In the early 1900s,
our ranch was known as Boa Vista Ranch. Karl Visman, Sr. first came to Boa Vista
Ranch and began
working for Mr. Charles and Ida Schaeppi in 1917. Early on,
potatoes were planted at Boa Vista Ranch. In 1939 the World's Fair came to
Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay. Boa Vista entered these same potatoes in
the Agricultural Competition, winning a $100 first prize for producing 475
regulation sacks of commercial quality potatoes from one acre.
Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Karl Visman, Sr. began planting experimental varieties of
pears, plums and grapes. Throughout these times, lack of sufficient water to irrigate these orchards was a big problem. Another big challenge was the freezing temperatures during the Spring blossom time. Smudge pots were used to
save the crop on those frigid, freezing nights. Pear decline disease came along
and destroyed many trees and entire orchards during the 1960s.
Most pear orchards were removed; planting instead went to apple trees. Carl Visman, Jr.
was instrumental in this key development of Boa Vista Orchards. Planting early
and late season apple varieties provided the roots for our family, extending
the harvest season through diversification.
These accomplishments have given our family its roots and a bright future for many generations!
Carl Jr. and Ruth
Visman, their three sons and grandchildren are now farming Boa Vista and its
surrounding ranches and farms. Four generations strong, the Visman families
live and work their ranches and earn their living from farming. Boa Vista has grown into a well diversified year-round experience for customers. We produce
fresh fruit, vegetables, pies, pastries, jams, jellies, preserves and fruit
butters. The wine tasting and scenic Sierra Nevada view picnic area are open
every day year round.
The Visman family is highly involved in farming. Michael
and Nancy Visman grow Christmas Trees, own and operate High Sierra Iris
and Wedding Gardens and manage El Dorado Orchards, where their Arts and Crafts
Fair is open every Fall. Their children, Kirk, Rakayla, Mac and Connor are all
highly involved in working and helping their family business succeed.
Mark Visman and his son Tyler own and operate Hillside Tree Farm and the Apple
Ridge Express Train at El Dorado Orchards. Hillside Tree Farm offers many
beautiful varieties to choose from every Christmas season. The Apple Ridge
Express Train operates during the weekends of every Fall season.
Brad Visman manages Boa Vista Orchards. Brad's wife Kandi and son Brad, Jr.,Mason and Joe
all help Boa Vista during the Summer and Fall seasons. Brad and Kandi have their own ranch, Gold Country Orchards, and vineyard, Boa Vista Vineyards. They
farm apples, blackberries, blueberries and pears. they also produce Barbera and
Syrah wine grapes Through family dedication, hard work and perseverance, Boa
Vista is committed to farming and preserving the Visman family farms.
