The Elliot Family – Stillwater Orchards

The Elliot family has operated Stillwater Orchards in Courtland, California, since 1860—making them one of the longest-running pear-growing families in the Sacramento River Delta (stillwaterorchards.com). Their roots trace back to David Osborn’s arrival during the Gold Rush, and shortly after, the family began selling pears to miners—sometimes even trading fruit for gold nuggets (app.permanent.ag). Today, Richard Elliot Sr., his sons Rich and Ryan, and extended family members (like Kirstin “Twink” Elliot in the sales office) carry on the legacy into the fifth and sixth generations. They continue to focus on quality and traceability, packing only their own pears and other fruit, and maintaining both conventional and organic certifications (dotaniproduce.com).

Beyond cultivation, the family has embraced sustainable farming, modern technology, and diversification: they grow pears, cherries, kiwifruit, and apples, while expanding organic acreage significantly (dotaniproduce.com). Their vertically integrated operation—from orchard to packing shed—allows them to maintain control over quality and safety. They also foster rich generational traditions: some trees are over 160 years old, and family recipes—like pear-ginger jam and cocktails—are passed down alongside their orchard know-how (calpear.com).