Meet the Farmers
Nestled in the heart of Henderson County, Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard stands as a testament to the dedication and love of farming that spans generations. The story of the farm is woven with the threads of hard work, family bonds, and a deep connection to the land.
Mike Stepp
Mike grew up in Henderson County, where his grandfather owned a packing house, general store, and farming operation. He learned his passion for growing quality apples from his parents, the late J.H. Stepp Jr. and Yvonne Stepp, who grew apples for over seven decades and helped lead the North Carolina apple industry. Mike’s love for farming started early—riding tractors with his dad at age five or six and earning pay for farm work by 10 or 12. After graduating from the Ag Institute at N.C. State University in 1971, he returned to Hillcrest Orchard to work alongside his father, and in the early 2000s came back to farming full-time.
Today, Mike is often found in the apple house during the season or giving wagon rides for school tours and weekend guests and during the off season working in the orchard. He enjoys operating equipment, driving his classic Peterbilt truck, and admiring the view from the house where he can see much of the farm at once. He appreciates many apple varieties, especially Fuji, Blushing Gold, Jonagold, Honey Crisp, and Pink Lady. One of his favorite childhood memories is cultivating vegetable rows as a teen in the 1960s. Mike has been recognized as Apple Farmer of the Year (2019 NC Apple Festival) and Blue Ridge Apple Grower of the Year (2020), and serves on the Henderson County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.
Rita Stepp
Rita, a retired Henderson County teacher and UNC-Asheville graduate, met Mike in an agriculture class at East Henderson High School. Though she was raised in town, she developed a strong connection to the land through her mother’s large backyard garden. After she and Mike married in 1971, Rita began helping on the farm during summers while off from teaching. After retiring, she launched the farm’s school tour program.
In season, Rita can usually be found leading school tour groups or working in the Apple House on weekends, always ready to roll up her sleeves. She especially loves sharing the farm with children and seeing their excitement—often their first time learning where food grows. Off season, she enjoys walking the farm, taking in the changing seasons and wildlife, and sometimes helping Farmer Mike with tasks like clearing sticks and branches—what they call “aggravation.” Rita loves sweet apples, especially Blushing Gold, Cameo, and Pink Lady, and she eats an apple every day of the year. One of her favorite spots on the farm is the top of Orchard 4, where the spring blooms create an unforgettable view.
Danielle Stepp McCall
Danielle, Mike and Rita’s daughter, grew up immersed in the orchard’s daily life and has been working on the farm in some capacity her entire life. A UNC-Asheville graduate, she now coordinates farm activities with Rita and manages much of the bookkeeping and operations. She also serves as a district director with the NC Agritourism Networking Association, a board member of Agribusiness Henderson County, and a member of the Henderson County Farmland Preservation Taskforce.
From childhood memories of planting cabbage and playing in the Apple House with her sister and cousins to helping with tours while raising her own children, Danielle’s roots run deep at the orchard. During the season, she’s most often in the Apple House on weekdays and helping manage U-pick sales on weekends. In the off season, she’s usually in the office—often brainstorming new ideas, improving efficiency, or dreaming up what’s next for the farm. Her favorite apple variety is Pink Lady. One of her favorite places on the farm is the top of Orchard 4, where the family hopes to one day build a house in the woods.
Rex McCall
Danielle’s husband, Rex McCall, is a 1992 graduate of the Ag Institute at N.C. State University. He’s been involved in farming all his life and first began helping at Stepp’s when he and Danielle started dating. After working in the turfgrass industry, Rex joined the farm full-time in 2017 and now helps manage all aspects of orchard operations, especially the flower fields alongside Danielle.
During the season, Rex can most often be found in the parking lot leading teams or on the tractor for school tours, always ready to pitch in wherever needed. In the off season, he’s usually somewhere out on the farm. His favorite apple variety is Pink Lady. His favorite spot is the top of Orchard 3. One of his earliest farming memories is learning to drive a tractor while sitting on his grandfather’s lap. Rex is president of the Blue Ridge Apple Growers Association and serves on the Henderson County Extension Advisory Board.
The Next Generation
The Stepp-McCall children—Callie, Maggie, and Gus—are the next generation of farmers at Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard. They’ve grown up on the farm, mastering tasks from running registers to making donuts and driving tractors.
Callie
Q: When did you start working on the farm?
A: I’ve been on the farm my whole life.
Q: Where can you most often be found on the farm?
A: In season, I am filling in where needed when I am home for the weekend. Off season, I am a senior at Covenant College.
Q: Favorite apple variety?
A: Jonagold
Q: Favorite spot on the farm?
A: The green barn with the Stepp’s logo on it.
Q: Favorite thing to do on the farm?
A: Hanging out in the bakery and manning the bakery case or giving my friends tours of the farm.
Q: Favorite childhood farming memory?
A: Riding in the tractor with Papa (Farmer Mike)
Maggie
Q: When did you start working on the farm?
A: I’ve been helping out on the farm my whole life.
Q: Where can you most often be found on the farm?
A: In season, I am filling in where needed when I am home for the weekend. Off season, I am a sophomore at Montreat College.
Q: Favorite apple variety?
A: Crimson Crisp
Q: Favorite spot on the farm?
A: Top of orchard 4
Q: Favorite thing to do on the farm?
A: Running a register in the apple house or hanging out with friends and family on the farm.
Q: Favorite childhood farming memory?
A: Going on adventures with Callie and Gus on the farm.
Gus
Q: When did you start working on the farm?
A: I’ve been working on the farm my whole life.
Q: Where can you most often be found on the farm?
A: In season, I am in the pumpkin patch or where I am needed. Off season, I am a junior at Veritas Christian Academy.
Q: Favorite apple variety?
A: Pink Lady
Q: Favorite spot on the farm?
A: Apple House
Q: Favorite thing to do on the farm?
A: Managing the pumpkin patch or spending time with friends at the farm.
Q: Favorite childhood farming memory?
A: North Carolina Apple Festival
A Legacy of Love and Labor
Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard is more than just a farm; it is a legacy built on love, hard work, and family. From Mike’s early days working alongside his grandfather to the current generation, every member of the family plays a crucial role in the farm’s success. Together, the family continues to nurture the land and share their passion for farming with the community, ensuring that the spirit of Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard thrives for generations to come.