Hill Creek Farms Announces Final Fall Season for U-Pick Operations

Hill Creek Farms in Mullica Hill has announced the beloved community agriculture attraction will open for a simpler, final fall season on Sept. 6 at its u-pick farm.

In a letter written to customers and posted on the farm's website, “Farmer Fred” Sorbello noted several reasons for his retirement and the closing of Hill Creek Farms after this season. These reasons included the demands of the farm's successful cold storage businesses and what Sorbello described as challenges with government regulations, specifically with the Gloucester County Department of Health.

According to a 42Freeway.com report, the Department of Health notified Hill Creek Farms that its on-site septic system was undersized for the customer-use expansions that had occurred over a period of years at the farm. The department took issue with the addition of a full-size kitchen that was added to the property without expansion upgrades to the septic system. The Department of Health allowed the farm to continue operations for 2024 but noted it had to comply with an expanded septic system for expanded use purposes.

As a result, Sorbello said, Hill Creek Farms will operate for its last season as a u-pick farm only Friday through Sunday during the fall season. Apple picking, sunflower fields, hayrides, and barrel train rides will be offered, but there will be no wine garden, market activities, large attractions, or playground equipment available.

Hill Creek Farms began as a farming operation sometime during the 1970s, when farm employees worked the fields and pack-houses 16 hours a day. Realizing the need in the Philadelphia area for cold-storage warehousing, the farm  developed the area's first cold-storage facility and today own and operate Atlantic Coast Freezers and Sorbello Freezers, according to a 42Freeway.com report.

In 2004, "Farmer Fred" Sorbello planted 14,000 apple trees on the farm's property at 1631 State Highway 45 in South Harrison Township. The farm opened to the public in 2008, offering outdoor family experiences and indoor retail.