Find a local pick your own farm here!

Blueberry U-Pick Orchards in Southwestern Missouri in 2025, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for blueberries that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have blueberries orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather.  See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Barry County

  • G's Orchard - Minimizes chemical and pesticide use, blueberries, Fresh eggs, restrooms
    2096 Farm Road 1130, Verona, MO 65769. Phone: 417-669-4583. Email: gsorchard@gmail.com. Open: Wednesday through Friday 8 am to 4 pm, Saturday 8 am to 1 pm; approximately mid June through mid July. Directions: Three miles East of Monett to Z Highway. Turn right on Z Highway 2 miles to Farm Road 1130. South \\(right\\) 14 mile. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Turn right on Z Highway 2 miles to Farm Road 1130. South (right) 1/4 mile. . blueberries the middle of June (u-pick and picked), we offer all the traditional seasonal favorite fruits and a few vegetables including peaches, cantaloupe, tomatoes, peppers, apples and more. .(UPDATED: June 01, 2020) [ ] (UPDATED: July 14, 2025, JBS)
    Comments from a visitor on June 27, 2010: "My family and I definitely recommend in Barry County, Mo. The staff is friendly and the fruit is awesome! The kids love it too! The farm is clean and the rows are always mowed down. Never have gotten a chigger or tick at all. We drive from Springfield, Mo every year to get the blackberries and blueberries. Thank you for having this site. We appreciate all the work you do."
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

Barton County

  • Braker Berry Farm - blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and melons, Farmstand
    941 SW 90th Lane, Oronogo, MO 64855. Phone: 417-842-3609. Open: Please call ahead for berry pick-your-own hours. Directions: From Junction of 126 Hwy and 43 Hwy, go 2 miles south on 43, 1 mile east on SW 90th Rd, 12 mile south on SW 90th Lane. From Joplin Regional Airport \\(Stone\\\'s Corner\\), go 16.5 miles N on Hwy 43, east 1 mile on SW 90th Rd, 12 mile south on SW 90th Lane. Click here for a map and directions.
    Braker Berry Farm Facebook page. We started in 2006 by planting blueberries. We gradually added blackberries and other vegetables to sell with the blueberries. We have several high tunnels for extending the seasons that we can grow produce. We have pick-your-own berries in the Summer, and flowers (hanging baskets and mums) in the Spring and Fall. We sell produce year-round at farmers' markets and off the farm. Everything we grow is Non-GMO, and we also offer some of our vegetables as "chemical-free". Fruits (pick-your-own or pre-picked): Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and melons. We sell atthe farm, at the Webb City Farmers' Market and Greater Springfield Farmers' Market (at Battlefield Mall in Springfield, MO). From Joplin Regional Airport (Stone's Corner), go 16.5 miles N on Hwy 43, east 1 mile on SW 90th Rd, 1/2 mile south on SW 90th Lane. . (UPDATED: July 15, 2025, JBS)
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Cedar County

  • Kenney Family Farms - blackberries, blueberries, corn (sweet), gooseberries, onions, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), strawberries, Honey from hives on the farm, U-pick and already picked, farm market, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours, group reservations
    9505 South 1471 Road, Stockton, MO 65785. Phone: 417-276-3691. Email: peggykclerk@yahoo.com. Open: See our website for current hours. Directions: 3and a half miles north of Stockton Square, left on 1471 Road, patch is quarter of mile down 1471 Road. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . Strawberries: May 9 to May 30. We only sale what we grow. We are not certified organic but follow organic like procedures. (ADDED: April 23, 2015) [ ] (UPDATED: July 15, 2025, JBS)
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Christian County

