There are more than 2.1 million farms in the United States today, and 97 percent of them are family-owned operations. In Utah, just over 13,700 family farms existed at the end of 2022, the last time a “farm” census was calculated.

One of the largest is Day Farms in Layton, family owned and operated for four generations. Located off Gentile Street, Day Farms started even before the city of Layton existed. It now encompasses over 200 acres and has become a staple for families looking for fresh produce each summer and fall.

Tom Day, along with his brother David and other members of the family, run the operations, which includes two roadside stands at 2500 W. Gentile and 260 N. Fairfield Road in Layton.

“It goes back to our great grandparents and we’ve kept it in the family ever since,” said Tom Day. “I think farming gets into your blood and it’s been passed along in our family for many, many seasons.”

As with all farming, it’s a year-long operation that bears fruit (and vegetables) leading to the harvest season that runs mid-July through September. Sweet corn is plentiful at Day Farms right now, and as August begins, customers will also find zucchini, yellow squash, cucumbers (for slicing not pickling), green beans, and new red potatoes. Day Farms also offers cherries, apricots, peaches and apples grown at other sites and brought to the stands. Watermelon and cantaloupes (galia and ananas) become available in mid-August, and when September rolls around, in addition to winter squash and storage potatoes, Day Farms offers U-pick events.

“For many years we’ve had customers come to pick their own tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, peppers (bell, chili and hot), green beans, egg plant and tomatillos,” Tom said. And the annual pumpkin U-pick event has been a long time favorite.

Tom said the farm’s customer base has remained steady through the years, with new generations of customers coming as well. 

“We have a lot of older customers who’ve been coming to the stands for decades,” he said. “It’s become a tradition for their families the same way that farming has become one for ours.” On any given day, you might run into Day family members that also include Bill Day, who even at 96 has his influence felt in the farm’s operations; Tom and David, VeAnne Day who manages the stand, Sam Day who is the farm grower and buyer, and the team of Jed Day, Joe Day and Kevin Hafen who work at farmers markets in Park City, Pioneer Park and Murray. The Layton stands are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Many family farms face the challenges of future development and shrinking land usage as roads and housing projects take space. Tom said that the Day family plans to “carry on as long as we can. We love it and love providing produce for our neighbors, friends and customers.”

The family farm – an American tradition that still endures at the Day Farms.