Before you arrive, call our 24-hour hotline at (585) 234-0252 for picking conditions, picking updates, hours & pricing.
Our Story
Our History
This farm family's roots can be traced back to 1811, when Richard and Rhoda Wilder packed their things and traveled hundreds of miles from their farm in Vermont to start a new life in Churchville, New York, with their young son Alamander in tow. The Wilders farmed in Churchville until 1854 when Alamander and his wife Jerusha Goodell moved to Charlotte, New York. Alamander was both a successful farmer and a foremost citizen of Charlotte, even serving as the President of the Village of Charlotte after it was incorporated in 1869. Alamander and Jerusha’s youngest daughter, Fannie, one of nine Wilder children, married an aspiring farmer named Harry M. Pearson in 1878. The couple carried on the family farming tradition with their four sons, Harry W., Eugene, Morley, and Edward, under the name "H.M. Pearson & Sons."
Harry and Fannie operated the family farm in Charlotte until their sons took over the business and aptly named it “Pearson Brothers Farm.” Edward, the youngest brother, married in 1925. With his wife, Wilma, he expanded the farm to include property in the Town of Greece. Their son, Jack Wilder Pearson, operated the 300-acre farm on English Road in Greece (now Pearson Lane and Orchard Creek Lane) before eventually establishing what is now known as “Green Acre Farm” on Latta Road in 1964.
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In 1972, Jack’s daughter Kathy (4th generation farmer) joined the family business, and the family opened the farm to the public for the first time for pick-your-own apples only. By 1985, the farm would expand again to include property on Manitou Road at the location now known as West Wind Farm.​
Present Day
Despite all the changes over the last 50 years of pick-your-own, our goal now remains the same as it was then: to provide high quality fresh fruit for our community, and foster an appreciation for the outdoors and life on the family farm. Our motto continues to be "fresh air, fresh fruit, family fun."
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Fifth generation family members Jill, and her husband, Jeremy, now operate the family farm and continue the legacy that began more than two centuries ago. In 2017, the couple expanded the farm once again, delving into the hard cider industry with the establishment of Blue Barn Cidery with the goal of sharing all their homegrown fresh fruits with the beverage industry.
Meet Our Farm Family
West Wind Farm is owned and operated by 4th and 5th-generation farmers.
Bookkeeper, U-Pick Manager, & Director of 1st Impressions
Kathy
If you’ve been to the farm for pick-your-own, you’ve probably recognized Kathy as the cheerful voice from our information line! Kathy is a 4th generation farmer who pioneered our U-Pick operation back in 1972 when the farm suffered a rough Spring, and Summer laden with hail. Kathy and her father knew they couldn’t sell the hallmarked fruits to any markets, so they decided to open to the public for the first time. Sold at a discounted price, these “kissed by nature” fruits were an instant success, and the farm has been open for pick-your-own ever since.
Jeremy
After six years in the U.S. Navy, Jeremy joined the family business when he married Jill - the farmer’s daughter. While he grew up working on a farm in Ballston Lake, NY, he didn’t always know he wanted to be a farmer, but he knew he loved the outdoors and working hard. Today, he strives to grow fruit that not only tastes good, but looks good, and can be enjoyed by everyone. Jeremy is passionate about the outdoors and when he’s not out farming, he can usually be found hiking, fishing, skiing, or playing with his kids.
Farmer/fruit grower & manager of 12-hour workdays
Doctor, cider master, & dreamer of big dreams
Jill
Born and raised on the farm, Jill is a 5th generation farmer with a lover for all things outdoors. After growing up working on the farm, Jill sought out new challenges, which led her to a doctorate in physical therapy. But, her love for farm life led her back to the family business. Still chasing dreams and seeking new challenges, Jill now splits her time between caring for patients, caring for crops & kiddos, and running Blue Barn Cidery.
In Loving Memory of Craig Michaloski
If you visited our farm any day from 1987 through 2012, you probably met Craig. He could usually be found out in the orchards caring for his crops or talking to customers, all with a big smile and hearty laugh. When he wasn’t farming, he could be found coaching Greece Little League, golfing, skiing, or fishing with family and friends. Craig passed away in 2012 after a courageous battle with ALS; a battle he fought with spirit and dignity, without ever losing his incredible sense of humor. Craig dedicated 25 years of his life to his love of farming and the outdoors. We continue to remember Craig by collecting donations for the ALS Association at our checkout counters, in hopes that someday science will find a cure for this devastating disease.
Farmer, jokester, & baseball fanatic
