In an unlikely success story, Ahern Family of Companies Vice President Lloyd Benson defied advice from local horticulture experts by establishing a cherry orchard in Las Vegas.
In 2016, experts predicted that cherry trees wouldn’t thrive in the harsh desert climate.
However, driven by a determination to prove them wrong, Benson planted dozens of cherry trees despite the odds.
Eight years later, his efforts paid off as the trees blossomed with sweet, juicy cherries.
These cherry trees are a part of Ahern Orchard, which boasts a collection of 2,130 diverse fruit trees.
The orchard includes 750 peach trees, 344 plum trees, 320 apple trees, 200 apricot trees, 150 pear trees, 125 pomegranate trees, 81 date trees, 80 nectarine trees, 28 jujube trees, as well as 25 cherry trees, 12 almond trees, 10 quince trees, and five pistachio trees.
Benson emphasizes that the orchard is more than just a fruit farm; it serves a greater purpose of giving back to the Las Vegas community by donating its fruit.
Ahern Orchard’s journey began in 2016, shortly after the company acquired property at Bonanza Road and Clarkway Drive in the Historic Westside for a manufacturing facility.
Plans for a facility on Clarkway were abandoned when a more suitable site was found in Henderson.
Instead of selling the land, Benson and company owner Don Ahern saw an opportunity to explore its agricultural potential and contribute to sustainability.
To maintain water rights over their property, they decided to operate a fruit orchard that would utilize some of the water from five large wells.
“We thought, well, let’s do something for the community,” Benson said.
With a background in farming from his childhood on a Utah dairy farm, Benson began to consider fruit trees after dismissing the idea of growing vegetables, citing their high maintenance needs in the desert.
Today, the orchard produces around 24,000 pounds of fruit annually, distributed through various channels.
Approximately 15% of the harvest is shared with neighboring residents, 20% goes to Ahern employees, 30% is donated to local churches, and the remaining 35% is allocated to local charities like the City Impact Center, the Just One Project, Three Square, the Rescue Mission, and the Blind Center of Nevada.
Benson dedicates about three hours each evening to inspecting the orchard, but he’s supported by a full-time team of five Ahern employees responsible for maintaining the land and its irrigation system.
Among them is Elpidio Perez, who joined the orchard in 2017 to pull weeds and has since advanced to overseeing operations including harvesting and irrigation.
“Growing up, I was in one of those families that needed a little bit of help,” Perez explained.
He finds fulfillment in being able to provide assistance to those in need, noting that, while it may be just fruit, it can be a costly item for families during tough times.
Since its inception, Benson has faced the challenge of growing ripe fruit in Las Vegas’s extreme desert climate.
“I didn’t know if it was possible for me to do a fruit orchard in this type of environment because you don’t see any fruit orchards around here,” he admitted.
With many fruits requiring cooler nights, more humidity, and consistent rainfall, the conditions for success were initially discouraging.
Benson went on to cultivate varieties that can tolerate, and thrive in, arid conditions like apricots, jujubes, pomegranates, and dates.
To manage the orchard effectively, an emitter irrigation system was installed, allowing each “block” of trees to receive approximately three gallons of water every hour while minimizing excess moisture that could foster weed growth.
Two of the five wells on site power this irrigation system, watering the trees every other day to ensure their health.
As he navigated the challenges of desert agriculture, Benson developed strategies to improve his fruit yields.
For instance, his peaches remain smaller than their counterparts typically grown elsewhere.
To avoid spoiling, they are harvested promptly when they reach a certain size.
Once removed from the trees, it’s crucial that the peaches are kept cool, with Benson ensuring they are out of the heat within 30 minutes.
Inside a central building on the orchard, a large walk-in cooler stores freshly-picked fruit waiting to be prepared for distribution.
The orchard fosters a community spirit, inviting local churches to volunteer their services in maintaining the trees and harvesting fruit.
Organizations like the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and First United Methodist Church have lent a hand, benefiting from a unique incentive—free fruit as a thank you for their hard work.
Volunteering allows these community members to take home the fruit they harvest, with the understanding that they must avoid waste.
Among the recipients of Ahern Orchard’s donations are local food pantries, with the City Impact Center receiving nearly 1,000 pounds of fruit annually.
Executive Director Vic Caruso noted that these fresh donations allow the center to enrich food baskets for those facing food insecurity.
Similarly, the Blind Center of Nevada benefits from Ahern Orchard’s bounty, receiving approximately 2,500 pounds of fruit each year.
Gerald Ward, executive chef and culinary director at the Blind Center, highlighted the importance of such donations for its low-income members, who often lack access to healthier food options.
The orchard partners with the Blind Center to deliver food monthly and provides opportunities for their members to learn about gardening.
Despite significant organizational changes, the mission of Ahern Orchard has remained intact.
In late 2022, United Rentals acquired Ahern Rentals for $2 billion in an asset acquisition that excluded the orchard’s land.
Since the acquisition, the orchard’s name has remained unchanged, and Benson, along with his team, continues to actively manage and support its operations.
Though some events at the orchard have slowed post-acquisition, the commitment to feeding the community persists.
Ward expressed gratitude for the freshness of the produce, explaining how vital it is for helping members avoid unnecessary expenses on food.
With a clear focus on community service and sustainable agricultural practices, Ahern Orchard stands as a testament to innovation in the face of adversity and the power of giving back.
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