  • Buckner's Blueberries - blackberries, blueberries, Honey from hives on the farm
    1914 W. Big Bend Rd, Nixa, MO 65714. Phone: (417) 818-9836. Email: bigbendbuck@gmail.com. Open: Please call to get picking dates and times or to place orders for berries to be picked for you. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. June 15 through July 15(ADDED: June 22, 2018) [ ] (UPDATED: July 15, 2025, JBS)
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  • Burtons Farm Blueberries - No pesticides are used, blueberries,
    445 Silver Lake Rd, Billings, MO 65610. Phone: 417-369-5710. Email: burtonsblueberries@gmail.com. Open: Please call or check our Facebook page for picking dates and times. Directions: You have 2 options: 1. Use Google and search Burton\\\'s Farm Blueberries and use Google to get you here, Do NOT use a different map or GPS program.2.Drive to the junction on HWY 14 and HWY K in Clever Mo, go south on K for 5 miles then RIGHT on Silver Lake Rd. We are 1.5 miles down on the right. Hope this helps out!! Funny note... My husband was born and raised here, we have a Please call for directions, we are located 20 minutes SW of Springfield. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, credit cards.
    Burtons Farm Blueberries Facebook page. Use Google and search Burton's Farm Blueberries and use Google to get you here, Do NOT use a different map or GPS program.2.Drive to the junction on HWY 14 and HWY K in Clever Mo, go south on K for 5 miles then RIGHT on Silver Lake Rd. We are 1.5 miles down on the right. Hope this helps out!! Funny note... My husband was born and raised here, we have a Please call for directions, we are located 20 minutes SW of Springfield. Family friendly facility including flashing restrooms and ice cold refreshments. We are not CERTIFIED ORGANIC, but the berries are not sprayed. (UPDATED: February 22, 2016) (UPDATED: July 15, 2025, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Turnback Creek Farm - blueberries, u-pick and already picked, honey
    11048 Lawrence 1245, Mount Vernon, MO 65705. Phone: 417-466-7172. Email: turnbackcreek33@gmail.com. Open: from mid-June, see their Facebook page. Click here for a map and directions. Also, already picked elderberries. (ADDED: July 2, 2020, JBS) [ ] (UPDATED: July 15, 2025, JBS)
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Douglas County

  • Anderson Blueberry Farm - Blueberries, Christmas trees, honey bees,
    Farm Road 409 and Highway 5, Squires, MO 65755. Phone: 417-830-2452. Email: wayneanderson@missouristate.edu. Open: June, 7 am and closes at dusk, 7 days a week during June, Please call for blueberry availability. Directions: located South of Ava off Highway 5. Go south on Highway 5 to \\\'A\\\'. Right on \\\'A\\\' to Farm Road 409. Left on 409. The Anderson Farm is clearly marked on your right hand side. \\[ . Click here for a map and directions. The Anderson Farm has been family owned and operated since 1980. We started out raising cattle, Christmas trees, honey bees, raspberries and blueberries. We have continued to expand and now specialize in our blueberry operation as we have been successfully participating through our local farmers' market and have experienced significant positive response to our u-pick operation. Blueberry u-pick is usually during the month of June. Picking buckets and boxes to take home your crop are provided. The blueberry field is located in a very quiet and peaceful setting with nature all around. Families are encouraged to come and make memories of the picking adventure and the later enjoyment of the wonderful things that can be made from blueberries. Bathroom facilities and picnic tables are available. Go south on Highway 5 to 'A'. Right on 'A' to Farm Road 409. Left on 409. The Anderson Farm is clearly marked on your right hand side. [ ] (UPDATED: July 15, 2025, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

Greene County

  • Black and Blue Berry Farm - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, blueberries, U-pick and already picked, restrooms
    5313 South Farm Road 241, Rogersville, MO 65742. Phone: 417-396-8333. Open: as well as up-to-date berry status. Directions: DIRECTIONS From Springfield: Go 10 minutes east of Springfield on highway 60. Turn south on Farm Road 241 which is on right, just 34 mile past Kum and Go. We are 12 mile down, first house on the right on FR 241. From Fordland: Go 4 miles west past Rogersville on highway 60. FR 241 is 34 mile past Jamestown traffic light on left. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
    Black and Blue Berry Farm Facebook page. Turn south on Farm Road 241 which is on right, just 3/4 mile past Kum and Go. We are 1/2 mile down, first house on the right on FR 241. From Fordland: Go 4 miles west past Rogersville on highway 60. FR 241 is 3/4 mile past Jamestown traffic light on left. . Blueberries mid to late June; Blackberries late June through July. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. . offers you-pick and we-pick lavender and blueberries. We also proudly serve custom foods items such as blueberry lemonade, iced lavender lattes, and blueberry cinnamon rolls. (ADDED: May 16, 2015) (UPDATED: July 15, 2025, JBS)
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  • Missouri Berries - strawberries, blueberries,
    2097 S Highway Pp, Republic, MO 65738. Phone: . Email: pickmoberries@gmail.com. Open: TBD, the farm was sold in early 2023, but the new owners plan to reopen in the 2023 season. Directions: Located just 16 miles west of Springfield, take exit 61 on I-44! First farm on the right of Highway PP in Republic, MO. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard.
    Missouri Berries Facebook page. Directions :Conveniently . We use integrated pest management practices. .There are over 6,000 blueberry bushes and 25,000 strawberry plants on the gently rolling hills of western Greene County. Harvesting your own fruit in the u-pick fields provides a recreational and educational farm experience. They plan to include blackberries, lavender, and pumpkins in the future. . (UPDATED: March 3, 2023) (UPDATED: July 15, 2025, JBS)
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  • Sunshine Valley Farm - apples blueberries, prepicked produce, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, school tours
    8125 East Ad Highway, Rogersville, MO 65742. Phone: 417-753-2698. Email: jan@sunshinevalleyfarm.com. Open: The Farmstand hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm; the Blueberry u-pick hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8 am to 10 am, subject to availability; Market hours: Tuesday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm; Saturday, 8 am to 3 pm; Sunday, noon to 3 pm. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
    Sunshine Valley Farm Facebook page. Crops are usually available in June, July, AugustBlueberries: mid-June to mid-JulyThe bridge over James River on Highway 125 will be closed from June 1 to November 1, 2010Come to the farm via Sunshine StreetWe will be open normal hoursThe ONLY pyo crops offered are blueberries and appleshas been providing delicious apples, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and more for 30 yearsStop by the Farmstand to get your fresh produce today(UPDATED: July 02, 2016) (UPDATED: July 15, 2025, JBS)
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Jasper County

