04/14/2026
★ FEATURE ARTICLE ★
CREEK VALLEY FARM: A SUMMARY
Creek Valley Farm is a multi-generational, family-owned agricultural operation located on the outskirts of Waldron, Michigan, in southern Hillsdale County. Established in 1929, the farm has become a staple in the local community, known particularly for its extensive strawberry production and seasonal offerings.
History and Ownership:
The farm has been in the family for multiple generations, with the current operations managed by the Smith family. The primary operators are Stan and Carol Smith, along with their son Aaron, his wife Rhonda, and daughter Stephanie Smith. The farm's signature strawberry business began approximately 46 years ago, around 1980. The venture started modestly when Stan Smith, encouraged by his best friend Don Gibbs just before Stan's marriage to Carol, planted a single acre of strawberries. Over the decades, this operation has expanded significantly, growing from that initial acre to 13 acres dedicated to strawberry cultivation today.
Agricultural Operations and Products:
While Creek Valley Farm is most famous for its strawberries, it operates as a diverse agricultural business.
Strawberries:
The strawberry operation is the centerpiece of the farm's public-facing business. The planting cycle is an annual process that takes place in May. During the first year, small transplants are put into the ground, and all blossoms are removed to encourage root and plant growth. Harvesting then begins in the second year and continues for several subsequent years.
The peak strawberry season typically falls in early to mid-June, depending on weather conditions. During this time, the farm attracts hundreds of visitors daily. Creek Valley Farm offers both "U-Pick" options—where customers can harvest their own berries directly from the fields—and "Already Picked" options for convenience. Over their 46 years in the strawberry business, the family has observed an evolution in how customers use their produce; while traditional uses like canning, freezing, and making jam remain popular, modern consumers also utilize the berries for vinaigrette dressings, wine, and fresh salads. In addition to fresh berries, the farm sells related products such as homemade strawberry jam and strawberry shortcake mix.
Additional Offerings:
Beyond strawberries, Creek Valley Farm provides a variety of other agricultural products throughout the growing seasons:
• Produce: The farm grows and sells sweetcorn, raspberries (both U-Pick and already picked), and a variety of other fresh garden vegetables.
• Fall Decor: In the autumn months, the farm offers a selection of fall decor items, likely including pumpkins and gourds.
• Livestock: The farm also runs a farrow-to-finish hog operation, indicating a broader agricultural scope beyond just produce.
Location and Community Impact:
Creek Valley Farm is located at 6505 E Camden Rd (or 6600 Camden Rd depending on the specific parcel or entrance), Waldron, MI 49288, situated about four miles north of the Ohio border. The farm exudes rustic charm, surrounded by rolling hills and verdant pastures, and serves as a picturesque retreat that highlights traditional agricultural practices.
As a long-standing family enterprise, Creek Valley Farm is deeply integrated into the Waldron community. It provides a reliable source of fresh, locally grown produce and offers an engaging agritourism experience through its U-Pick operations, drawing both locals and visitors to experience a simpler, traditional way of life.
♦ PRINTABLE FILE
https://tinyurl.com/Creek-Valley-Farm-History
References:
• Creek Valley Farm | Waldron MI | Facebook
• Creek Valley Farm - Strawberries - Waldron, MI - YouTube
• Time for u-pick strawberries at Creek Valley Farm - Michigan Farm News
• Creek Valley Farm In Waldron MI | U-Pick Raspberries - U-Pick Farms USA
• Creek Valley Farm - Food Market Maker
• Creek Valley Farm, 6600 Camden Rd, Waldron, MI 49288, US - MapQuest
