Cherry Lawn Fruit Farms

Sodus, N.Y.
Founded: 1922

The tradition of growing apples at Cherry Lawn Fruit Farms dates back more than 100 years and five generations. Todd and Ted Furber are fourth generation growers working the farm for more than 35 years. They are happy that the fifth generation of their family is joining the business to continue this legacy. In 2013, Todd’s Son-in-law, Eric joined the farm business. Todd’s daughter, Jacquie also participates in the apple stand and pumpkin growing operation. In 2020, Todd’s daughter, Jillian began working with her mother Debbie in the farm office. Ted’s son, Jack works on the farm during the summer and breaks from college. Their father, Ron is still actively involved in some of the farm operations. The original farmstead of 134 acres was farmed by their great grandfather, Neil Furber and his wife Cora. Then, by their grandfather Rex and his wife Georgia; Ronald had an active role on the farm during his youth that continued into his adult life. Ron and his wife Linda continued this family farm legacy which brought it to the present day. That original acreage is still in production today. When the farm began, the front yard was filled with cherry trees, which is where our original name, Cherry Lawn Farms, stemmed from. The farm has evolved and seen many changes from its early days of growing fruit, field crops, raising livestock, dairy operation, and chickens. Over the years, there was also a sand/gravel operation, a small apple packing house, pressed apple cider, and a farm market where we sold various produce products, the majority of which were grown on our farm.

Cherry Lawn Fruit Farms has grown to its current size of 550 acres, growing more than 20 varieties of apples, and other various crops. We like to stay on the cutting edge of the industry and maximize our acreage to produce quality fruit and are proud to grow many of the newer varieties, such as Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Ruby Frost, Ever Crisp, SnapDragon, and especially SweeTango! In 2012, we built a Controlled Atmosphere storage facility on the farm, that has the capacity to store 185,000 bu. of apples in CA storage, as well as 35,000 bu. of apples in regular cold storage. In 2015, solar panels were installed that currently produce 75% of our electrical usage at the storage facility. Currently, 70% of our apples are grown for fresh fruit markets, 30% as process fruit. Our fresh fruit apples are sold through 4 different packing house operations and the fresh slice market, our process fruit is sold through 3 processors. In addition, there are several farm markets that we sell apples to, along with our own small roadside stand.

Our Philosophies are: To grow quality fruit and successfully market it to achieve the highest returns possible; accomplishing this in an efficient, environmentally sustainable and cost-effective way. To stay on the cutting edge of the industry by attending meetings. Staying involved in the industry by actively participating on various committees and boards advocating on behalf of all growers. We also strive to know the consumer, and educate them about agricultural practices as needed.

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