Laclede County

Lawrence County

Newton County

  • Crafty Farm's - blueberries, blackberries, strawberries,
    30558 US 60, Pierce City, MO . Phone: 417-669-7792. Email: craftyfarmsupick@gmail.com. Open: May-June, see their page. Click here for a map and directions. We are a family owned and ran u-pick berry farm! Come and enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers while they are in season. You'll also find unique handmade art, jewelry, and decor handcrafted by us. We look forward to seeing you this season. 2024 price: blueberries, $3.75/lb you pick, $6/lb or $25/gallon we pick. [ ] (UPDATED: July 16, 2025, JBS)
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  • Mauller Family Farm - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, blueberries, pumpkins,
    18706 Linden Drive, Neosho, MO 64850. Phone: 417-317-1098. Email: ldmauller@gmail.com. Open: Call for hours. Directions: East of 59 Highway on Linden Drive Neosho Mo. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . See face book page for times we will be open. They are a family run u-pick berry farm featuring 42 varieties of blueberries and 6 varieties of blackberries grown naturally for you and your family.(ADDED: June 03, 2015) [ ] (UPDATED: July 16, 2025, JBS)
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Polk County

  • Gardener's Orchard and Bakery - apples, peaches, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes, Farmstand, Hayrides
    4455 W Farm Rd 2, Brighton, MO 65617. Phone: 417-742-3093. Email: gardenersfarm@gmail.com. Open: July for peaches and in September for apples. Click here for a map and directions.
    Gardener's Orchard and Bakery Facebook page. . is a 45 acre family run orchard and farm run by the Gradinariu Family since 2013. The orchard was initially started by the Plaster Family in the early 1980's. The Gradinariu Family has expanded the farm to include seasonal produce, berries, a bakery, fresh apple cider and educational farm tours. A specialty fruit farm offering apples, peaches, blackberries, blueberries and strawberries. We have a bakery open year round on the farm that makes breads, pies, danishes, caramel apples and a variety of homemade bakery items with no added preservatives. We produce an all-natural apple cider September - January that is produced weekly with no added sugar or preservatives. The 2500 tree orchard has 13 varieties of Apple trees and 15 varieties of Peach treesGardener's Orchard is the ultimate You-Pick family fun farm with apples, peaches, berries, tomatoes, bakery, and family fun farm-experience park. The orchard is inclusive on 20 acres of a 65 acre family farm. T..
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  • The Berry Patch - ORGANIC, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries,
    1014 East 394th Road, Bolivar, MO 65613. Phone: (800) 983-9021. Email: BERRYPATCH1@windstream.net. Click here for a map and directions.
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Stone County

