History

History of Durbin Farms

1938 Durbins begin farming
1961 Durbin Farms opens market on I-65
1987 Yogurt Shop added
1994 Homemade ice cream added
1994 Mr. Durbin passes away; Steve Wilson buys farm.
1996 Mail Order added
1999 Durbin Farms website opens
2007 Durbin Farms Website updates and becomes full e-commerce online market.

Steve Wilson shows peaches grown on the farm in 1982

Take a look at our photo album

"Growing high quality fruit and selling this fruit directly to the consumer"

Durbin Farms began over seventy years ago, when Marvin and Mary Durbin developed an interest in fruit farming. After much study and travel, they decided to base their farming business on growing high quality fruit and marketing this fruit directly to the consumer. Although this concept doesn't seem that outrageous, the average farm grew more for quantity than for quality. Also, farmers generally preferred to sell their produce wholesale and leave the business of selling to consumers to someone else.

The first retail location was a small roadside stand on Highway 31 approximately one mile south of Thorsby. After several years at this location, word came of the new interstate. The Durbins quickly purchased land at the Clanton exit of the soon-to-be I-65 interstate.

As with any business, there have been setbacks. In 1955, the fruit crop was completely wiped out due to a late freeze. In 1969, a tornado demolished the fruit market building. Then on July 3, 1979, a fire in the night in midseason left the entire place covered with soot and smoke damage. However, despite these obstacles, growth has been continuous.

Over the years, the Durbins have had different farm managers. In 1982, Steve Wilson came on board. With a degree in Agriculture from Auburn University and with years of experience in farming, real estate and lending, Mr. Wilson had both the farming and business experience needed to keep Durbin Farms in a state of positive growth. Under his guidance, the farm grew and business increased.

In 1987, the decision was made to add a Yogurt Shop to the fruit market. Serving Colombo frozen yogurt and fresh fruit, the Yogurt Shop was an instant hit. In 1994, in response to customer demand, Durbin Farms began making its own ice cream. The combination of a high quality cream and sugar-sweet Durbin Farm's fruits was and still is out-of-this-world!

Every year brings changes to the farm and retail market. In 1994, Mr. Durbin passed away. After much soul-searching, Mrs. Durbin decided to sell Durbin Farms to Steve Wilson.

Durbin Farms continues to uphold the tradition and values set by the Durbins long ago. As more small farms are bought out by larger farms or are forced to close due to competition from larger farms, Durbin Farms is an anomaly. It remains a small farming business that is thriving--even in our changing times. Much of this success is due to the principles originally set by the Durbins: Grow the best quality fruit possible and make sure the customer's needs come first.

Today's current owners, Danny and Judy Jones currently keep the tradition alive of Durbin Farms and the rich heritage from the past years. Stop by and see them today - you'll be glad you did!