08/05/2025
With this announcement comes mixed emotions, but for several reasons I have decided that it is time for Farmer Fred to retire from his most favorite business passion of farming.
Growing up on a working farm, I was raised with a strong work ethic from my parents, Samuel and Rose Sorbello. From the time I was 8, I worked alongside my family, and those long summer days shaped me into the person I am today.
In the mid-1970s, Hill Creek Farms was born, and it grew thanks to the dedication of my family. In 2004, I decided to bring it back, planting 14,000 apple trees to honor two generations before me and farming again to remind my 5 grandchildren that these are our roots. Opening to the public in 2008 for U-Pick was a dream come true, and it’s been a rewarding journey ever since.
But after years of love and hard work, it’s time to call it a career. The constant regulatory challenges have made it difficult to continue. I’ve decided it’s time to close this chapter. Hill Creek Farms will officially transition into MC Farms NJ after this final season.
We’ll open one last season this fall, but it’ll be U-Pick only. So come enjoy the apples, sunflowers, and memories with us one last time.
Thank you all for making Hill Creek Farms what it is today. It was fun while it lasted.
– Farmer Fred
🍏🌻 Read Fred's full farewell message here: https://hillcreekfarms.com/farmer-freds-farewell-one-last-season-of-u-pick-apples-led-by-mario/
