Our Story

 
Missouri farmers playing with dog on apple farm

Hampton’s Hilltop Orchard began in 2003 when Don and Carol Hampton planted 300 apple trees as a retirement hobby for Don. In 2007, Mike and Julie Morgan purchased the farm from Julie’s parents. The farm, which sits on a hill west of Higbee, Missouri, consists of Gala, UltraGold, Zestar, Jonathan, Fuji, and Suncrisp semi-dwarf apple trees.

The Morgans continue to sell most of their apples at the Columbia Farmers Market. When apples are particularly abundant, they also invite people to come out to the farm to pick their own fruit. Apple picking season generally runs from Labor Day through the end of October.   

Mike and Julie keep busy picking, sorting, washing, and bagging apples for market customers during the season while Julie’s mom, Carol, whips up new recipes for apple pie, applesauce, and apple butter. Carol is always tinkering with different apples, looking for the right combination for that perfect pie.