Nestled right down the street from Stanislaus State, harvest season is in full swing at a strawberry patch on the corner of Monte Vista and Walnut.
From April to ideally October, depending on the rainy season, this strawberry patch is bustling in a hub of activity, with rows and baskets of locally grown produce.
Previously owned by Yong Va Yang and Blia Yang, a husband and wife duo, Bee Yang and Dua Moua took over.
“My dad got sick so my mom couldn’t continue without my dad. The family came together, and since I’m more hands-on, they suggested we harvested the crop,” said Yang.
“I had no farming experience,” said Moua, “Although I did grow up on a farm it just was never like this.”
Open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., including holidays, both Yang and Moua find themselves nourishing a cherished family tradition passed down from a previous generation.
“In that time frame when Dua and I were doing it, we thought about different ways to change the business. Ten years later we’re still here,” said Yang.
The family business used to grow everything, but now Yang and Moua outsource some of their produce. They’re able to get a lot of stuff from local farmers and can provide different products now.
Some of the items that students and locals can find at their store includes grapes, cherries, peaches, apricots, bell peppers, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, local honey, jam, apples, tomatoes, and a variety of vegetables.
“We try to go as sustainable as possible. We want to keep it as clean and as nice. We try not to spray around the crop. Everything is done by hand,” said Yang.
Businesses use Yang and Moua’s produce to make their products out of as well. Some businesses include The Jam Lady, House of Random, and Rosa’s Bakery. These businesses all support and use the fruits for their desserts and homemade products.
“Whenever we get good pricing, we pass it on to the customer. Currently, we have 10 avocados for a dollar,” said Yang.
“We also get a lot of weddings or catering. The customer just has to let us know four or five days in advance so we can have those items ready for them,” said Moua.
Both Yang and Moua are dedicated farmers who work tirelessly to ensure a bountiful crop for customers.
“What I enjoy most about running a strawberry stand is making customers happy. Our area here is all locals. It’s nice to see them coming back and supporting us,” said Moua.
