2024 Western New York State Strawberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Strawberry U-Pick Orchards in Western New York State in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for strawberries that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have strawberries orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

Cattaraugus County

• Great Valley Berry Patch - blueberries, peas, raspberries (red), strawberries, U-pick and already picked
  5608 Humphrey Road, Great Valley, NY 14741. Phone: 716-945-5221. Email: gvberrypatch@gmail.com. Open: See our website for current hours. Directions: See our website for best directions. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Strawberries: Mid June to early July, Peas: Late June to early July, Raspberries: July, Blueberries: Mid July to September.

Chautauqua County

• Abers Acres - follow organic methods - follow organic methods, U Pick red and black raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, peas and fava beans, beans, flowers, pumpkins, blueberries
  884 Route 394, Kennedy, NY 14747. Phone: 716-267-2431. Email: info@abersacres.com. Open: Strawberries start in late June. Click here for a map and directions. . . All of our home grown crops are grown chemical free using organic practices. For a memorable family day in the country or as a cost saving way to fill your freezer, you cant beat picking your own fresh produce at Abers Acres. Please be sure to review our picking procedures. All crops available for pick-your-own are also available to purchase fresh picked. (UPDATED: July 18, 2019, JBS)
• Someday Maybe Farms - Strawberries
  10966 Dennison Road, Forestville, NY 14962. Phone: (716) 965-2757. Open: see their facebook page. Both PYO and pre-picked. (UPDATED: June 22, 2023)
  Comments from a visitor on November 28, 2009: "Terrific! Very friendly! Organic farming, grass-fed beef, chicken and eggs"
• Yerico Farms: The Taste of Summer - blueberries, raspberries (red), raspberries (black), strawberries, restrooms, picnic area
  3186 E. Main Rd, Dunkirk, NY 14048. Phone: 716-673-1271. Open: June - October: Monday to Sunday: 10am to 7pm; subject to change. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Yerico Farms: The Taste of Summer Facebook page. . June - October: Monday to Sunday: 10am to 7pm; (subject to change).

