Jennings Road Farm: Blueberry Season in Myakka City

Forget the grocery store — this spring, go straight to the source for the freshest blueberries around! Tucked away in the peaceful countryside of Myakka City, Jennings Road Farm is opening its gates for the very first time to local families, foodies, and farm-curious adventurers. Picture this: early morning sunshine, plump blueberries ready for the picking, and a wholesome farm experience where kids can run free, taste as they go, and learn where their food really comes from. It’s not just berry picking — it’s memory making, and it’s happening just a short drive from Sarasota or Bradenton. Ready to fill your buckets (and your freezer)?

Berry Sweet Escape: U-Pick Blueberries Are Blooming at Jennings Road Farm in Myakka City

Tucked between rolling pastures and shaded oak trees, Jennings Road Farm offers more than just fresh fruit—it’s a chance to slow down and savor a slice of Old Florida charm. As spring rolls in, the farm’s blueberry bushes burst to life, transforming the landscape into a sea of blues and greens. Whether you’re gathering berries for weekend pancakes, a homemade pie, or just to snack on by the handful, there’s something special about handpicking your own from the very bush they grew on. With each visit, locals are rediscovering the joy of seasonal eating and reconnecting with the land right in their own backyard.

Background and History of the Farm

Jennings Road Farm is a family-owned blueberry farm located in rural Myakka City, Florida. The farm’s owner and operator, David Payne, hails from Havelock North, New Zealand – a town steeped in farming culture. After moving to Florida, Payne spent a decade in Parrish, FL, but he dreamed of more space. In 2017, he purchased a 31-acre property on Jennings Road that had previously been a junkyard, transforming it into a working farm over the past eight years.

Crops Grown and Main Produce

As of 2025, blueberries are the signature crop at Jennings Road Farm. This year marks the farm’s first official blueberry season. Payne acquired hundreds of mature blueberry plants in June 2024 from a nearby farm that closed down, seizing the opportunity to start his own u-pick blueberry operation.

The farm grows several varieties of Southern highbush blueberries, offering a range of flavors for visitors to enjoy. Notably, the blueberry cultivars include:

• Jewel – known for a tart flavor
• Emerald – a balanced, mild berry
• Arcadia – a variety with sweet berries
• Spring High – another sweet blueberry

All of the blueberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. In addition to blueberries, the farm is home to a few hogs and steers! While the farm’s main produce for sale is blueberries, the presence of pigs and cattle highlights its diversity as a small working farm. (These farm animals are not part of the u-pick experience but contribute to the farm’s character and may be visible to visitors.) The mix of blueberries and farm animals gives Jennings Road Farm a rustic charm and a glimpse into small-scale farming life.

Seasonal Events and Agritourism Offerings

Blueberry season at Jennings Road Farm runs from mid-March through the end of May, aligning with Florida’s prime blueberry harvest time. During this season, the farm welcomes the public for U-Pick blueberry harvesting. Visitors of all ages can stroll through the neat rows of berry bushes and hand-pick ripe blueberries straight from the plants. This u-pick experience is the centerpiece of the farm’s agritourism offerings, and the family works hard to make it enjoyable for everyone.

U-Pick Blueberry Details:

The u-pick field is open in the mornings so guests can beat the Florida heat. In fact, the farm opens as early as 7:00 a.m. on pick days. Customers can pick blueberries at their leisure, and pricing is kept simple and affordable at $7.00 per pound of berries. Uniquely, Jennings Road Farm doesn’t charge any entry fee – it’s free to come onto the farm and pick, and visitors are even welcome to taste a few berries as they pick (a perk joyfully advertised by the farm). The season kicked off with an Opening Day event at the end of March, and throughout April and May the farm continues to host u-pick days each week.

Beyond picking fruit, visitors often turn their farm trip into an educational family outing. The Paynes are happy to chat with guests about farming and blueberries. In one instance, a local homeschooling family visited and expressed interest in returning for an agriculture lesson for their kids. David Payne has said that he’s willing to tailor educational talks for young visitors – explaining basics like how plants grow and even delving into photosynthesis or soil science for older children. This informal education is another attraction of the farm, making it not just a place to get fresh fruit, but also a learning experience for curious kids. While Jennings Road Farm is still new to the public, its friendly, hands-on approach is quickly turning it into a beloved local agritourism spot where families can connect with farming.

Location and Visiting Information

Jennings Road Farm is located at 24310 Jennings Road, Myakka City, FL 34251. The farm is easily accessible by car, and visitors will find clear signs once they approach the property. Free parking is available on-site in a grassy area.

Season & Hours

The farm is open to visitors during the blueberry season (approximately late March through late May) each year. For 2025, the public picking days are every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to around 2:30 p.m. (or until the day’s picked berries are sold out)

It’s recommended to arrive early in the day, both to enjoy cooler morning temperatures and to ensure the best selection of berries. (By afternoon, fields can get hot and some ripe berries may already be picked.) The farm may occasionally adjust hours or add extra picking days depending on berry ripeness and weather, so it’s wise to check for the latest updates before planning a visit.

Visitor Amenities:

Jennings Road Farm emphasizes a family-friendly experience. The picking rows and parking area are designed to be stroller and wheelchair accessible, so visitors of all abilities can navigate the farm with ease. There is a clean restroom on-site equipped with a baby changing table for parents’ convenience. The Paynes even provide wipes and hand sanitizer for guests, underlining their attention to visitors’ needs. Cold bottled water is sold for just $1 to keep everyone hydrated, or guests can bring their own refreshments. Picnic tables or shaded rest spots might be available (or visitors can tailgate by their vehicles), allowing families to relax after picking berries.

Contact and More Information:

The farm does not currently have a standalone official website, but it maintains an active presence on social media. Jennings Road Farm’s Facebook page (listed under “Jennings Road Farm, Myakka City”) is the best source for real-time updates on picking days, weather closures, or special events. Local community event listings – such as Fun 4 Sarasota Kids and Macaroni Kid Sarasota/Venice – also feature the farm’s schedule and details for seasonal events. Visitors are encouraged to just stop by during open hours – no reservations are required for u-pick. For specific questions or large group inquiries (like school field trips), reaching out via the farm’s Facebook page or phone is recommended.

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