The History of Pennings Orchard | Warwick, NY Family Farm

History of Pennings Orchard
Rooted in Family.
Grown from the Land.
The story of Pennings Orchard begins thousands of miles away, in the fields of Holland.
Jacobus “Jake” Pennings was one of 13 children raised on his family’s tulip bulb farm in the Netherlands. From an early age, farming was simply a way of life. As a young man, Jake traveled to the United States to represent his family’s flower-bulb business, eventually finding his way to Orange County, New York.
His journey took an unexpected turn when his return trip to Holland coincided with the outbreak of World War II. Following the bombing of Rotterdam, his ship was diverted to London. Jake ultimately returned to the United States, where he would make his home in Warwick and begin building a new life.
It was in Warwick that Jake’s story, and the Pennings family legacy, would truly take root.
At a local barn dance, Jake met Johanna.
They married in 1943 and began building a life together in the community they would call home. Jake worked on local farms before establishing his own dairy farm, where he and Johanna raised their family and built a lasting agricultural legacy in Warwick.
For decades, dairy farming was at the heart of the Pennings family. But as agriculture changed, so did the farm.
In 1980, Jake and his oldest son, Jack Pennings Sr., purchased an orchard, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the family. Jack continued to grow the apple operation, and in 1981, his younger brother Steve joined him. Together, they developed the orchard and established a small roadside farm stand. Over time, the two branches of the family developed their own distinct operations while continuing the Pennings tradition of farming in Warwick.
Today, that legacy continues through the next generation.
Jack Pennings Jr. and his wife, Monica, have continued the family’s tradition of growing apples and caring for the land. Today, they own and operate Pennings Orchard, carrying forward the orchard legacy that began with Jack Sr. and Jake before him. Their daughters, Kaelyn and Cammie, represent yet another generation growing up on the land and within the family business.
Same Roots, Shared Committment
While Pennings Orchard and Pennings Farm Market are now separate family operations, they remain connected by the same roots and a shared commitment to keeping the Pennings farming tradition alive in Warwick. The Farm Market, operated by Steve and Jill Pennings and their family, has grown into its own destination, while Jack Jr. and Monica have continued to cultivate the orchard and develop Pennings Orchard as its own family farm.
Today, Pennings Orchard is more than a place to pick apples. It is a place to experience the beauty of the Warwick Valley, gather with family and friends, celebrate milestones, and create memories among the trees.
From a young Dutch farmer who crossed an ocean with a dream to the generations who continue to cultivate this land today, the Pennings story is one of family, perseverance, and growth.
The roots run deep. And the story is still being written.

History of Pennings Orchard

Rooted in Family.

Grown from the Land.

At a local barn dance, Jake met Johanna.

For decades, dairy farming was at the heart of the Pennings family. But as agriculture changed, so did the farm.

Today, that legacy continues through the next generation.

Same Roots, Shared Committment