Purdum's Produce reports record customer traffic in Fruitland

Purdum's Produce in Fruitland, Idaho, recorded higher customer traffic than in any previous season, according to the farm's owners. The family business is winding down its growing season after nearly three decades of operation.

Robyn Purdum, the owner, stated that maintaining a consistent supply of produce required extensive planning. She noted that corn was planted approximately 18 separate times during the year. Green beans were planted on a weekly schedule to ensure availability throughout the summer.

"A lot of thought and a lot of planning goes into it," Purdum said. The farm currently offers fresh fruits and vegetables, including corn, watermelon, green beans, and fall crops. The operation began in 1996 when a family member sold corn from a driveway.

At peak capacity, the farm employed 19 full-time pickers. This workforce included domestic workers and H-2A temporary agricultural workers. Another 15 to 20 employees worked inside the produce stand, assisting customers and managing sales.

Mackenzie Mitchell, the farm manager and Robyn Purdum's daughter, attributed the surge in visits to a consumer desire for fresh produce with traceable origins. "I think there's a big drive for people to have fresh fruit and vegetables. They want to know where their produce is grown," Mitchell said.

Weather conditions influenced the 2026 harvest. Smoke affected the growth of some crops, but warmer and drier conditions benefited most of the planted varieties. Addison Purdum, Robyn's granddaughter, described the working crew as a fun group to join.

Customers travel from outside Fruitland to shop at the stand. Some patrons have visited since the business opened. "We've had some that still come from the very beginning. They're not just our customers, they're our friends as well," Purdum said. The family is considering new vegetables, farm tours, and extended seasonal operations for the future.