Erie County

• Andolina Farms - strawberries
  10719 Brant Angola Road, Brant, NY 14027. Phone: 716-698-6825. Open: daily, 8 am to dark. Click here for a map and directions. .
• Awald's Berry Farm - Blueberries, Raspberries, pumpkins, strawberries, Blackberries, Currants
  Gurney Avenue, North Collins, NY 14111. Phone: 716-337-2997. Email: AwaldsFarm@aol.com. Open: May, June, July, August, September, October. Directions: The farm is located about 32 miles southwest of Buffalo, NY and 14 miles from Hamburg, NY. Please click on the interactive map icon on the Awald website to get detailed directions. . Click here for a map and directions. . . Click here for a map to our farm. We are open Our hours are: Please call for more information Strawberries: end of May through mid-June Raspberries: Red Raspberries, Purple Raspberries, Golden Raspberries, Black Raspberriesbeginning second week of July Blueberries: begin July 4th through late August Blackberries: mid-July through beginning of August Pumpkins: seasonal A visit to our Pumpkin Patch has become a family tradition for many people in our local communities. In fact, several folks who visited our Pumpkin Patch as kids now bring their own children! Our U-Pick Farm serves as a stress free environment for a wholesome, enjoyable family outing in a country setting. Check out our seasonal information and get a jump on planning your next family outing! We also offer Pre-Pickedblueberries and raspberries for individuals, church groups, restaurants and caterers. Please call ahead to place your order! A visit to the Giant Pumpkin Patchto pick out that perfect Halloween Pumpkin is a tradition for many in our local community. In fact, many customers who visited our Giant Pumpkin Patch as kids now bring their own children, a tradition we are especially proud to be a part of.
• Greg's U-Pick - strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, pumpkins, corn maze
  9270 Lapp Road, Clarence Center, NY 14032. Phone: 716-741-4239. Email: gregsupick@gmail.com. Open: see their website for current hours. Directions: Easily located off Transit Rd. in Clarence Center; . Click here for a map and directions. . click here for a map to the farm. U-Pick or Already Picked Strawberries are available Daily. (orders taken for large quantities) U-Pick Blueberries (mid July to late August), Call for Daily Picking Conditions. A family owned farm featuring over 12 acres of u-pick strawberries, 8 acres of u-pick blueberries, 1/2 acre blackberries and 2 acres of red raspberries. Our fall harvest includes a u-pick pumpkin patch and a corn "maize". Unlike many u-pick fruit operations, we WELCOME and ENCOURAGE children of ALL ages to come and experience the fun of u-pick!
• Hen-Hawk Acres Country Store and Greenhouse - strawberries, Fresh eggs, gift shop, porta-potties are available
  13439 Genesee Road, Chaffee, NY 14030. Phone: 716-560-8302. Email: denniespamela@gmail.com. Open: Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: Take route 400 south, to route 16 to Chaffee, turn right on Genesee road. We are 500 yards on left. OR take route 219 south, take Genesee road exit and turn left onto it. Continue approximately ten miles. We are on the right just before route 16. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. . Alternate Phone: 716-560-6382. . Strawberries ripen approximately middle of June. Almost everything sold at our farm is locally grown, sewn, crafted, and baked including but not limited to- maple products, honey products, spices, goat milk soap, and soy candles. We have a closed beef herd which means that all of our beef are born and raised on our farm only. All of our meat is frozen and USDA inspected. For Fall we raise lots of "funky" pumpkins and at Christmas time we have lots of gift baskets filled with our local products. We also have a CSA program which is expanding all the time and there is a waiting list.
  Comments from a visitor on June 30, 2011: "They have the biggest and nicest strawberries I have ever picked! The hours are good, and it is super easy to get to. Everyone is very friendly!"
• Paul's Organic Farm - Registered naturally grown, apples, apricots, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, nectarines, other berries, pears, peaches, plums, raspberries (red), raspberries (yellow), strawberries, Other fruit or veg, Honey from hives on the farm, picnic area, picnic area you may bring your own food, school tours
  8213 Center Road, Holland, NY 14080. Phone: 786-348-8600. Open: July 1 to September 31, from 12 pm to 6, Friday 12 pm to 6, Saturday 8 am to 6, Sunday 12 pm to 6. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard. . Alternate Phone: 716-941-6905. We are registered naturally grown for all crops. Western New York's Only Sustainable Wind-Powered Organic Farm At in Colden, NY, you can Pick organic berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries), Pick organic fruit (apples, pears, peaches, plums, plum-cots, nectarines, apricots, paw-paw, cherries) Book an Educational Tour for your group, Read organic farming and aquaponics articles by Pauland even book a stay in our Guesthouse via Airbnb. (UPDATED: July 18, 2019, JBS) (ADDED: April 06, 2015)
• Peter Gugino Farms - strawberries
  10460 Brant-Angola Road, Brant, NY 14027. Phone: 716-549-3608. Click here for a map and directions. .
• Thorpe's Organic Family Farm - CERTIFIED ORGANIC, blueberries, peppers, raspberries (red), raspberries (Autumn, red), strawberries, tomatoes, Fresh eggs, porta-potties are available
  12866 Route 78, East Aurora, NY 14052. Phone: 716-655-4486. Email: thorpesfarm@verizon.net. Open: Call for dates and availability. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check.
  Thorpe's Organic Family Farm Facebook page. . Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. We grow over 300 varieties of fruits, vegetables, hay, and grain, all certified organic through NOFA-NY, in addition to organically fed poultry, beef, and pork. You can find our products in our farm store, open year-round, 6 days a week, and in our CSA shares.In 2019, if you have a fruit share, the price per lb. to pick is $2.00/lb. The 2019 price for non-fruit share members is $2.60/lb. (UPDATED: June 20, 2019, JBS)
• Vacco Farms - strawberries,
  1524 Cain Road, Brant, NY 14006. Phone: 716-337-2578. Email: kellyv24@aol.com. Open: 9am-6pm, daily. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Vacco Farms .
• Weiss Farms - strawberries, U-pick and alrteady picked
  7829 E Eden Rd, Eden, NY 14057. Phone: 716-992-9619. Email: weissfarmseden@gmail.com. Open: see their Facebook page. Click here for a map and directions. . Local Farm providing fresh produce. Find us at the Elmwood Bidwell Farmers Market Saturdays from 8am to 1pm, the West Seneca Farmers Market Thursdays from 4pm to 7pm, and at our Roadside Stand 12pm to 6pm when in season. We are a local farming family that has been in operation for nearly 75 years. We grow strawberries, corn, green beans, concord grapes and pumpkins.

