History:

Thies Farm and Greenhouses has been proudly growing for the St. Louis community since 1885. A 10-acre site, part of the original farm, has remained the Thies Farm base of operations. Located adjacent to Interstate 70, the site is now surrounded by urban development. A focus on growing the best produce and maintaining strong relationships with customers has remained the focus of our business for 129 years.

Over the years, operations have expanded to a current 150-acre site in suburban Maryland Heights which includes a retail market and an all season's, full service garden center and farm market in St. Charles which also features an on-site bakery.

In some ways the Thies Farm of today is vastly different from the Thies Farm of 1885. The business has expanded and diversified but still at the core of everything we do lies a very important focus and that focus is on sustainability.

Much has been written and debated about the current state of agriculture and its future. Bioengineering and organic farming represent opposites in the agricultural specrum. The main question at the heart of it all is- how will we provide food for ourselves AND for future generations? This may be a new hot topic but its one that has remained central to Thies Farm's operations since the beginning. The answer lies in the approach and with a proven track record of success over 129 years, we are confident that the answer to this much-debated topic is sustainable farming.

Sustainability rests on the principle that we must need the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Therefore, stewardship of both natural and human resources is of prime importance. Stewardship of human resources includes the health and safety of both employees and consumers. Stewardship of land and natural resources involves maintaining or enhancing this vital resource for the long term.

Every method and practice utilized by Thies Farm aims to conserve precious natural resources. Having farm markets on-site allows us to reduce the harmful impacts of transportation. Our markets also allow us to bring our customers quality homegrown produce that is literally fresh from the fields. Produce is picked when ripe and available that same day. There is no need to harvest crops prematurely to prolong shelf life and no need to use preservatives, waxes or other artificial additives.

We continually strive to make improvements in our methods and are constantly adapting to changes in the environment, our community, and our business. Continued growth and success was made possible by early generations of the Thies family and their dedication to sustainability. It is now our goal to continue those practices to allow future generations to enjoy the same.