About the Farmers

After working on a Christmas tree farm in high school, John Roba dreamed of someday owning a similar business. In 1984 he found the perfect piece of land to make this dream a reality: a 52 acre dairy farm in North Abington Township, Pennsylvania. After planting his first batch of trees in 1985, the farm opened for “choose and harvest” business in December of 1990. Today, Roba’s is spread over three farms that are growing over 100 acres of trees, including evergreens, and shade and flowering trees.

While he was growing a business, John Roba also began building a family. In 1988, he married Sue, who was fresh out of college with a degree in accounting. Together they worked to build Roba’s into the successful family business that it is today.

Roba’s began selling pumpkins in 1993, as a side business they hoped would help promote Christmas tree sales. But the pumpkin patch was so popular that, like a pumpkin vine that takes over an entire home garden, this side operation grew from its humble three acre beginnings to encompass 25 to 30 acres of pumpkins. The original farm is now dominated by fall fun and harvest activities.

But don’t worry, Roba’s hasn’t forgotten about Christmas trees. They bought a 196 acre farm in Scott Township, known affectionately as their Lakeland farm, where they have been growing trees since 1999. The Lakeland farm opened for the first time this past 2007 Christmas season.

You’re sure to see one of the Roba’s three children when you come to visit. At 27, Jennifer is currently planning her wedding for this summer at the farm. She is pursuing a career of her own, but still can’t resist pitching in to help whenever she has the time. Jeff, 16, is in high school and very involved in baseball playing on the junior varsity school team. He loves helping with the cornfield maze design and layout and is always eager to help out during the season wherever he’s needed. Jake, 13, has spent all his free time this winter skiing at the local mountains and hunting at the farms. He is involved in the local scouts and is getting ready to play baseball this spring. Jake, like most boys his age, gravitates towards the food stands where he can usually be found working.

We are proud to be a family-owned business and we’re grateful to be part of so many families’ Fall Harvest and Christmas traditions! We look forward to welcoming everyone back soon, when the next season rolls around!