About Us

Our Family Farming Legacy

The Sweeting family has been farming in Ohio since at least 1850, carrying forward a legacy rooted in hard work, family, and a love of the land.

1850

Ohio Farming Roots

The Sweeting family’s farming legacy can be traced through historical census records dating back to at least 1850.

1977

Dean Joins the Farm

At just 17, Dean Sweeting became a partner in the family farm alongside his father, John “Jack” Sweeting.

1979–1985

A Growing Family

Dean married his high school sweetheart, Jane Davies, in 1979. Together they raised two sons, John and Jeff.

1996

The Next Chapter

Dean and his brother Don took over operations after their father’s retirement. Dean continued growing the family’s agricultural legacy.

2004

Sweeting Orchards Begins

Dean planted the original Sweeting Orchards in North Fairfield, Ohio, beginning with six acres of peach trees.

2012

John Becomes a Partner

After earning a degree in business and accounting from Ohio Northern University, John returned home and officially became a farm partner.

2013

A New Orchard in Willard

On April 20, the family planted new peach trees at the current orchard in Willard, Ohio — completing the remarkable effort in just one and a half days.

2015–2021

New Fruits Take Root

Blackberries were planted in 2015 and began producing in 2017. Raspberries followed in 2021 as the farm continued to diversify.

Today

Growing the Sweeting Legacy

John and Valarie carry on the family tradition with their children, Ella, Ryan, and Alex, while Jeff’s daughters Alexis, Addison, and Ava love helping on the farm whenever possible.

Always Growing

35+ Crops and Counting

From Anaheim peppers to Zinnia flowers, the Sweeting family has grown a wide variety of crops — each one a testament to dedication, adaptability, and passion for farming.