  • Burtons Farm Blueberries - blueberries,
    44445 Silver Lake Rd, Billings, MO 65610. Phone: 417-369-5710. Email: burtonsblueberries@gmail.com. Open: Please call or check our Facebook page for picking dates and times. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Family friendly facility including flashing restrooms and ice cold refreshments. (ADDED: January 24, 2016)
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  • Ozark Mountain Orchard - No pesticides are used blueberries, U-pick and already picked, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms
    292949 Pleasant View Road, Highlandville, MO 65669. Phone: (417) 443-3343. Email: info@ozarkmountainorchard.com. Open: Monday - Saturday 8am to 7pm, Sundays 8am to 4pm during blueberry season June - mid July. Directions: From the stoplight at EE in Highlandville go South on Highway 160 about 3 miles to V Highway. Go west on V Highway about 3 miles to Pleasant View Road. Go north on Pleasant View about three quarters of a mile to Ozark Mountain Orchard on the west side of the road. Follow the signs to the berry patch. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Go west on V Highway about 3 miles to Pleasant View Road. Go north on Pleasant View about three quarters of a mile to on the west side of the road. Follow the signs to the berry patch. . Blueberries are typically available from early June to mid July. We do not use pesticides on the crops. . (UPDATED: June 03, 2019) (UPDATED: July 16, 2025, JBS)
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  • Persimmon Hill Farm - Uses integrated pest management practices, blackberries, blueberries, U-pick and already picked, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, school tours
    367 Persimmon Hill Lane, Lampe, MO 65681. Phone: (417) 779-5443. Email: martha@persimmonhill.com. Open: See our website for current hours; Beginning May 30, the farm is open 8 a. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
    Persimmon Hill Farm Facebook page. mto 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays until picking season opensThe date is to be announced as it depends on ripeningWhen picking season opens, the farm begins operation 7 a.mto 7 p.mTuesdays through Saturdays, closed Sunday and Monday; Restaurant options available 8 am to 3 pmBlueberry season is usually June 10 through July 30; Blackberry season is usually June 15 through July 15; Shiitake mushrooms are available year round;We use integrated pest management practicesDesserts and bakery items are available anytimeThe farm store and bakery are open whenever the farm is open(UPDATED: May 12, 2020) (UPDATED: July 16, 2025, JBS)
    Comments from a visitor on July 07, 2010: "I love going to Persimmon HillIt's so clean and well kept, and everything growing is healthy and thrivingThey bake the BEST Blueberry Muffins in the world, know..
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Texas County

  • Scenery Hills Farm - blueberries, U-pick and already picked
    11400 Rocky Ridge Rd, Bucyrus, MO 65444. Phone: (417) 926-3148. Email: sceneryhills@yahoo.com. Directions: From Houston, route 17 west to 38 west for Hartville. Route 38 to M Highway North for Huggins. 3.10 miles North on Highway M to Right on Rocky Ridge Road. 1 mile on right to 11400 Rocky Ridge. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. 00 for you pick and $4.50 for we pick. Route 38 to M Highway North for Huggins. 3.10 miles North on Highway M to Right on Rocky Ridge Road. 1 mile on right to 11400 Rocky Ridge. . (UPDATED: June 18, 2018) [ ] (UPDATED: July 16, 2025, JBS)
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Webster County

  • Elkland's U Pick Berry Farm (aka B Berry Farms) - No pesticides are used blackberries, blueberries, haskaps, honeyberries, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), U-pick and already picked, gift shop, restrooms, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, group reservations
    96 Dusty Drive, Elkland, MO 65644. Phone: (417) 933-2046. Email: teresa@bberryfarms.com. Open: During summer season 515 to 81 Mondays, Saturdays, Sundays 8:30 am to 8 pm ; Tuesday to Friday 4 pm to 8 pm; Fall season 91 to 111 Mondays, Saturdays, Sundays 12 pm till dark, Tuesday to Friday 3 pm till dark; all hours subject to change if picked out or bad weather. Directions: From Springfield 65 north past Fairgrove To AA Highway take a Right stay AA on until Elkland go straight on EE Highway go 2 miles signs are on the left. From Marshfield take Highway 38 West to Elkland then right on Highway EE go 2 miles signs are on the left. From Buffalo take 65 South to AA Highway take a Left stay AA on until Elkland go straight on EE Highway go 2 miles signs are on the left. Our Typical seasons for Honeyberries May 15 to June 20, Blueberries May 25 to August 30, Blackberries - truncated. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
    Elkland's U Pick Berry Farm (aka B Berry Farms) Facebook page. From Marshfield take Highway 38 West to Elkland then right on Highway EE go 2 miles signs are on the left. From Buffalo take 65 South to AA Highway take a Left stay AA on until Elkland go straight on EE Highway go 2 miles signs are on the left. Our Typical seasons for Honeyberries May 15 to June 20, Blueberries May 25 to August 30, Blackberries June 10 to November 1, Goji berries August 1 to September 10. We do not use pesticides on the crops. . We have 4,500 plants from Honeyberries (haskap),Blueberries ,Our Blackberries have 2 season the summer season 6/15 to 8/1 and fall season 9/10 to 11/1, Goji's berries 8/15 to 9/15,cherry bushes. We are also a Natural Product Manufacturer of Handmade Lye Soaps, over 15 flavors of Lip Balms, over 20 fragrances of Beard Balm and Beard Oils and so many more products. (UPDATED: July 03, 2019) (UPDATED: July 16, 202..
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ZZZ - These are either closed, no longer do U-Pick or are assumed permanently closed

