In 1978, Ed Harbes began working with his father in a multi-generational potato and cabbage farming business on Long Island (Mattituck, New York). The 1980's were a transitioning period for farming. An increasingly global economy made it difficult for smaller "Mom and Pop" type operations to thrive. After several disappointing years in the potato business the Harbes Family Farm shifted focus to retail farming.
In 1989, they planted a new type of Super Sweet Corn, built a 14' by 14' gazebo and started retailing directly to the public. The farm now has two locations, and all eight of the Harbes children have taken an active part in farm operations, from plowing and harvesting the fields to running the farm stands.
Currently, we raise 80 acres of sweet corn, 30 acres of pumpkins. We have 13 3,000-square-foot greenhouses, and we have the Fall Festival and the retail markets. This year, we have two retail locations, our primary location in Mattituck and a secondary location in Jamesport, which is approximately s...(Full transcript available to logged in subscribers.).
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Ed Harbes Discusses Change From Selling Potatoes Commercially to Selling Different Product Directly To Public
Ed Harbes Discusses Importance of Attracting Customers Through High Quality Not Low Prices
Ed Harbes Discusses Learning About and Pursuing Value-Added Products Like Roasted Corn
Ed Harbes Discusses Creation of Concession Menu for Patrons of Harvest Events on the Farm
Ed Harbes Discusses Importance of Attending Direct Marketing Conferences as Source of New Ideas
Ed Harbes Discusses Importance of Continually Generating New Ideas to Fulfill Consumer Needs
Ed Harbes Discusses Challenge of Evaluating Each Crop's Profitability Based on Lack of Detailed Accounting System
Ed Harbes Discusses Challenge of Learning Communication Skills When Coming From Fundamentally Introverted Farming Background