 

Strawberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

In the U.S. strawberries typically peak during April in Florida and Texas, May in the deep South, and in early June in middle sections and later June in the far North and Canada. Keep in mind that crops are ready at various times of the month depending on which part of the state you are located. In order to produce good local strawberries, producers depend on ideal spring weather conditions. 

Before you leave to go to the farm:

1. Always call before you go to the farm - strawberries are affected by weather (both rain and cooler temperature) more than most crops. And when they are in season, a large turnout can pick a field clean before noon, so CALL first!
2. Leave early.  On weekends, then fields may be picked clean by NOON!
    
3. Most growers furnish picking containers designed for strawberries, but they may charge you for them; be sure to call before you go to see if you need to bring containers.
   
   
   If you use your own containers, remember that heaping strawberries more than 5 inches deep will bruise the lower berries. Plastic dishpans, metal oven pans with 3 inch tall sides and large pots make good containers. I like the Glad storage containers like the one at right.
4. Bring something to drink and a few snacks; you'd be surprised how you can work up a thirst and appetite! And don't forget hats and sunscreen for the sun. Bugs usually aren't a problem, but some deet might be good to bring along if it has been rainy.

Tips on How to Pick Strawberries

1. Grasp the stem just above the berry between the forefinger and the thumbnail and pull with a slight twisting motion.

2. With the stem broken about one-half inch from the berry, allow it to roll into the palm of your hand.

3. Repeat these operations using both hands until each holds 3 or 4 berries. 

4. Carefully place - don't throw - the fruit into your containers. Repeat the picking process with both hands.

5. Don't overfill your containers or try to pack the berries down.

General Picking Tips

Whether you pick strawberries from your garden or at a Pick-Your-Own farm, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Be careful that your feet and knees do not damage plants or fruit in or along the edge of the row.
   
2. Pick only the berries that are fully red. Part the leaves with your hands to look for hidden berries ready for harvest.
   
3. To help the farmers, also remove from the plants berries showing rot, sunburn, insect injury or other defects and place them between the rows behind you. If they are left in the plants, the rot will quickly spread to other berries.
   
4. Berries to be used immediately may be picked any time, but if you plan to hold the fruit for a few days, try to pick in the early morning or on cool, cloudy days. Berries picked during the heat of the day become soft, are easily bruised and will not keep well.
   
5. Avoid placing the picked berries in the sunshine any longer than necessary. It is better to put them in the shade of a tree or shed than in the car trunk or on the car seat. Cool them as soon as possible after picking. Strawberries may be kept fresh in the refrigerator for two or three, depending upon the initial quality of the berry. After a few days in storage, however, the fruit loses its bright color and fresh flavor and tends to shrivel.
   
6. For interesting and fun strawberry facts and trivia from the California Strawberry Commission, click here!

When you get home

1. DON'T wash the berries until you are ready to use them.  Washing makes them more prone to spoiling.
2. Pour them out into shallow pans and remove any mushed, soft or rotting berries
3. Put a couple of days supply into the fridge, wash and cut the caps (green tops) off the others and freeze them up! (Unless you're going to make jam right away) See this page about how to freeze strawberries.
4. If you like the strawberries you picked, ask the farm what variety they planted, and not the weather conditions the week or two before. The flavor of a strawberry is affected by the variety, the weather and the degree of ripeness when picked.
5. Now, get ready to make strawberry jam. It is VERY easy - especially with our free strawberry jam instructions - they're illustrated and easy.

Strawberry Recipes, Canning and Freezing Strawberries

• How to freeze strawberries!
• Strawberry jam (with pectin) (uses less sugar or honey and less cooking)
• Strawberry jam (without pectin) (requires much more sugar and cooking)
• Strawberry (and other berry) jams without sugar
• Strawberry jelly
• Strawberry-rhubarb jam!
• Homemade strawberry ice cream (regular, low fat, nonfat, low sugar, vanilla and even gelato)
• Canning strawberries
• Make gourmet chocolate-covered strawberries
• How to make fruit juice -  strawberry and other berries
• Strawberry pie filling
• Strawberry pie
• Easy Rhubarb-Strawberry pie
• Fig-strawberry jam
• Fig-strawberry jam, made with Jello gelatin

