Quinn received a heartfelt message from a family who has been visiting the farm for over a decade. Along with their note, they shared two photos—one taken 12 years ago, and one recreated this year in the very same spot.

“We really enjoyed visiting your farm, meeting your animals and picking apples. Thank you for all that you do! I’m from a rural area and grew up around farms, and really miss the farm life. So it was lovely to visit your farm again (we haven’t gone in over a decade as a family—our kids have gone with their elementary schools). Our 4 kids recreated a photo we took of them 12 years ago at your farm, I thought you might like to see! We can’t wait to come back and go pumpkin picking!”

The Power of Farm Experiences

This simple act—recreating a photo—reminds us why agritourism is so much more than a fun day out. Farms like Quinn’s provide a place where families can reconnect not only with each other, but also with the land, the animals, and traditions that anchor them.


When children return to a farm they visited years ago, they’re not just seeing fields of pumpkins or rows of apple trees. They’re stepping back into moments of laughter, learning, and togetherness. The familiar barn, the tractor rides, and even the scent of fresh apples create a bridge between past and present.


Memories that Grow with Us

As this family shared, visiting Quinn Farm wasn’t just about picking apples—it was about reliving a piece of their own story. For parents who grew up in rural areas, farms can feel like homecoming. For kids, it’s a chance to build their own library of memories, ones they’ll carry into adulthood.


And for Phil and Stephanie, these stories are the heart of their work. Every pumpkin picked, every animal petted, every photo snapped represents another thread woven into the fabric of family tradition.


Looking Ahead

As autumn arrives, Quinn Farm welcomes thousands of visitors eager to make memories of their own. For some, it will be their first taste of farm life. For others, it’s the continuation of a tradition that has spanned years—or even generations.

And for one family, the story continues this fall, as they return once more—this time to pick pumpkins, pose for photos, and keep building a tradition that is uniquely theirs.


At Quinn Farm, it’s not just about what you harvest in the fields—it’s about the memories that last long after the season ends.

RECENT ARTICLES

By Christine Hawks May 22, 2026
 In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, we have launched a new web page to encourage community connection and support those needing mental health tools and resources. You'll find a curated collection of online inspiration and resources for navigating the stress of owning and managing a farm, developing a work-life balance and encouraging everyday mindfulness. The resources featured here are accessible and available to all regardless of membership with NAFDMA as part of our PAUSE initiative. Emphasizing your mental health and wellness, PAUSE stands for: Priority, Awareness, Unplug, Support and Exhale. NAFDMA debuted its PAUSE initiative at the 2026 Agritourism Convention and Expo with the PAUSE Wellness Lounge - an intentional space to rest and recharge during the Convention.
By angie May 8, 2026
May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to bring conversations about mental health out into the open. For those in agriculture, these conversations are more important than ever. Farming is more than a job—it’s a lifestyle, a legacy, and often a calling. But behind the early mornings, long days, and deep connection to the land, there’s a reality we don’t always talk about: farm stress is real, and it’s rising. The Reality: Mental Health in Agriculture Farmers and agricultural workers face unique pressures that can take a serious toll on mental health: Financial uncertainty and fluctuating markets Weather dependency and climate stress Long hours with little time off Physical isolation and limited access to care Generational expectations and legacy pressure And the data reflects this challenge: Farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population Suicide rates in rural America have risen sharply, increasing nearly twice as fast as urban areas Agriculture consistently ranks among the highest-risk occupations for suicide This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a reminder that many in our communities are carrying heavy, unseen burdens. Why It Matters for Agritourism & Farm Businesses Mental health doesn’t just affect individuals—it affects your entire operation. When stress goes unaddressed, it can impact: Decision-making and business growth Customer experience Family dynamics Employee well-being Just like your crops or livestock, your well-being needs care and attention to thrive. What Balance Can Look Like Here are a few realistic ways to support mental wellness on the farm: 1. Redefine “Balance” Balance doesn’t mean equal time—it means sustainable energy. Some seasons will demand more, and that’s okay. 2. Build Micro-Breaks Into Your Day Even 10 minutes to step away, hydrate, or reset can make a difference during peak seasons. 3. Stay Connected Isolation is one of the biggest risk factors in agriculture. Make intentional time to connect with anyone who brings you peace and joy. 4. Normalize the Conversation Talking about stress doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human. The more we talk, the more we reduce stigma. Resources for Farmers & Rural Communities If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available—and it’s designed specifically for agricultural communities: Farm State of Mind (American Farm Bureau Federation) Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (Dial 988 in the U.S.) Local extension offices Rural health programs USA and Canada Many of these programs recognize that farmers face unique, industry-specific stressors and offer support tailored to that reality. A Final Thought Mental health is just as important as physical safety on the farm. This May, during Mental Health Awareness Month, consider this your reminder: Check in with yourself Check in with your neighbors And know that you’re not alone Because behind every successful farm is a person—and that person matters most.