Shop Talk is a weekly column featuring locally owned and operated businesses. This week, we talk to Jay and Abby Wilson of Maple Shade Farm of Delhi.
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How long have you lived in the area?
Jay Wilson: All our lives. We both grew up here and graduated from Delaware Academy. In 2007, we moved back to the area, and the business was founded a year later.
Tell me about your business:
Jay Wilson: Our focus is on kids, education and family agri-tourism. Abby's background is in education and teaching. We offer group and school tours by appointment. Kids and families can explore the barn, pick their own pumpkins and carve them, see the farm animals and learn a lot about agriculture. We also offer a place for birthday parties, family reunions and weddings in the summer, and we are members of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce.
Abby Wilson: We are a hub for area producers. We have a gift shop that features local produce from 15 local farms, as well as crafts and gifts for all ages. We are a seasonal business from September to December. We offer harvest activities that include farm market, farm animals, wagon rides, a corn maze, a hay maze, hiking, and indoor and outdoor activities. In December, we will open the 12 and 13 for Christmas on the Farm. There will be live music, local produce, a visit from Santa, trees and wreaths. We teach the kids where their food comes from and fun facts about agriculture. We have partnerships with several organizations including Delaware County Maple Producers, Delaware County Historical Society, Farm Catskills and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County.
Describe a typical day in your business:
Jay Wilson: We have a typical farm, so it's up early to feed the animals every day. When we are open on the weekends, it's making sure the shop is stocked and the barns are prepared for activities. We have 209 acres and are registered Berkshire hog farmers. We have over 50 animals including chickens, turkeys, pigs, goats and donkeys. We grow pumpkin, corn, gourds, squash and tomatoes. We make our own jams.
Abby Wilson: Besides marketing the business and setting up for the weekends, I'm a stay-at-home teacher for our children. So my days are always very full.
How did you get started in this line of work?
Jay Wilson: Both our families have always been immersed in agriculture, and with Abby's background in education it was a natural fit. Abby's always been involved in 4-H.
Abby Wilson: We wanted to be farmers and knew we had to be nontraditional and teach people about agriculture and the beauty of our area.
Where do you see this business in five years?
Jay Wilson: Our focus is on building the business and farm to leave it to the next generation, our children, McKenzie, Ryan and John. We're looking farther than five years for their future.
Abby Wilson: We also want to become a destination in Delaware County. We want families to experience our offerings and come back every fall.
What have you learned from your work?
Jay Wilson: That it's a lot of work. You just don't run ads and expect people to come. It's a lot of work to meet people's needs and get across our mission.
What is the most challenging part of what you do?
Jay Wilson: Gearing up for fall. Preparing all the seasons to be presented during the two months that we're open. Juggling that and family is challenging.
Abby Wilson: Marketing more than just a pumpkin patch. We're a new business, and it's hard to get the word out about what we offer and who we are.
The most enjoyable?
Jay Wilson: Being home with the family on the weekend and them being a part of the business. I have nine brothers and sisters and they are all a part of the business. It's fun to have the family around. They help out a lot.
Abby Wilson: Family and the school groups. Also, it's fun to see the kids come back the next year. We charge the kids $1 per foot, per kid, and the first foot is free. The next year, when they come back and pay more because they grew a foot, to see their reaction is fun.
Describe a memorable moment in your workplace:
Abby Wilson: There are so many, but two that stand out are the jack-o-lantern jamboree, where we sang spooky songs by the fire and counted down to light the pumpkins, and our appearance on "The Martha Stewart Show." She had us on because of our heritage pigs. That was Sept. 28 and it ran in October.
What are some advantages/drawbacks of doing business in this area?
Jay Wilson: How rural we are can be a drawback. We're not near a city like Albany or New York City, but that's just part of doing business in Delaware County. We moved back because we really like the area and another advantage is we have many friends and family here and are very active in the community. We enjoy what we do and the people here enjoy us.
What sets you apart from your competitors?
Abby Wilson: The agri-tourism setting. Our barns are filled with educational game-based activities and play stations. We also have antique farm equipment to show the history of farming.
What advice would you give to someone trying to enter your field of work?
Jay Wilson: Be prepared to work hard and be passionate about what you do. Tell your story and get local support.
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Shop Talk interviews are conducted by M.K. Moynahan. To reach Moynahan, e-mail mkmoynahan@gmail.com. For more information about Shop Talk, call 432-1000, ext. 217.