Strawberry Facts, Measurements and Tips

• Picking the best strawberries: Select firm, fully red berries. Strawberries DO NOT continue ripen after they are picked! In the photo, only the berry on the far right is completely ripe.
• Strawberry festivals: Most areas that grow strawberries have a strawberry festival, at which you can taste all kinds of fresh strawberry foods, pies, jams, cakes - and most commonly, fresh strawberry shortcake.  To find out where and when there is one near you, see this page for a list of strawberry festivals, sorted by state!
• Strawberries measurements: government agriculture websites tell us that
  1 quart = 2 pints = 4 cups and is about the same as 1 liter and
  1 quart of fresh strawberries weighs 1 lbs to 1.25 lbs (or 450 to 600 g). Of course, the weight varies on variety and weather conditions. 
  1 quart is normally enough for 4 servings, although I'll admit my son can eat 1 pint by himself!
• How much to pick? In general, 1 quart of fresh, whole, just-picked strawberries = approximately 3.5 cups hulled, whole berries. In other words, removing the caps/hulls and the occasional mushy berry means you lose 1/4 cup to 1/2 (it depends how much fruit you remove with the hull) or about 7 to 12% of every quart you pick.
• One cup of strawberries contains only about 50 calories
• U-pick strawberries are much healthier than store-bought.  Consumer reports says store bought strawberries have so many pesticide and fungicide residues on they, that they don't recommend you eat them at all!
• U-pick strawberry farms typically sell berries by the pound. 1 lbs of fresh strawberries is about 2/3 of a quart.
• It takes about  10 to 15 minutes to pick a quart, if the berries are reasonably plentiful
• The strawberry plant adapts to wide variety of soil conditions, but does not tolerate drought well, and the berries quickly rot if the weather is rainy. For this reason, the plants are usually grown on raised beds through plastic mulch!
• Cultivation of strawberries began in Europe in the 1300's, but the berry only became very popular in the early 1900's in California.
• Do the math and be careful not to over-purchase as strawberries quickly mold when left at room temperature, and only last a couple of days in the refrigerator.
• You can easily freeze berries that you cannot use right away - just wash, cut the hulls off and pop them into a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible.  Those vacuum food sealers REALLY do a good job of this! The berries will keep for many months frozen without air.
• Want to grow your own strawberries?  Here's an article about how to: Strawberries are an Excellent Fruit for the Home Garden, HYG-1424-98!
• See this page for many more fun and interesting strawberry facts, nutritional information and trivia

Other weird strawberry facts

• Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside.
• Strawberries were originally called strewberries because the fruit was 'strewn' amongst the leaves of the plant.
• California is king of strawberry productions because: California produces 75 percent of the nation's strawberry crops; one billion pounds of strawberries each year.  If all the strawberries produced in California in one year were laid berry to berry, they would go around the world 15 times. Each acre of land in California in strawberry production produces an average of 21 tons of strawberries annually, with a total of 23,000 acres of strawberries planted in California each year.

More conversions

1 pint (2 cups)  of fresh whole strawberries

• = about 8 oz (1/2 lb) of strawberries
• = 2.25 cups of sliced strawberries
• = 1 cup pureed strawberries
• = 12-14 large strawberries

2 quarts of fresh strawberries are needed for a 9" pie

A 10 oz package of frozen berries is about the same as 1 cup of sliced fresh strawberries

References:

• University of Illinois Extension
• Driscolls
• Ohio State University Extension
• Strawberries-Average retail price per pound and per cup equivalent

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

• Farm markets and roadside stands
• Local Honey Finder
• Local Meat, Milk and Eggs
• Venues: Farms, Wineries, Orchards for your event, wedding or party
• Easter egg hunts
• Children"s consignment sales
• Fruit and vegetable festivals
• Winery tours and wine tastings
• Horse rides, stables, lessons, trails
• Maple Syrup farms and sugarworks
• Bed & Breakfasts on Farms, Wineries, Ranches and Orchards
• Pumpkin patches
• Corn mazes
• Zombie Paintball venues
• Christmas Tree Farms & lots
• Environmental resources
• Consumer fraud information
• Wholesale food sources
• Resources for Farmers