In 1927, the Lawrence Family was farming dairy cows, vegetables, and grain crops, which made the farm very typical of the era. The farm became known as Long Acre Farms because many of the crop fields measured over one mile in length.

When Harlan, the eldest son, and Charleen "Bunny" Lawrence took over in 1958, the first era of change began. The cows were sold, and they crop farmed 1200 acres of snap beans, sweet corn, field corn, wheat, dry beans, and soybeans.

Years later, the current co-owners, Doug and Joan (Lawrence) Allen, became involved after their marriage in 1983. They formed a partnership with Bunny in 1990, and more changes were underway. Soon, Long Acre Farms began to scale back on crop farming, but continued to grow about 650 acres of pumpkins and sweet corn to sell at roadside markets.

In 1989, the earliest predecessor to the farm market location was known as "Joey's Sweet Corner." It was an old door set on two sawhorses where Doug's young nephew sold sweet corn on the corner of Eddy Road and Gananda Parkway. The Allens continued to sell their sweet corn from there, as well as other roadside stands until 1993, when they built a permanent market on Eddy Road across from the main farm house. Here, they sold a variety of local produce as well as their own products. Soon after that, they added a gift shop, ice cream shop, play area, and organized weekend events. In 2001 more major renovations turned an old hay barn into the Big Red Party Barn. The Barn now serves as a great facility to host and cater private parties and corporate events.

 

 

However, Long Acre Farms' true claim to fame came in 1998 with the addition of a nationally known agri-tourist phenomenon, the Amazing Maize MazeŽ. It opened in late July and became the first AMM site in New York State. This five-acre corn maze, now in its eighth year of production, pulls in thousands of visitors annually. The maze adventure involves music, interactive entertainment, and a very energetic staff. In addition to families and tourists, the maze also attracts groups for school field trips and corporate teambuilding.
Over the last 10 years, Long Acre Farms has hosted a variety of annual outdoor events to encourage people to visit the farm. They include: the Sweet Corn Fest, Gananda Dollars for Scholars Pumpkin Carry, Pumpkin Harvest Weekends, Civil War Encampment, Ultralight Fly-in, and Medieval War Practice. Some of these events are becoming a mainstay on the yearly calendar.
As you can see, there is no limit to the potential for enjoying new experiences at this unique family farm. So, whenever you visit, feel free to ask, "What's new this year?"