The USDA says New York State apple farmers are anticipating their crops will yield around 1.35 billion pounds this season after a spring frost left its harsh bite marks. In Beak and Skiff in LaFayette, a thousand acres of apple orchards are just some of the nearly 55,000 acres harvested statewide. Co-owner Eddie Brennan said they’re readying for visitors who will begin to pick apples in about three weeks from now.
“Our pick-your-own orchards is a 50 acre dedicated orchard just for picking. So, it’s one of the largest orchards in the state," said Brennan. "And we’re really proud of that because we really invested over the years in adding new varieties and being able to start the season early and extend it as long as possible with distinct varieties."
At a time when alcohol sales are on the decline, he says cideries like Beak and Skiff are seeing increases in sales. They offer at least 15 different flavors at any time of season and they’re gluten free.
“And the ingredients are pretty clear, right ? They’re coming from fresh apples, many of them from right here on our farm," he said. "So, understanding where your ingredients come from, where the supply chain was birthed, I think that means something to people today.”
Brennan said they recently launched a new line of imperial ciders and fall flavors like Donut Cider and Haunted Hayride will make their return. They’ve been producing ciders for 15 years.
