Central Arizona farm revitalized by local family

John Deere tractors can operate in fields or orchards and nurseries.
John Deere tractors can operate in fields or orchards and nurseries.
When the mayor of Dewey-Humboldt, Len Maranaccio, met the Mortimer clan, he was sure he had found a more-than-suitable option for the purchase of the old Young's farmstead in this Arizona town, reported nearby Prescott's The Daily Courier.

"I got to know them, and I saw the way they handled their team. They are respectful and straight shooters," he told the news source. This excitement about the ownership of the farm is mutual, as Gary Mortimer - proprietor of two other local agricultural properties - stated that "this is the best farm in Yavapai County as far as soil. You can't find anything like it anywhere else."

Resident farming expert "Farmer Buzz" Fournier shuttled visiting state and municipal legislators around on a hayride tour on a recent Friday and started up some antique agricultural equipment - including John Deere tractors - for the occasion. He also reminisced about his role as educator and docent for children when the farm was Young's.

Current-model John Deere equipment - such as the A & F Series of specialty tractors - are available at John Deere dealers throughout the U.S. This specialty series is designed for orchard, vineyard or nursery work, and can haul sprayers through tough ground with standard four-wheel drive.