OUR STORY
At Bowman Orchards, we feature pick your own apples, berry picking, and so many more seasonal activities. Our trees are low to the ground so usually ladders aren't needed. However they are available to use if you need them. Enjoy the farm animals. We have pigs, sheep, goats, and horses waiting for your attention.
Ray & Bev Bowman
Ray & Bev Bowman bought the farm in 1952. Opened for business that same fall season, sold apples, cider, & baked goods off of apple crates outside their small two car garage. Ray and Bev had 5 children Danny, Dave, Jackie, Kevin, & Rick, they lived in the main brick & white house which you all see while driving down the farm driveway! