By Darlene Brace
This week’s Chautauqua County Chamber Spotlight is on the time-honored Peterson Farm, located at 3260 Fluvanna Avenue Ext. in Jamestown. Allen Peterson and his parents opened Peterson Farm in 1957, and it has been a well-established business ever since. Now in 2023, Allen still owns the family business, and it is currently managed by Allen’s granddaughter Kaitlyn Bentley (pictured). Kaitlyn Bentley has been the manager and has worked on the day-to-day operations of the business for the last ten years.
Most people from the area know of Peterson Farm and the quality of local produce they have available for its customers. They grow their own sweet corn, squash and pumpkins. They offer a wide variety of local seasonally grown fruits, like apples, grapes, strawberries and other berries, and have a variety of fruits available throughout the year.
But did you know that selling beef has been one of the main products that they sell? They have been raising cattle on their farm for the past fifty years. They have Hereford and Angus beef. They pride themselves that the cattle have been raised on their farm from birth to finish. The cattle have not been given growth hormones or steroids, and they have only been fed corn and hay that is produced on their farm. Years ago, they would only sell quarters and half cows. In 2018, they started selling smaller cuts of beef such as strip steaks, roasts, and ground beef. They are now raising pigs as well, and they sell bacon, sausage, and other pork packages.
They are also known for being the home of Dalahäst Roasting Coffee Company, and they roast the coffee right on site. Dalahäst is roasted coffee that comes in whole beans or ground coffee. They usually have at least six different flavors, ranging from light to dark, as well as some other seasonal flavors. You can buy it at Peterson Farm and a few other local businesses.
Peterson Farm is proud of their Swedish heritage. They have a large Scandinavian foods section. They make three different types of korv, which are made on site using a recipe they have used for decades. Some of the other meats they have include herring and Swedish meatballs. Included in this food section are crispbreads and cookies, cardamon braids and rolls, plain and cinnamon Skorpor, candy, and Swedish pearl sugar to name a few. Also available are a variety of lingonberries and a lingonberry concentrate to make a punch beverage. Cuba cheeses, spices, and local maple syrup and many other locally made products are usually on their shelves.
In their Scandinavian Corner, there are items to buy as treats or gifts. Many are imported from Sweden, and some are from local vendors and crafters. Some of the things they usually have available are candles, greeting cards, soaps, books, puzzles, bookmarks, jewelry, magnets, keychains, and much more.
Last year they expanded their greenhouse. It has many different types of hanging baskets and mums, annuals, perennials, and vegetable plants. There is also a variety of house plants and mixed flowerpots used for home decoration.
During the month of November, they are having their bird seed sale. Also coming up
on December 2nd, they will be hosting their Swedish Open House from 10am-5pm. From
11am-4pm, they will be giving out free samples of different basket raffle for its customers.
Peterson Farms is open every day between May 1st and January 1st, except for major holidays. From January 2nd to May 1st, they are open Wednesdays through Saturdays. If you want more information about Peterson Farm products or to check on their hours, you can look on their website petersonfarmswede.com. You can also look on their Facebook page or call 716-438-2202.
Peterson Farm is a well-established and respected business that has been in Jamestown for over sixty years. That alone tells you that there’s something really special about this business. Peterson Farm is not just a produce stand. It has a great variety of food and other items that they offer. Go to Peterson Farm, where there is something of interest for everyone.