Mortimer Farms Story

Welcome to Mortimer Farms, where the story of our founders, Gary and Sharla, unfolds against a backdrop of farming and ranching heritage. Both Gary and Sharla come from agricultural backgrounds, with Gary growing up on a corn and soybean farm in Iowa, while Sharla experienced life on a cotton farm in Arizona. Their shared love for the land and their desire to instill the values of hard work and a deep appreciation for food cultivation in their family laid the foundation for their journey.

In 1996, Gary embarked on a new venture by establishing Mortimer Nursery, a thriving nursery and landscape business in Prescott, Arizona. Today, Mortimer Nursery continues to flourish, a testament to Gary's passion, hard work, expertise and commitment. As their lives intertwined, Gary and Sharla recognized their shared dream of raising their family in a rural setting, where the principles of agriculture would be woven into their everyday lives.

The quest for the ideal place to create a haven for their family led Gary and Sharla on a path of discovery. In 2003, they stumbled upon a ranch that seemed tailor-made for their aspirations. The previous owner, an elderly woman unable to care for the property any longer, was seeking someone to preserve the open space and raise cattle. Gary and Sharla seized the opportunity, striking a deal that would change their lives forever.

In 2006, the historical farm that had been a regular sight during the Mortimer family's daily journey back and forth from town was sold to developers, left abandoned and neglected. Weeds took over, surpassing the height of our tractors, and buildings were either sold, demolished, or stripped bare. Distressed by this deterioration, the mayor of Dewey-Humboldt and the development owners approached our family, requesting our assistance in revitalizing the land and caring for this historic gem.

Responding to the call, in 2010 we embarked on a long-term lease with the property owners, breathing new life into what is now Mortimer Farms. Our primary mission was clear—to restore the land and provide the public with an authentic working farm experience, reconnecting them with the story of their food. While the developers envisioned homes overtaking the landscape, our unwavering dedication lay in preserving the farm's integrity and heritage.

Ten years flew by, and at the culmination of our tenth anniversary, an extraordinary twist of fate occurred. On December 30, 2020, an unexpected opportunity presented itself—the chance to bid on the property we had lovingly nurtured. It was a breathtaking moment for our entire family, a true miracle. Today, we stand overjoyed as proud owners of the entire property, once destined for development but now saved from its fate after 17+ years of development plans.

At Mortimer Farms, we invite you to join us on this remarkable journey—a tale of passion, resilience, and the preservation of our farm's legacy. Marvel in the beauty of the land, engage in authentic farm activities, and connect with the profound story that lies behind the food on your plate. Together, let us preserve, honor, and cultivate an appreciation for our rich agricultural heritage and create cherished memories for generations to come.

Mission

Connecting your family to your food.

Manifesto

We believe in being stewards of this planet and its resources. We believe in practicing smart and sustainable farming techniques. We believe that community and connection are at the heart of a good life. We believe in extending kindness, thoughtfulness, and hospitality to all we meet. We believe in embracing change and improving daily. We believe that experiences are far more valuable than things and that spending quality time together is the very best way to spend our time. We believe in discovering beauty, marveling in it, and savoring every moment.

We believe in preserving and honoring the importance of agriculture. We believe that as we share our story, we are also sharing the story of Arizona and American agriculture. We believe food is the thing that connects us all. We believe it’s time for the pendulum to swing back to the basics of slow food, shopping local, scratch cooking, gathering together, and buying directly from the farmer. We believe in “connecting your family to your food”.

This is the heart behind Mortimer Farms and the principles that drive us in all that we do.

Vision

To preserve and honor the importance of agriculture and community.

Core values

-timeless family traditions

-stewardship

-conservation and sustainability

-marveling in Earth's beauty

-community

-human kindness

-daily improvement and learning

Objective

We celebrate timeless traditions, family, community, farm to table experiences, marveling in the beauty of the Earth, and growing nutrient-rich food using sustainable farming practices.