Farmer John’s Fresh Produce

2312 Dryden Rd
Open everyday 10:30am-7pm

Grown on site

• Beefsteak Tomatoes
• Roma Tomatoes
• Red Tomatoes
• Red, White, and Spanish Onions
• Green and Red Peppers
• Pumpkins

I’m Farmer John, of Farmer John’s Fresh produce. My family has been growing produce since 1968 when my parents purchased our farm on West Creek Rd, in Newark Valley. We started as an organic farm, then quickly transitioned into the Asian market, supplying a Japanese steakhouse on the Vestal Parkway. The restaurant was looking for fresh, local produce that would enhance their unique menu, and set them apart from their competition. We furnished them, and many other restaurants with produce, for thirty years. Eventually, the local labor pool diminished to the point that it was no longer feasible. We moved into growing more general produce from there, and this is our first year offering our produce in the Dryden area. We have been very fortunate to have such a great location at the VanPelt farm on route 13 next to the VFW.

I rent 8 acres of creek bottom land from Bucky VanPelt, on which grows 1000 tomatoes, 300 peppers, 13,000 onions, a half acre of red potatoes, and 5 acres of pumpkins. I use drip irrigation on all but the potatoes, and have had good results, even with the bad weather this season.

NEWS FROM THE FIELD

The 1,000 tomato plants are starting to ripen. I have Beefsteak, Roma and canning tomatoes available. Green peppers are large and starting to turn red. White, Red and Spanish Onions are in good supply, as are the Red Potatoes. The pumpkins are looking good too, so the folks who like the first pick at this year’s selection don’t be afraid to stop in and check them out. The varieties include: large, extra large, warty and small bi-colored Batwings.

Apples and pears have started to produce. The heat has made this years apples sweeter. A variety of Winter Squash is available now as well, including Acorn, Butternut and Spaghetti.

Farmer John’s will be open through Halloween, and possibly into the first couple weeks of November, depending on supply.

I would like to thank the VanPelt family for giving me the opportunity to grow and sell produce here. The creek flat and the stand location have been top notch. Also to all the neighbors that have been helping with planting and now the harvest, Diane, Nicole, Jordan, Justin, Devan, Britany, Taylor, Derrick and Janelle. Thank you, and well done.

Farmer John