Driven by Innovation 

Rowley’s South Ridge Farms is a family-owned farm committed to growing exceptional fruit and creating innovative fruit products. Phil and Shirley Rowley, along with their sons, established the farm in 1984. 

The Rowleys continue to look for new, innovative ways to meet the needs of their customers. As the demand for their products grew, they expanded both in acreage and into new endeavors. Western AgCredit proudly provides financial support to help the Rowleys succeed. 

In the late 1990s, they constructed Rowley’s Red Barn, a retail store that provides customers with direct access to the farm’s fresh fruit and local products. They also give customers an on-the-farm experience through u-pick experiences and tours on the farm.  

A few years after building the barn, they began construction of a cider mill to make fresh-pressed apple juice and a chocolate panning facility to coat dried fruits and nuts with chocolate. 

A Rich History 

Phil played a key role in the development of the dried tart cherry in Utah. He served on the board of directors at Payson Fruit Growers, a fruit cooperative made up of several family farms, when they attempted to dry cherries. 

After countless hours of research and many experimental attempts, Phil rebuilt a dryer that successfully dried cherries, while keeping their bright red color and tart flavor.  

In the years since, Payson Fruit Growers has built eight new large size driers and dries millions of pounds of fruit annually.