Archive: Around Town

Each year, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County hosts a two-day Open Farms Days event that offers visitors a chance to take a behind-the-scenes tour of local farms, meet the producers, and learn more about the important contribution agriculture makes to our local economy. Since public tours currently aren't possible due to Covid-19, Cornell Cooperative Extension associations in Cortland and Tompkins Counties will partner to produce a series of virtual behind-the-scenes tours of local farms while their key products are in peak season.

The first virtual Open Farm Days tour on Monday, September 21 at 7:00-8:00pm will feature three local apple producers: an organic orchardist, a U-Pick farmer, and a cider maker. Farms to be featured are Hemlock Grove Farm and Indian Creek Farm in Tompkins County, and Hollenbeck’s Cider Mill in Cortland County.

Hemlock Grove is a NOFA certified organic farm in Danby, NY that grows more than 20 varieties of apples that they sell by the bushel and through an apple CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). Indian Creek Farm in Ithaca, NY offers 60 varieties of apples in a 100-year-old orchard for U-Pick and purchase at their farm stand. Indian Creek sells 100 seasonal crops directly to the consumer from their farm from June through December. Hollenbeck's Cider Mill in Virgil, NY has been family owned and operated since 1933 and will begin their 88th season this month. Hollenbeck’s sells apples, cider and a variety of farm made products including apple pies, donuts, fruit butters, jams, jellies and pickles on site and through their online store with drive-through only pickup during the pandemic.

Pre-registration for the event is required. All registrants will receive an email with a Zoom link to the event, and an information packet with that includes bios of the featured farmers, recipes, and information on where to pick or purchase local apples and apple products.

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