Thank you so very much for the kind donation of apples this past Monday.  Our group of volunteer gleaners were ecstatic, energized, and just a whole vanful of grins.  

The scenery is breathtaking, the warmth of our reception was precious, your awesome property, all combined for a truly joyous day. 

Community Partnership/Cornerstone residence kept three boxes of apples.  Two cases were taken to a Salvation Army soup kitchen and Pantry.   Major enthusiasm!!!!  The power of an apple... unbelievable unless you have the privilege to see it for yourself.

The rest were taken to the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, for speedy distribution.  I overheard volunteer shoppers from one food pantry fuss over how beautiful and fresh they were.  I hope to come back again.  Words seem such a frail gesture for the impact of your gift.

Thank you so very much.

Sandy Mehling, Gleaning Coordinater

Cornell Cooperative Extension

I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful time we all had at my daughter's 7th birthday party at your farm. Many of the parents had never been there before and loved it so much they want to come back soon.

Hurds Family Farm, a 100 year-old family farm, was named Small Business of the Year in 2000 by the Mid-Hudson Small Business Development Corporation.  The award recognized the Hurds Family for their innovative efforts in initiating an ambitious and successful agritourism aspect to their business.

For more than 70 years, the Hurds have been involved in growing high quality fruit, especially apples and pears, for the commercial market.

Believing that farm-based recreation and tourism hold a bright future for agriculture the Hurds have boldly moved their farm into this foray by adding bustling Pick-Your-Own and Cut-Your-Own Christmas tree operations, educational activities, tours and school field trips to their increasingly diverse farm.  Educating the consumer about farming has become an important aspect of what they do.  Participating in program such as NY Farms, NY Farms Direct Marketing Association, and Ag in the Classroom, Susan Hurd strives to help children make the connection between the food on their table and where it is grown.  To this end, more than 10,000 students visited Hurds Orchards last year.

According to Al Griggs, the Mid-Hudson Region Small Business Development Center looks at its clients and bestows the award on its best "success story."  "We take a look at economic investment and bold business moves and in this case the Hurds, working with Rob Lunski from our office, developed a bold plan to take their business in a new direction."

The business honor recognizes the continuing importance of agriculture to the economy of Ulster County.  For more information call Lydia Reidy, 340-3990.

When the Hurds first opened their agritourism enterprise in 1994 along Route 32 in Modena,  they wanted to find a way to give back to the community.  They invited many community groups to take part in the weekend festivals.  A portion of the proceeds from their first designed corn maze went to Crop Walk for World Hunger.  Over the years they've donated fruit to local fire companies, 4-H, scouts, church and school functions to fill a need.  Hurds family farm supports Harvest with Heart, Hudson Valley gleaning programs, and Crop Walk for World Hunger.