Davison Orchards’ Family History
For over ninety years, the Davison family has grown apples, nurtured vegetables, and shared their farm with the community. From the brave first generation to the enthusiastic fifth generation, our story is one of hard work, creativity, and family heritage. Experience the sights, smells, and flavours of the farm, and see how five generations have shaped Davison Orchards into a family-friendly destination.
Over 90 Years of Family Farming
Having a strong family heritage is a blessing we, the Davisons, deeply appreciate. This year marks ninety-three years of family farming at Davison Orchards! We have been growing apples since 1933 and sharing our farm with visitors for over forty years. We love welcoming people from all walks of life to experience the smell of spring blossoms, witness the miracle of new life in our animal barn, enjoy the thrill of picking apples, and taste fresh, high-quality produce directly from our fields. Farming is beautiful, and decades of shared effort have made us prouder than ever to share it with you.
Reflecting on our history reminds us how decisions from past generations shape what we do today. Working alongside different generations provides a unique opportunity to learn from each other; we are now five generations strong, with three generations actively working together, each contributing their strengths and lessons learned.
The First Generation – Brave and Visionary
The first generation of Davisons were British citizens and soldiers. They farmed hops in the southern part of England, but Tom and May Davison dreamed of a better life and took a huge risk, embarking on a journey across the ocean and across Canada in search of opportunity. They found it here in Vernon, among sunny slopes and McIntosh apple trees.
Life was hard, but they remained teachable and resilient. Tom built the farmhouse in 1949 but passed away shortly after, leaving May to run the farm with the help of her seventeen year old nephew, Bob Davison.
The Second Generation – Hardworking and Resilient
Bob took over the farm at the age of seventeen, after his uncle’s passing. He endured many tough years of fluctuating apple prices, cold winters, and growing family responsibilities. Together with Dora, he brought perseverance, integrity, and dedication to every aspect of farm life, laying the foundation for future generations of Davison farmers.
Today, Bob and Dora are in their early 90s and no longer work in the fields daily, but they remain at the heart of the farm community. They live in their family home on the farm and can often be seen enjoying an afternoon latte on the patio, keeping a caring, watchful eye on the orchard and all the activity around them. Their presence continues to inspire the family and staff, reminding everyone of the generations of hard work and love that built Davison Orchards.
The Third Generation – Resourceful and Community-Focused
Tom grew up watching his father, Bob, work hard on the farm, and like many farmers’ children, he developed a deep love for the land. While studying agriculture at Olds College, he met Tamra, who was studying fashion design. After a few years away, they returned to the family farm with a shared vision: to continue the farm legacy while creating a welcoming, wholesome space for the community.
In 1985, Davison Orchards Country Village was born. Combining their skills and creativity, Tom and Tamra expanded the farm to include a retail store, bakery, café, play areas, and animal barn, inviting families to enjoy and connect with the land. Over forty years later, they continue to innovate and share the farm with the community.
The Fourth Generation – Collaborative and Forward Thinking
Having grown up working alongside the generations before them, the fourth generation understands the strength of working as a team. Today, they play a central role in the management of Davison Orchards, guiding every part of the business with dedication and teamwork. Lance Davison and his wife Rachel, along with Laura (Davison) Shaw and her husband Kevin, are deeply involved in running the farm: working the fields, producing all the fruits and vegetables, overseeing retail and food services, and coordinating the fundraising program.
As the farm continues to grow, they combine the wisdom of past generations with fresh ideas and energy, always valuing the voices of both young and old. Their commitment to the land, the community, and the people who work with them ensures that the legacy of Davison Orchards in Vernon will continue for generations to come.