Chickamaw Farm and Ranch

Bill and Nancy are great people who run a great farm. We picked the best blueberries and also purchased the best beef we have ever tasted from them. They sell ¼ cows as well as berries. Their farm is all organic, pesticide-​free, non-​gmo, non-​hormones. He also told us to bring a fishing pole next time as they have a nice pond with catfish in it also.

We enjoyed visiting with Bill and hearing his stories about his property, family and biodynamic farming as much as we loved the blueberries. His organic farm is the real deal if you are looking for truly pesticide-​free produce, eggs or beef. Support this local family!
Note: there is no sign marking the entrance. He tells you it is 2.1 miles from the last intersection. Take it seriously or you’ll be stopping to ask for directions like us :)

Unbelievably tasty blueberries! You will love this pick-​your-​own spot. The owner, Bill McCranie and his family, will make you feel right at home. Make sure you call first to make sure there are still blueberries to pick and to arrange for Bill to meet you at the gate. These are some of the best blueberries I’ve ever eaten. I will be back for more.

This farm is awesome. We went to pick blueberries this past weekend and got plenty, and more.
The owners are welcoming and fantastic folks and the farm offers organic, sustainable products. Nothing beats picking fresh blueberries off the tree and eating as you go along. The property is beautiful and an overall great place to take the kids for a weekend out in nature.
We’re looking forward to going back and taking our son on a tractor ride, fishing for catfish or purchasing some grass fed beef!

I read about Chickamaw Farm in a May 2008 article in the Austin Chronicle as having U-​pick organic blueberries. I love U-​pick of any kind, so I was intrigued. The article said «call first!» — so I did, and talked to super-​friendly owner Bill McCranie. He gave me the lowdown on how the blueberry crop looked, when would be the best time to come, and specific directions.
On a beautiful June morning, we packed up the kids and headed out. It took less than an hour to get there from Central Austin, mostly along 290, about 15 miles past Elgin.
After getting through the cattle gate, we were greeted by a big group of very friendly dogs (our kids were a bit afraid at first, but warmed up quickly). Bill came to meet us, gave us buckets and some good advice (don’t touch the electrified fence wire, don’t worry about the cows — they are friendly, watch for fire ants, etc.) and we got to work.
There were TONS of berries the morning we were there, and the kids were thrilled. We ended up getting about $ 50 in blueberries (at $ 7 a pint) — as fresh as they come and totally organic. There is nothing like eating a just-​picked blueberry right off the bush, still warm from the sun. It was a great outing, and a great way to support a sustainable, earth-​friendly business.
The posting by Hoa N. covers pretty much what you will need to bring, so I won’t repeat it here, except to re-​emphasize the «closed-​toed shoes» advice.
Bill would prefer you call first before heading out so that he can let you know if someone will be there to let you in. He’ll also let you know if there is enough fruit out to make the trip worthwhile, and provide very specific directions. The farm isn’t marked with any signage, so follow Bill’s instructions carefully.
Bill, spouse Nancy and family have great plans for their farm — they plan to add fishing and other activities as time and effort permits. We’ll be going out there again for sure as they grow.

Organic berry-​picking. Blackberries. Blueberries. A sustainable, humane, organic farm run by Bill McCranie and his family.
Drive a lovely drive east, past Elgin. It gets quiet. Bring your city-​stressed self to the farm and pick berries for hours. Do not forget: closed toe shoes (fahr ants!), sunscreen, sun hats, jars to store your berries, money, water, lunch. Long pants and light long sleeve shirts are best for the farm.
Bill welcomes visitors to stroll and explore his lovely ranch and picnic.
In addition to berries he has catfish-​stocked ponds for fishing. The fish are fed bait-​fish, not pressed soy pellets. He’ll even show your kids how to make a fishing pole. Bill also carries grass-​raised beef.
On our last visit, Bill brought out his tractor and let my boys and their friends *ride* on it with him. They were in heaven, seriously.
Amazing farm and generous people: please support them. Call first or email Bill to arrange for picking. mccranie AT asapchoice DOT com