Manning Orchards

04/27/2026

In Fruit Heights, fruit is a part of their history, but this spring they’ve been dealing with some intense weather.

04/27/2026

What an emotional week it has been for this little orchard. From losing the crops we worked so hard for, to being lifted back up by our peach-loving community—it’s been a true roller coaster.

The stories you’ve shared about how this century farm has been part of your lives have brought tears to our eyes. Those stories are exactly why we keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.

2026 will always stand out to us as the year our community gave back. You showed up without being asked and without hesitation. Every single contribution—big or small—has felt like a heartfelt hug.

“Thank you” hardly feels like enough, but truly—thank you.

You’ve reminded us that we’re not in this alone. You’ve strengthened our resolve to keep going—through freezes, windstorms, hail, and the work of replanting. And of course, to KEEP THE FRUIT IN FRUIT HEIGHTS. ✊️

With all the love peach farmers can give,
Thank you,

Manning Orchards

04/22/2026

Still hard to believe it's gone 😪

Manning Orchards was one of many farms that were hit hard by the weekend cold front.

04/21/2026

"It was like a real gut-punch," said Chris Healy. He is the operator of Manning Orchards, one of many farms that were hit hard by the weekend cold front.

Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/y5u9rk4n

04/20/2026

We're not sure how to feel other than humbled. Waking up to the cold temperatures was a real gut punch but walking out to the frozen peach crop was the equivalent of losing a loved one.

Numerous people have reached out to figure out ways to support us through this season. We're never ones to stand on the "fruit corner" with our hands out but the community has convinced us it's okay to ask for support when times are tough. We know other farmers are going throught the same thing so who are we to ask for help.

But, there is no denying this year is going to be a hard year. Emotionally & financially. We will still be here in 2027 so don't feel obligated or feel like we won't be here without your donation. Times are tough, we want to see you in 2027 just as much as you want to see us.

We love our peach loving community. Thank you for your love & support through this tough time. The community set up this GoFundMe because they know we're too stubborn to do it ourselves and they want a way to feel like they're giving back. We feel so humbled by their actions. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

https://www.venmo.com/u/ManningOrchards

Manning Orchards has been a cherished part of the Fruit Heigh… Burt and Becky Matthews needs your support for Support Manning Orchards After Devistating Frost Loss

04/19/2026

Sad to report but the peaches are frozen.

04/16/2026

Have you thought about your local fruit grower lately 🤔

We are not okay...

Everything is on the line tonight. Peaches, cherries, apples, pears, plums, etc.

We will know in about 7-10 days if we made it through this next cold spell.

03/23/2026

We have been recording our bloom dates since the early 1970's. This is officially the EARLIEST we have ever bloomed, by at least 1 week.

01/19/2026

This last Fall I removed 90% of the cherry trees due to old age & Western X(virus).

Plus, the company I usually order trees from is going out of business this year so there wasn't any time to waste. I got to work. 💪

The ground for the new trees is stripped and the new holes loosened up for the 300 trees arriving this Spring.

This was a massive undertaking and to complete the work in a month's time is unreal. It took everything I had to complete this task but I did it.🥳

I couldn't have done it alone. Gary DeSpain was there every step of the way. He actually stacked most of the cherry wood you see in the picture by himself. 👨‍🦳💪 Mike Hamilton also showed up in a BIG way! He moved and stacked all 68 cherry stumps for me.

I couldn't have done it without those helping hands. 💐👨‍🌾🫶

01/12/2026

It's been a busy couple of months here at the orchard.

Here is a couple photos of a piece of tractor equipment we use to cultivate. The older parts were no longer available so I had to cut off the old system to make room for a new/up to date one.

Buying a new one wasn't an option so I had to step up to the plate and complete the biggest welding project I've done in my 20 years here.

It works exceptionally well and I hope it will outlast my time here. 💪

I'm hoping to get it professionally painted in the near future. 🙏

I'll post more updates as I go along here. I'm also starting to join my Dad & Debbie in the pruning process. I'll lost videos of different size trees. Currently, I'm only have the Meta glasses so bare with me until I can get better equipment. 🫶