About Us
Our Farm
Our certified organic farm is nestled in a beautiful meandering section of the Merced River which flows from Yosemite. Conveniently located less than two miles from Highway 99, it’s the perfect stop on your journey through the Central Valley. Guided by permaculture principles, our farm harmonizes with the natural ecosystem, utilizing sustainable resources to cultivate a healthier environment.
Our Products
For over 20 years, we have grown and sold CCOF Certified Organic fruit, nuts, herbs, and now vegetables. Blueberries, Cherries, and Strawberries open the Spring U-Pick season. Mixed fruit, Blackberries, and Elderberries ripen in summer, and Persimmons, Pomegranates, Almonds, Walnuts, and Pecans are the Fall U-Pick Offerings.
Our Events
At Riverdance Farms, we provide an array of experiences, including our yearly Pick and Gather events, private gatherings, school excursions, our quaint ‘general store,’ and numerous other activities. Whether you’re part of a group, organization, or simply seeking a day at the farm, feel free to reach out to us via phone or by completing our Riverdance Farms contact form.
Our Story
In December of 1996, Cindy and Bill found a 29-acre piece of land along the lower Merced River, with mature almond and walnut trees, a 70-year-old barn, and a modest house on the river bluff, across from McConnell State Park. Three weeks later, the infamous El Nino storms began, and we learned how quickly a landscape can change, through the power of water. One of the oldest, largest Valley Oaks fell during the high water, and the ‘dead’ El Nino Oak still rests along the river edge, bringing ‘life’ as a habitat for birds, insects, bats, and other mammals.
Cindy, with her wealth of experience managing garden centers, teaching at Merced Community College, and stewarding a 20-acre almond block since 1987, brought a deep-rooted passion for farming. Meanwhile, Bill's decades-long journey as an independent agricultural consultant and farm manager provided invaluable insight into sustainable land management practices. Together, they embarked on the transformative journey of transitioning the land to certified organic.
In 2000, we were able to purchase the adjacent 44 acres that had at least 14 acres of river habitat for us to steward, while developing crops on 30 farmable acres. Blueberries and cherry trees were planted in 2001, and walnut trees and more berries in 2002.
The farm welcomes a diverse tapestry of visitors – from eager U-pickers and avid anglers to nature enthusiasts enchanted by the abundance of wildlife. Collaborating with local communities and partnering with The Ecological Farming Association, Cindy and Bill have woven their farm into the fabric of the Central Valley Heartland Festivals. Their annual Pick and Gather at Riverdance Farms, a beloved tradition spanning nearly two decades, invites guests to celebrate the bountiful harvest and the enduring spirit of stewardship that defines their journey.