Expanding a Peach & Apple Farm in the Midwest with South Baldwin Farms

Farming on Purpose

“It’s different every day, which I love. That was one of my difficulties with an office job; it was a little bit of monotony and boredom. You’re not going to get bored on a farm.”

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Gabe Spurgoen from South Baldwin Farms. Gabe shared about his career as an architect and how he didn’t feel fulfilled. What started as a way for Gabe to get away from his office desk by planting some peach trees quickly evolved into Gabe joining his father-in-law on the family farm as a fruit farmer. Gabe expanded on their peach and apple orchard operation and the seasonal employees that have now become like family to him. Gabe also discussed what it’s like to be an employee on the farm and talk about the farm succession and the future of the farm.

About our guest: Gabe Spurgeon, South Baldwin Farms - Kansas

Gabe grew up in southwest Missouri working many summers in a peach orchard. After college, Gabe was an architect but missed being in a peach orchard. Gabe went to his father-in-law about planting some peach trees on his hobby farm that quickly snowballed into Gabe working full-time on the now fully operational fruit farm, South Baldwin Farms, with his father-in-law in Kansas.

If you’re interested in connecting with Gabe, check out South Baldwin Farms website, Facebook, and YouTube.

At a glance:

• Gabe’s need to get away from a desk led to him being a farmer.

• Seasonal employees using the H2A program.

• Being a fruit farmer in Kansas and expanding the orchards.

• Family dynamics on the farm and succession planning.

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About the Host of Farming On Purpose, Lexi Wright:

I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the future of production agriculture.

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