The youngest members of the Clark Family take nap breaks in peach boxes on the packing line. Like every generation that came before them, 7 year old Cashton, 5 year old Briggs, 3 year old Knox & 1 year old Memphis are growing up farming learning the ropes from their Dad Chris Schmalz, mom Mackenzie (Clark) Schmalz (6th generation), Grandpa “Grumpy” and 5th generation Dennis Clark & grandma “nonny” Staci Clark.
Pioneering a new industry for the area and starting a family legacy, James A. & Phoebe Clark planted some of the very first fruit trees in the valley on their 20 acre farm in 1897. Their fruit growing dreams preceded the Grande River Diversion Dam and Palisade’s canal systems, so their earliest crops were watered with buckets hauled from the Colorado River by horse drawn wagons. They also used horse-drawn plows and discs to prepare the ground for planting, a nostalgic practice the family continues to this day. The farm has grown to include over 140 owned and leased acres, producing apricots, cherries, peaches, pears, plums, and vegetables.
Dennis Clark represents the fifth generation of Clark Family Orchards. A lifelong farmer, Dennis learned everything he knows from his father, James Clark, who passed down both a love of peach farming and draft horses. Over the years, Dennis has worked tirelessly to grow and care for the farm while also pursuing his passion for draft horse. Through hard work and determination him and Staci have put together a successful 6-horse hitch of Percheron draft horses, whom they travel the country to compete and show in draft horse events. His dedication to the land and to preserving the Clark family legacy continues to inspire the generations following him.
Originally from Orange County, California, Staci met Dennis and moved to Colorado in her 20s, where she quickly embraced life on the farm. Since then, she has been an integral part of both the orchards and the family fruit stand. Alongside Dennis, Staci also shares a passion for draft horses, traveling across the country to compete and show together. Her energy and dedication have made her a vital part of both the farm and family traditions.
Married to Dennis and Staci’s daughter Mackenzie, Chris Schmalz joined the family over a decade ago and has since grown into a central role on the farm. Before joining the farm Chris played baseball and studied environmental science at Cal State. With a strong work ethic and passion for agriculture, Chris now manages many aspects of Clark Family Orchards—from sales and overseeing farmhands to running the packing shed and loading pallets on semi-trucks. His leadership and commitment ensure the farm continues to thrive, carrying forward the Clark legacy with a new generation of energy.
As the sixth generation of Clark Family Orchards, Mackenzie grew up immersed in farm life. After attending Colorado State University and earning a degree in economics and statistics, she returned home to fulfill her dream of continuing the family farm. Today, Mackenzie and her husband Chris are raising the seventh generation among the orchards. She is proud to blend her agricultural roots with modern perspectives, ensuring that the Clark family tradition continues for generations to come.
Cashton, age 7, proudly carries the Clark family name as his middle name. He loves working on the farm alongside his “Grumpy” Dennis Clark and his dad, Chris. When he’s not helping in the orchards, Cashton enjoys playing flag football, wrestling, and baseball. His playful spirit and eagerness to pitch in make him a beloved part of the family’s future.
At just 5 years old, Briggs already embodies the hardworking Clark tradition. Named after 1st generation James A Clark and his great- grandfather, James L Clark, Briggs is happiest when he has a job to do on the farm, whether it’s helping in the orchards or working alongside “Grumpy” and his dad. Like his brother, he also loves flag football, wrestling, and baseball. His determination and energy shine wherever he goes.
Knox, age 3, looks up to his older brothers and loves following in their footsteps. Named after Levi Clark, the second generation of Clark farmers, Knox enjoys riding the four-wheeler through the orchards, helping in the packing shed, and joining his dad on the forklift while loading trucks. He’s excited to start his first season of flag football, wrestling, and t-ball, making him the next little farmhand in training.
Memphis, the youngest of the family at just 1 year old, is adored by her parents and big brothers alike. Named after both her mom and grandpa’s middle name, she is the family’s little princess. Whether she’s enjoying four-wheeler rides around the orchards or soaking up all the love from her siblings, Memphis is already growing into her role as part of the seventh generation at Clark Family Orchards.
James A. & Phoebe Clark
Levi A. & Hazel Clark
James A. (Jamie) & Lois Clark
Lois Clark, Larry Clark, Dennis & Staci Clark,
Mackenzie Clark, Courtney Clark
Chris & Mackenzie (Clark) Schmalz, Cashton Schmalz, Briggs Schmalz
