What It’s Like to Run a 7th-Generation Family Farm

There’s something timeless about the rhythm of life on a family farm: sunrise, soil, seasons, and the shared laughter of generations working together. At Lee Farms, this rhythm has played on for over 150 years, grounding us in tradition, community, and a deep-rooted value system.

A Legacy That Runs Deep

Lee Farms’ story begins in 1869, when the Jurgen family settled in Tualatin and planted row crops to feed their families. In 1889, the Martinazzi family joined, then later the Lees in 1936, culminating in the union of Laurance Lee and Loyce Martinazzi and beginning the 4th generation to farm the land. Their decision to open the farm’s strawberry fields to public U-pick in the 1960s ignited the heart of what Lee Farms is today. A place where farming, family, and community converge.

Evolving with the Times (and the Seasons) 

Farming across generations has meant constant growth and transformation. In the 1980s, we added a pumpkin patch and expanded into a bakery and farm market. To continue supporting the next generations, agritourism became a centerpiece. We added festivals like the Easter Egg Hunt, Berry Festival, Sunflower Festival, Fall Harvest, and Christmas trees alongside our continued traditional farming. Today our “agritainment” approach allows us to support 4th, 5th, 6th, AND 7th generations driven by a passion for opening our farm to visitors while protecting its integrity.

All Hands on Deck 

Farming here isn’t just a job, it’s family life. Craig Lee, a 5th-generation owner, works side by side with his children and even their children. Annie runs the farm market & bakery and leads the Easter & Berry Festivals. Kara and Teagan manage the Sunflower, Fall Harvest, and Christmas events. Erika now operates her own farm business nearby, and her youngest Tommy pitches in whenever he’s home from OSU.

Rooted in Values 

At our core, Lee Farms is built on the belief in family, balance, and community. We believe supporting each other lifts everyone up. Life on the farm teaches hard work and humility, but also creates space for joy, rest, and connection with each other and with the land itself.

Farming with Community in Mind

Lee Farms is more than farmland. It’s a place where locals and visitors connect across seasons. From U-pick berry mornings to sunflower sunsets, holiday markets, and festive gatherings, we’re proud to offer experiences that nourish both people and tradition.

In Closing 

Running a 7th-generation farm means carrying forward a legacy with purpose, heart, and faith in the future. It means bending with change while holding fast to what truly matters: hard work, being together, and staying true to our roots. When you visit Lee Farms, whether for berries, festivals, or to reconnect with the land, you’re part of that heritage too.

We hope you’ll stop by to visit, whether you’re looking for fresh pies, festive events, or a taste of history still growing strong.