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: A Farmer at Heart

Mike grew up in Henderson County, where his grandfather owned a packing house, general store, and farming operation. He has a passion for growing quality apples that he learned from his parents, the late J.H. Stepp Jr. and Yvonne Stepp, who grew apples for over 7 decades in Henderson County and who were leaders in the North Carolina apple industry. Alongside his brother Joby, he developed a deep love for farming, nurtured by their father during their rides through the fields. After graduating from the Ag Institute at N.C. State University in 1971, he returned to work with his father at Hillcrest Orchard. Even after weather challenges forced him to briefly work off the farm, Mike never gave up on farming—and in the early 2000s, he returned to it full-time.

Today, Mike is often seen driving the tractor for school tours during the week and for guests on weekends. He enjoys operating equipment, driving his classic Peterbilt truck, and serving in his church. His contributions to the industry earned him the titles of Apple Farmer of the Year (2019 NC Apple Festival) and Blue Ridge Apple Grower of the Year (2020). He also serves on the Henderson County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and is a member of both the Blue Ridge and North Carolina Apple Growers Associations.

Rita Stepp: Educator Turned Farm Coordinator

Rita, a retired Henderson County teacher and UNC-Asheville graduate, met Mike in an agriculture class at East Henderson High School. She was raised in town but developed a strong connection to the land through her mother’s large backyard garden. After retiring from teaching, she launched the farm’s school tour program, which she now coordinates with her daughter Danielle.

On weekdays, you’ll find Rita guiding tours. During the weekends, she’s in the Apple House, helping customers and making sure things run smoothly. Known for her hands-on approach, Rita is always ready to roll up her sleeves. She enjoys being outdoors, reading, and watching ACC men’s basketball—and cherishes memories of helping her grandkids win gold in 4H presentations.

Danielle Stepp McCall: A Lifelong Farm Connection

Danielle, Mike and Rita’s daughter, grew up immersed in the orchard’s daily life. A graduate of UNC-Asheville, she now coordinates farm activities with Rita and handles much of the farm’s bookkeeping and operations. She is a district director with the NC Agritourism Networking Association, a board member of Agribusiness Henderson County, and a member of Henderson County Farmland Preservation Taskforce.

From her childhood summers planting and harvesting vegetables to helping with tours while raising her own children, Danielle’s roots run deep at the orchard. During the season, you can find her in the Apple House on weekdays and helping to manage U-pick sales on weekends.

Rex McCall: From Turfgrass to Orchards

Danielle’s husband, Rex McCall, is a 1992 graduate of the Ag Institute at N.C. State University. He joined the farm full-time in 2017 after working in the turfgrass industry. Today, he helps manage all aspects of orchard operations, particularly the flower fields alongside Danielle. Rex also leads parking teams, drives tractors for school tours, and pitches in wherever needed. He 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 is a senior at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA and was North Carolina Apple Ambassador for the 2021 NC Apple Festival.

Maggie is a sophomore at Montreat College in Black Mountain.

Gus is a junior at Veritas Christian Academy and often leads operations in the pumpkin patch during the fall.

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.