In the early 1970s, Wade’s Orchard founder Coy Wade bought his first land in Woolwine, an 18-acre holding that’s still a part of the farm today. Then in 1975 Coy and his wife Frances built and opened a little roadside store. Frances ran the store and Coy worked the fields. Eventually, their sons Danny, Dale, and Darrell would set up on the weekends all over the place on the side of the road, anywhere they thought they could sell an apple. In the early ’80s a lot of orchards in Patrick County began going out of business, so Wade’s was able to buy and rent other orchards in the area. Through the years, Wade’s has grown and evolved with the times. The family has other farming operations, as well, like raising cattle and a logging business.

In 2002,  Doug Wade took over the orchard after his brother Danny died in a logging accident. Doug says, “I had grown up in an apple orchard and thought I knew what was going on. Boy did I have a lot to learn! But Dad helped me every step of the way. And I found out it was way more than a job, it was a lifestyle and a 70-plus hour commitment every week during the season.”

Today, Wade’s grows over 80 acres of apples and peaches and 40 acres of vegetables. They strive to sell local and keep fresh homegrown produce as an option. Coy (age 86) still runs the store. Grandchildren Kendell and Jeremy help out too. Dale Wade runs the cattle operations. Doug’s wife Laurie works a full-time job during the week and helps out at the farm store on the weekends. “We are proud to still be that small-time family farm,” Doug says.

As far as the future of Wade's Orchard, the family looks to Landon Wade. He's only 15 but can drive a tractor like someone twice his age. He helps with tasks in the orchard and with the cattle. Doug says: “We also have some employees whose last name might not be Wade but they are just like family and we appreciate all their hard work to make this all possible.”

Find more information about Wade’s Orchard on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/p/Wades-Orchard-100057137813080/

‍