A sixth-generation family farm in Adams County, Pennsylvania, where commitment, tradition, and fun keep the Peters orchard thriving year-round.

By Destination Gettysburg Staff, from interviews with Katie & Amelia Peters, November 2025

In Adams County, Pennsylvania, fifth-generation farmer David Peters and his wife, Katie, have helped expand an already thriving family orchard business that grows much more than fruit. Their sixth-generation daughters, are learning the rhythm of the land and the reward of working side by side. Together, they balance long hours, community connection, and a heritage that reaches back to 1870.

“We’re in this together,” Katie says. “We figure it out and take it one day at a time.”

At a Glance: Peters Orchards

Founded: 1870
Location: Gardners, Adams County, Pennsylvania
Managers: David (fifth generation) and Katie Peters
Next Generation: Lillian, Amelia, Lucy, and Evelyn Peters
Style: Year-round family-run orchard, farm market, and wholesale fruit supplier
Crops: apples, peaches, pears, plums, apricots, nectarines, a variety of berries and vegetables
Notable Feature: Six generations of family farmers on the same land
Vibe: Commitment. Tradition. Fun.

How Long Has the Peters Family Been Farming?

The Peters family has been farming the same property for more than 150 years. The home where Katie and David live with their four daughters once served as the farm’s nursery and orchard center. “My great-grandfather was literally born in the same room where I sleep now,” Amelia says. “It’s pretty cool knowing exactly where generations before me lived.”

For Katie, that history is always close. “We can trace the beginning of the farm back to 1870,” she says. “When you think about how many hands have worked this land, it gives you perspective.”

What’s It Like to Work in a Family Orchard?

Amelia and her sisters have worked at the family farm since childhood. “I started running the register when I was seven or eight,” she recalls. “We made boxes, helped customers — whatever needed to be done.” By middle school, she and her older sister Lillian along with their father were handling wholesale orders for customers far beyond Adams County. Now all four of the girls work in both the wholesale and retail markets with their parents. “Many days we work 10-hour shifts in the summer,” Amelia says. “We know all the ins and outs. It makes us better at what we do.”

That wholesale operation connects the Peters to both local farm markets and national buyers, from New York to Florida. “It’s a real mix,” Katie explains. “Our fruit finds its way to other local farm markets, as well as markets up and down the east coast. There’s a lot of give and take in our community.”

How Do They Keep Work and Family in Balance?

Running a farm means there’s rarely downtime. “We’re open year-round,” Katie says. “If we ever get a slow moment, it’s in January or February. But even then, we’re still operating our roadside market and preparing our orchards for spring.”

Still, they make time for what matters. “I think we’ve found a good balance,” Katie says. “David and I work hard, but our kids have had a life outside the market too. We’re committed to that.”

For Amelia, working alongside her parents is what makes the long days worthwhile. “All through high school, I opened the market with Mom every Sunday,” she says. “We’d drink coffee, play music, and talk while we worked. I don’t think I would have had that time being anywhere else.”

What Makes Peters Market So Popular?

The Peters’ market has stayed true to its roots: open-air stands, friendly faces, and produce grown right on their farm. “Most of what we sell, we grow ourselves,” Katie says. “We’ve cut back on some vegetables because our neighbors grow them, and we support each other. If we can get it locally, we do.”

“We’re simple and basic,” Katie adds. “We focus on quality, good customer service, and a friendly atmosphere.”

That authenticity resonates with customers who return week after week, year after year. “When people shop here, they’re buying fruit from our fields,” Amelia says. “It feels good to know where your food comes from.”

How Are the Next Generations Shaping the Orchard’s Future?

As the three older Peters girls study business management and marketing in college, they each help modernize the family’s outreach and share the story of one of Adams County’s oldest family-run orchards. “We like to tell a story with our social media,” she says. “My sisters and I use photos and posts to show people what’s happening and that helps new audiences see who we are.”

Katie laughs. “I’m terrible with technology. When I take picture for social media, the girls remind me, ‘Mom, you need to move the apples into better light!’ But they’re right. They have an artistic eye and understand how to reach people.”

“It’s about keeping our story simple,” Amelia adds. “Healthy, fresh, local fruit — that’s what we do.”

Learn more about Upper Adams County agriculture and the Blossom Belt to plan your getaway at  DestinationGettysburg.com.

Editor’s Note

Developed from interviews with Katie and Amelia Peters in Adams County, Pennsylvania, November 2025. Amelia served as the spokesperson for the Peters sisters.

Share