  • Berry King Farm - Uses natural growing practices, blackberries, blueberries, U-pick and already picked, restrooms
    6832 Eland Road, Joplin, MO 64804. Phone: 417-624-1539. Email: berrykingfarm@hotmail.com. Open: UPDATE for 2019, Their website and Facebook page are both gone; Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me, their last reported hours were June - October. Directions: From I44 Exit 6, head south on highway 86. Turn SouthEast on highway NN. Turn West on Dutch Elm. Follow Dutch Elm West then South. Dutch Elm turns, but stay South on Eland Road. Berry King Farm is on the West side of the Road. Address: 6832 Eland Road Joplin, MO 64804. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
    Berry King Farm Facebook page. Turn SouthEast on highway NN. Turn West on Dutch Elm. Follow Dutch Elm West then South. Dutch Elm turns, but stay South on Eland Road. is on the West side of the Road. Address: 6832 Eland Road Joplin, MO 64804. . Blueberries: June - July Blackberries: July - October. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. . We take cash on site, but accept payments ahead through the website using PayPal.
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  • Divine Blueberry Patch - Blueberries
    , Neosho, MO 64850. Phone: . Open: permanently closed. Click here for a map of the area. (UPDATED: June 18, 2022)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Harvest Farm - Blueberries
    10801 State Hwy 43, Webb City, MO . Phone: 417-673-5865. Click here for a map and directions.
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Henson Creek Blueberry Farm - Blueberries
    9743 Lawrence 112, Mt. Vernon, MO 65712. Phone: . Click here for a map and directions.
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Klapmeyers Berries and More - Blueberries,
    RFD 1 Box 176, Williow Springs, MO 65793. Phone: 417-469-3895. Open: Mid-June through Mid-July, 7 am to 7 pm through the season; Must call for an appointment to pick or call to order pre-picked berries. Click here for a map and directions. We are on the East side of the road.
    Comments from a visitor on June 17, 2010: "This Blueberry farm now has a rule that children 13 and under are not allowed. This is very sad as our four children looked forward to picking blueberries every year at this farm. I don't know why they are doing this, they tell us this but don't explain why. It's very sad and they have lost our business because of this. You should post this for unsuspecting families. What a travesty! "
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Rocky Top Berry Farm - 2025 permanently closed, , blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes, Fresh eggs, picnic area
    23286 Lawrence 1140, Verona, MO 65769. Phone: 417-498-6574. Email: rockytopbb@gmail.com. Open: permanently closed. Directions: Halfway between Monett and Aurora on Highway 60, farm road 1140. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Daylight to early afternoon, late afternoon to dusk. Mid May to Mid July; come early for best picking, we open at daylight. We do not use pesticides on the crops. We are not CERTIFIED ORGANIC, but our goal is to provide the best picking opportunity and biggest, most delicious berries with as few chemicals as possible. We do not use any sprays or chemicals on the berries. Natural pest and weed control methods are employed as much as possible. ) Facebook page.
    Comments from a visitor on June 12, 2009: "I just love going to , the prices are very reasonable, the people are very friendly and they have great plants and blueberries! Thank-you!"
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Rose's Berry Patch - Blueberries
    Route 7 Box 135, Joplin, MO 64801. Phone: . Click here for a map and directions.
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • The Blueberry Patch - blueberries, porta-potties are available
    986 Crosstie Road, Seymour, MO 65746. Phone: 417-935-4178. Email: marciablaine@yahoo.com. Open: Saturdays from 7 am to noon from mid - June to mid - July. Directions: 3 miles east of Seymour, MO just south of Highway 60. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . (ADDED: June 25, 2016)
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Blueberry

Blueberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Blueberries are one of the easiest fruit to prepare and serve. There's no peeling, pitting, coring or cutting. They have few natural pests, (other than birds), so pesticides are generally unnecessary! This year's crop is fantastic (see related news story), thanks both to the weather and to more farms planting more blueberry bushes due to increased consumer demand over the past few years as more studies proclaim the anti-oxidant and other health properties of blueberries.

