Richard Spanton Jr., the proprietor of Mastercraft Exteriors, has had experience with farming his whole life. His family farmed when he was a young boy, which inspired him to start growing his own pumpkins when he was out of school in the summer that he would sell on the side of the road in the fall. Now Richard Spanton Jr. owns and operates his own farm together with his wife Chrissie, known as Orchard Ridge Farms. And yes, they do grow pumpkins.

When Richard Spanton Jr. started Orchard Ridge Farms he had a goal of using the most organic methods possible to grow a sustainable crop of apple trees. Richard Spanton Jr. did not want to use commercial insecticides, pesticides and herbicides; because he knew that parents would not want those things touching the foods they fed to their children. Instead, Richard Spanton Jr. opted to use organic alternatives such as beneficial insects and plants, which ensure that every apple is as friendly for human ingestion as possible.

Richard Spanton Jr. had goals of growing more than just apples when he started Orchard Ridge Farms, although the apple tress are definitely always going to be an integral part of the family business. Richard Spanton Jr. also wanted to grow pumpkins as a fall crop, which is something he has had experience with since childhood, in addition to a wide range of hearty vegetables. This full range of produce will be available for sale next year at their Future Farm Market on Yale Bridge Road.

A man like Richard Spanton Jr. cannot build such a successful business alone, though. His wife Chrissie has also played a crucial role in the farm’s development and has had a big influence on farming techniques for Richard Spanton Jr. “I will feel much better when someone takes a bite out of our apple right on the spot,” says Chrissie Spanton. “I grew tomatoes this year that are completely organic and I just pop them in my mouth from the plant, no pesticides to worry about!”