Just beyond Allentown's city limits, the Lehigh Valley opens into rolling farmland that has fed the region for centuries. Pennsylvania Dutch farming traditions, fertile soil, and a moderate climate support orchards, dairies, poultry farms, vegetable growers, and vineyards. Many of these farms welcome visitors for pick-your-own seasons, farm markets, and festivals.
Local farms play a vital role in the region's food supply, economy, and culture. This guide highlights ten farming companies in and around Allentown known for quality products, sustainable practices, and community engagement.
Agriculture in the Lehigh Valley
Lehigh, Berks, and Northampton counties contain thousands of acres of active farmland. Farmland preservation programs have protected many farms from development pressure, ensuring agriculture remains part of the regional landscape. Farms supply restaurants, grocery stores, farmers markets, and community supported agriculture programs throughout Allentown.
Trends in Local Farming
Consumers increasingly seek locally grown, organic, and sustainably produced food. Agritourism, including pick-your-own fruit, corn mazes, and wine tastings, has become an important revenue stream. Farms are adopting precision agriculture, soil health practices, and direct-to-consumer sales to remain competitive.
Benefits of Supporting Local Farms
Buying from local farms provides fresher food, supports the regional economy, and reduces transportation emissions. It also helps preserve open space and agricultural heritage for future generations.
Sustainability and Soil Health
Regenerative and organic practices such as cover cropping, crop rotation, and reduced tillage improve soil health and water quality. The Lehigh Valley region is home to one of the most influential organic farming research organizations in the world, making it a leader in sustainable agriculture.
Our Picks: The 10 Best Farming Companies in Allentown
1. Rodale Institute
Located in nearby Kutztown, Rodale Institute is a world-renowned leader in organic and regenerative agriculture research. Its long-running farming systems trial compares organic and conventional methods, and its education programs train farmers worldwide.
2. Jaindl Farms
Based in Orefield, Jaindl Farms is famous for its turkeys, which have been served at holiday tables across the country. The family-owned operation also manages extensive land holdings and remains one of the region's best-known farms.
3. Grim's Orchard & Family Farm
Located in Breinigsville, Grim's Orchard & Family Farm grows apples, peaches, and seasonal produce and operates a popular farm market and bakery. Its fall festivals attract families from across the Lehigh Valley.
4. Schantz Orchards
Schantz Orchards in Zionsville offers fresh fruit, vegetables, and baked goods from its family-run farm market. Its pick-your-own seasons and homemade treats make it a local favorite.
5. Seiple Farms
Seiple Farms near Easton grows a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and operates farm markets known for sweet corn and seasonal produce.
6. Klein Farms Dairy & Creamery
Klein Farms Dairy & Creamery in Easton is a family dairy producing milk, cheese, and yogurt from grass-fed cows, with a farm store offering fresh dairy products.
7. Pappy's Orchard
Pappy's Orchard in Coopersburg offers pick-your-own fruit, fresh produce, and family-friendly farm experiences throughout the growing season.
8. Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery
Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery in Breinigsville grows grapes and produces award-winning wines, contributing to the Lehigh Valley's growing wine region.
9. Blue Mountain Vineyards
Blue Mountain Vineyards in New Tripoli produces wines from its estate vineyards and hosts tastings and events that showcase local agriculture.
10. Lehigh Valley Dairy Farms
Lehigh Valley Dairy Farms has long been associated with regional milk production and distribution, supplying dairy products to stores and schools across eastern Pennsylvania.
How to Choose a Local Farm Partner
Restaurants and retailers should consider product consistency, delivery options, certifications, and seasonal availability. Consumers can explore farm markets, CSA memberships, and pick-your-own seasons to find farms that match their preferences. Visiting farms directly is the best way to learn about growing practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What crops grow best in the Lehigh Valley?
Apples, peaches, sweet corn, tomatoes, pumpkins, grapes, and a variety of vegetables thrive in the region's soil and climate.
What is a CSA?
Community supported agriculture allows consumers to purchase a share of a farm's harvest in advance, receiving regular deliveries of fresh produce during the season.
When is the best time to visit Lehigh Valley farms?
Summer and fall are peak seasons, with berry picking in early summer, peaches and sweet corn in mid-summer, and apples and pumpkins in autumn.
How does farmland preservation work in the Lehigh Valley?
County and state programs purchase agricultural conservation easements from willing farmers. The farmer keeps ownership and continues farming, while the easement permanently restricts the land from being developed, protecting it for future generations of agriculture.
Final Thoughts
The farms surrounding Allentown are an essential part of the Lehigh Valley's identity and food system. The companies above combine tradition, innovation, and community spirit, making them some of the best farming operations in the region. Whether you are a chef sourcing seasonal ingredients or a family planning a weekend orchard visit, these farms offer an authentic taste of the Lehigh Valley.