Our History
About Us
Since the Beginning
In 1913, Richard Allen (RA) Symms left Kansas headed for Oregon to pursue his dream of growing fruit. Having drawn a 40 acre homestead lot in Oregon, this 44 year old pioneer took the train as far as Caldwell, Idaho – 90 miles from his final destination. Leaving the railroad, he headed for Oregon with a team of horses and wagonload of supplies only to find that road ended at the Snake River with no way to cross. So, instead of the Willamette Valley, he ended up near Caldwell, Idaho – in the unique micro-climate of Sunny Slope along the Snake River. After returning to Kansas to get his family, in 1914, RA Symms planted the first eight acres of fruit trees on his 80-acre farm. Four of the original trees are still in place bearing fruit today.
The Legacy Continues
From this humble beginning, the Symms Fruit Ranch now encompasses over 5,200 acres, 3,500 of which are fruit trees and vines, with 1,500 acres of row crops. It is truly a family operation, now managed by fourth and fifth generations of the Symms family including great and great great grandchildren of RA Symms.
The Legacy Continues
From this humble beginning, the Symms Fruit Ranch now encompasses over 5,200 acres, 3,500 of which are fruit trees and vines, with 1,500 acres of row crops. RA’s grandson Dick, now in his 80’s, still maintains an office at Symms Fruit Ranch headquarters and is often seen driving the orchards checking on the progress of each crop. Dick’s son Dar, great niece Sally, nephew Jamie and brother in law Jim currently manage all aspects of Symms Fruit Ranch.
Our Brand
The Symms Fruit Ranch operation is totally vertically integrated. Symms grows, picks, packs and ships all of the fruits that are marketed in boxes identified with the SSS brand – one that is recognized by most major retailers for its consistent high quality. The latest technology is used in the orchard, packing and storage facilities to assure maximum quality, freshness, flavor and wholesomeness.
Quality, flavor, value and sustainability are hallmarks of Symms Fruit Ranch. The family is proudly beginning its second century of sustainably producing the highest quality fruit in the world.
