CNY Farm scares away economic problems

With Halloween around the corner, nothing scares local businesses more than the state of the economy, but one Baldwinsville farm has been running pretty busy this fall. Abbott Farms relies on its core crops of apples, pumpkins, and corn to bring in customers and has even expanded its selection in the past few years.
Warren Abbott, the owner of Abbott Farms, says that the decision to focus on the products is what is keeping his farm alive in the current economy.
“We’re focusing on retail; we’re focusing on pick your own [produce].” Abbott says.
From May till December the farm is open for people to come down and pick their own crops.
Customers say that the food at the farm is worth the extra cash, even in times like these.
Caroline Penn, a longtime customer, notes that while the farm has raised prices a bit this year, “The produce is so good that the extra you pay is well worth it.”
However, it was a lot of work for Abbott, the 5th generation owner of the farm, to find the right amount of each product to grow and sell.
“We have had to look at each part of the business as everyone has done in the country and looked at areas that were underperforming and change.”
One change this year is that the farm got rid of its apple cannon due to the economy. Abbott said the cannon simply cost too much to operate.
The apple cannon was one of the family friendly activities at the farm. The farm still has a corn maze, tractor rides, and a petting zoo. Abbott says it’s to promote a family friendly environment.
Julie Cooper brought a daycare class of four-year-old boys to the farm and was happy with what it had to offer. “Its great interaction, they get to play with the animals and get to go pumpkin picking.”

Business as usual at one CNY Farm despite tough economy

It might come as a surprise, but not every business in Central New York is hurting because of the current economy. At Abbott Farms in Baldwinsville business is as usual. Despite a tough economy the farm hasn't had to make many changes to its annual fall routine of apple picking and attractions.
"We're focusing on retail," Farm owner Warren Abbott said. "We're focusing on pick your own but we have had to look at each part of the business as everyone has done in this country and looked at areas that were under performing or not performing and change."
But that change is small. The only different thing this year is there's no apple cannon. Abbott said the apple cannon became too expensive to maintain and manage during the fall months.
Abbott says his business is doing well because his business model is working. Whether it be pumpkins, corn, squash or potatoes, Abbott says local produce is the core to his business.
Apples are for sale inside the store on the farm. Customers say the quality of the produce is why they shop here. They are even willing to spend a little more.
"The produce is so good that the little extra you pay is well worth it," said Caroline Penn who lives a few minutes down the road. She says she comes to the store at Abbott farms to find her favorite potatoes - something she can't find anywhere else.
To supplement produce sales, Abbott Farms attracts families with young children to feed the animals. A corn maze and tractor rides are also available.
Abbott Farms is in a 15 year process of changing the types of apple trees it grows thus changing not the business practice but the crops.