B.W. Bishop & Sons, Inc., doing business as Bishop’s Orchards, is a family-owned and operated farm rooted in Guilford, Connecticut. The Bishop family has been part of the Guilford community since its founding in the 17th century, and in 1871, Walter Goodrich Bishop established what would become Bishop’s as a general family farm, producing dairy, vegetables, and ice.
His son, Burton Walter Bishop, joined the business and helped expand its scope. In 1909, the family planted its first commercial orchard, marking the beginning of a shift toward fruit production. Burton’s sons, Arthur F. and Charles R., joined in 1918, continuing to expand orchard plantings on additional land acquired in the 1920s.
The business was formally incorporated in 1957 and named in honor of Burton. At that time, the next generation, including Albert and Charles E. (“Gene”) joined following college. Through the mid-20th century, the farm produced a wide range of crops, including apples, peaches, pears, plums, nectarines, strawberries, and vegetables, with sales through both a small on-site market and wholesale channels.
In the 1970s, Bishop’s began to evolve in response to changing consumer habits. The retail Farm Market expanded and transitioned to year-round operation, while Pick Your Own (PYO) was introduced and grew to include multiple crops. This shift toward direct-to-consumer experiences helped establish a more resilient and diversified business model. In 1974, the farm expanded further with the purchase of Tollgate Orchards in Northford, CT.
By the late 1970s and 1980s, members of the fifth generation, including Keith Bishop and Johnathan Bishop, had taken on key roles across the business, leading continued growth, modernization, and diversification. Over time, ongoing investments in facilities, storage, and retail space allowed Bishop’s to better serve its customers while maintaining a strong connection to its agricultural roots.
Despite the many challenges inherent to farming (including weather, pests, and market fluctuations) the farm has remained resilient through diversification, innovation, and a commitment to sound land stewardship. The guiding philosophy has long been simple: not to rely on any one crop or approach, but to adapt while staying grounded in the land.
In the decades that followed, Bishop’s continued to expand its offerings. A winery was established in 2005, producing fruit wines made from crops grown on the farm. The Farm Market underwent multiple renovations to accommodate growth in prepared foods, specialty products, and customer experience. In 2011, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program was introduced, strengthening the connection between the farm and its community.
Today, Bishop’s is led by sixth-generation family members, with sisters Sarah Bishop DellaVentura and Carrie Bishop Healy serving as Co-CEOs. Their brother, Ryan Warsaw-Fan Bishop, is also actively involved, leading efforts on the farm side of the business.
What began as a small family farm has grown into a multi-faceted destination that includes the Farm Market, Pick Your Own orchards, Creamery, Little Red Barn, and a wide range of seasonal and year-round experiences, all supported by a dedicated team.
While much has changed over more than 150 years, the foundation remains the same. Bishop’s continues to be guided by a commitment to quality, seasonality, care for the land, and a direct connection with the community it serves.
As the next generation carries the business forward, the focus remains on honoring what has come before while continuing to grow for the future.