Cherry Crop Wiped Out, But Placerville Farm Pivots to Berries

Mother Nature dealt the American River Cherry Company a brutal hand this spring. Just as 13 acres of cherry blossoms were about to deliver what should’ve been another season of U-pick abundance, a cruel weather pattern struck: warm days triggered blooming, then a hard freeze knocked every bud right off the trees. Windy conditions finished the job. For a farm that’s been running on this crop for over four decades, it was a devastating blow.

But here’s where the story shifts from setback to resilience. Reg Rice, the 88-year-old retired doctor who founded this 20-acre family operation over 40 years ago, didn’t pack it in. Instead, he’s doubling down on what he does have: berries. Lots of them. Starting June 5, visitors to the American River Cherry Company in Placerville will be able to pick Olallieberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries—all ripe and ready. Rice isn’t shy about the pivot.“Gotta have someone come and pick’em!”he said, pointing to rows of fruit begging for attention.

What makes Rice’s optimism even more remarkable is that he’s not doing this to pad his own wallet. As a retired doctor, he doesn’t depend on the farm for income. Every penny the operation makes goes straight to a local Adventist school and church—a commitment that’s defined his farming life.“Any profits we make here, we give to the school, so it’ll help educate the children to love the Lord Jesus,”he explained.

The farm offers more than just fruit picking, too. There’s a koi pond where kids can feed the fish for a dollar, including one longtime favorite named Big Blue. It’s the kind of simple, wholesome experience that Placerville families have been returning to year after year—cherry season or not.

As for next year? Rice is already looking ahead with characteristic optimism.“Next year this will probably be loaded. Every one of these will have 3 cherries. We hope!”he said, eyeing those bare branches with the confidence of someone who’s weathered four decades of farming’s unpredictability. For now, though, Sacramento Valley families have a reason to head foothill-bound in June: berries, fresh air, and the chance to support a mission bigger than any single crop.