Click here to find a local Blueberry Festival (usually held between April and July).

If you are looking for information about a similar berry, the saskatoon (also called the June berry or Serviceberry) see this page about saskatoons.

Picking tips:

Select plump, full blueberries with a light gray-blue color. A berry with any hint of red isn't fully ripened.

Ripening AFTER picking?

First, it is key to know that once picked, blueberries will NOT become any sweeter, nor will the flavor improve. The only change that occurs is the color. They will APPEAR to ripen, but it is only a color change, from white to green to rose to red to pale blue to fully blue. So, white and green colored blueberries will not "ripen" after they are picked; while blueberries that have already turned purple, red or blue-ish usually DO change color after they are picked (if they are kept at room temperature to "ripen").

As the blueberries ripen ON THE BUSH, the flavor goes from tastless to bitter to tasteless tart to tart blueberry flavor to sweet blueberry flavor.

Grocery stores sell blueberries that are tart, not sweet because they had them picked unripe by machine so they are very firm and can handled being bumped around in shipping. They may look good, but are not as tasty as those picked when actually ripe.

So, the key is, PICK ONLY RIPE BERRIES!

How to pick blueberries

Since blueberries hang on the bushes in bunches a but like grapes do, the easiest and fastest way to pick them is hold your bucket under them in one hand and with your other hand, cup a ripe bunch and gently rub them with your fingers. The ripe berries will drop into your bucket, while the unripe ones will remain attached to the bush.

When the bushes are at peak, I can easily pick 2 gallons per hour (if I'm not being distracted by the kids and the sun isn't too hot!). A newbie might do 1 gallon per hour.and at the beginning or end of the season it takes more time as the berries are not as plentiful nor concentrated in clusters.

Tips for storing blueberries after harvesting:

  • Once picked, don't place the berries, still warm from the sun, in a closed bag or container. Leave the container open so moisture doesn't form in the container.
  • Don't wash berries until just before using, to prevent berries from becoming mushy.
  • Chill berries soon after picking to increase shelf life. Store your fresh blueberries in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home, without washing them, in a covered bowl or storage container. If refrigerated, fresh-picked blueberries will keep 10 to 14 days.
  • Freeze berries in freezer containers without washing to keep the skins from toughening. Place berries one layer deep. Freeze, then pour the frozen berries into freezer containers. Because unwashed blueberries freeze individually, they can be easily poured from containers in desired amounts. Remember both frozen and fresh berries should be rinsed and drained just before serving. Just before using, wash the berries in cold water.

Blueberry Measurements and Conversions

Keep in mind that blueberries vary considerably in density and moisture content, so these ranges are approximates.

  • 1 gallon of blueberries weighs about 7.5 lbs or (4 liters of blueberries is about 3.5 kg)

  • 1 pint of fresh blueberries weights about 3/4 of a pound. (1 liter of blueberries is about 700 grams)

  • 1 pound of fresh blueberries is usually between about 2 and 3 cups of berries.

  • It takes about 4 cups (about of blueberries to make a blueberry pie (see this fantastic and easy blueberry pie recipe)

  • A normal batch of blueberry preserves, jam or jelly requires 5 pints of berries.

  • Blueberries do come in a variety of sizes from small (190-250 berries per cup) to extra large (<90 berries per cup).

Blueberry Recipes, Canning and Freezing Blueberries

Recipes

Canning, freezing and other blueberry recipes:

Baking tips

If you have trouble with blueberries settling to the bottom of muffins and blueberry breads, try one or more of these tips:

  • Coat them with flour before adding to the batter. Just gently shake the blueberries in a bag (plastic or paper) with 1/2 cup of flour, then dump them mix in a sieve to remove excess flour.
  • It may just be that your batter is too thin. try making the batter a little thicker!
  • Fill the muffin cups or baking pan up to 1/4 full with batter (which hasn't had blueberries added to it yet); then stir the blueberries into the remaining batter, and continue to fill the muffin cups or bread pan. The blueberries will start off higher in the mix!

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)