Peter Gansevoort Ten Eyck II of New Scotland, N.Y. and a major player in the state’s apple industry, passed away peacefully at his home on Indian Ladder Farms on Sept. 25, at the age of 87, with his wife, Rose-Marie, by his side.
Peter was born on Aug. 27, 1938, and grew up on Indian Ladder Farms. He spent his youth attending the Albany Academy and working on the farm. He graduated from Cornell University’s School of Agriculture and Life Sciences and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1961, serving until 1963. When he returned home, he worked for his family’s two businesses, the Ten Eyck Insurance Agency and Indian Ladder Farms.
Under Peter’s guidance, with assistance from family members and essential staff, Indian Ladder Farms evolved and changed to what it is today. It went from a primarily wholesale business to a highly diversified direct-to-consumer enterprise that now includes a retail store, apple pick-your-own tours, an innovative cidery and brewery, and agritourism with event venue offerings. He also led the farm in joining a group of EcoCertified apple growers in New England, using ecology-based agricultural practices that promote soil and tree health, nurture pollinators and protect biodiversity. He retired from Indian Ladder Farms in 2023, at the age of 85.
In a statement, New York State Agricultural Commissioner Richard Ball said he joined the state’s agricultural industry in mourning Peter’s loss.
“I was fortunate to know Pete for many years both as a farmer and as a partner as we worked together on policies impacting New York agriculture,” Ball said, outlining Peter’s numerous industry and community involvements.
“In each of these endeavors and many more, Pete set the bar high,” Ball continued. “His extraordinary commitment to New York’s agricultural industry was always evident, whether through his tireless efforts to support and grow the state’s apple industry, his commitment to ensuring that his farm was eco-certified, or his thoughtful balancing of the needs of farm workers and agricultural businesses with his understanding of environmental issues and the health of our pollinators.”
Peter was predeceased by his sister, Gerritje Ten Eyck Henault (and her husband, Armand). He is survived by his wife of 41 years; and his brother, John Ten Eyck (Sally); as well as his three children from his first marriage to Mary Jane Fryer; his six grandchildren; and his two his great-grandchildren.
The Ten Eycks welcomes family, friends and the community to join them in remembering Peter on Oct. 22 at Reilly&Son Funeral Home, 9 Voorheesville Avenue, Voorheesville, NY, from 4 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to be made in Peter’s memory to The Community Hospice Foundation, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208 or the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, 195 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205.
