EcoCertified Fruit: 70 varieties of apples
Produce: strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blueberries, apricots, apples, pumpkins
17260 Ridge Road, Holley, New York, 14470
585-638-8838
PYO for many fruits, holiday boxes, farm store and fun events from mid-May to Christmas Eve
Susan Hurd Machamer and her daughter, Amy Machamer, represent the 6th and 7th generations to steward Hurd Orchards, a historic family farm in the lake region of northwestern New York. This New York orchard, flower farm, and canning business has been in continuous operation for over 200 years. Since officially partnering in 1985, Susan and Amy have carried forward a legacy rooted in resilience, tradition, and a deep connection to the land.
Plan your visit and explore Hurd Orchards’ pick-your-own fruit experience
Amy is a natural storyteller and historian of the farm. She shares how Hurd Orchards endured the Great Depression, World War II, and decades of change in agriculture, while continuing to adapt to modern development in the region. Ask Amy a question about this multigenerational farm, and you’ll be met with a wealth of knowledge, care, and passion for sustainable fruit growing and farm life.
“It means something to us and it means a lot to our customers. …I get letters, poems, notes, emails, all kinds of things with people saying ‘this place has meant something.'”
— Amy Hurd Machamer
That sentiment is easy to understand once you visit. Hurd Orchards is more than a working farm — it’s a destination rooted in heritage agriculture and community connection. Amy and Susan have thoughtfully cultivated a welcoming place where visitors travel — often to what Amy calls “the middle of nowhere” — to experience seasonal farm events, educational programs, and the beauty of the Finger Lakes region.
Discover upcoming farm dinners, workshops, and seasonal events at Hurd Orchards
Nestled along the Erie Canal, the farm benefits from a unique microclimate that supports a diverse range of crops. Hurd Orchards grows fruits, vegetables, and flowers, and is especially known for its more than 70 apple varieties, including heirloom apples, heritage selections, and newer varieties bred for flavor, quality, and natural disease resistance. The farm’s landscape includes productive orchards, open fields, herb gardens, a 200-year-old barn, and a 150-year-old herb cottage — spaces that also host farm dinners, workshops, and private events.
Our colleagues at Headwater Food Hub first introduced us to Amy and orchard manager Bill Gerling. Headwater distributes produce from Hurd Orchards and other local farms across New York, helping connect regional growers to broader markets. They were especially excited to offer EcoCertified® fruit, recognizing Hurd’s longstanding commitment to ecological farming practices and sustainable agriculture.
The Hurd family has long prioritized environmentally responsible growing methods and creating opportunities for people to experience pick-your-own fruit, local food systems, and the rhythms of farm life. Their approach aligns closely with the EcoCertified® program, and their collaborative spirit strengthens a broader network of sustainable orchards across the region.
“One of the things that [the EcoCertified Program] has done for us is to give a quantification of what ecological growing might mean… It can be really hard to get people to think about how their food is grown and what is responsible.”
— Amy Hurd Machamer
As the Hurd family puts it:
“Our farm philosophy centers around our love of fruit growing, our endless appreciation for the earth’s gifts, the heritage of our region, and the beauty that surrounds us each season. We believe in the world that Hurd Orchards represents — a world we work hard to preserve and invigorate.”
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