Double M Farms

The McDowell family has been farming on Grand Island since 1947, when Charles Sr. moved his family from Petaluma and began cultivating 18 acres of pears and 250 acres of row crops. Over the years, the farm has grown a diverse array of crops including sugar beets, alfalfa, feed corn, wheat, tomatoes, dried beans, milo, and safflower. Now operated by the third generation, Michael McDowell, the farm's major crops include alfalfa, pears, and wheat. In the summer of 2011, the farm began selling directly to the public with picked and U-Pick Bartlett pears.

The farm employs free-range practices for their chicken flock, which originated from a high school classroom project. Additionally, Michael McDowell raises pheasants, chukar, and quail, contributing to the McDowell Hunting Preserve established in 2002. The farm also offers pear wood for BBQing or fireplaces.

The farm stand offers 8 varieties of pears, several varieties of stone fruit, apples, pomegranates, citrus fruits, and avocados. Eggs from free-range chickens are available, and the stand operates daily from 8am-6pm on a self-serve basis. Visitors can check the website for fruit variety harvest dates.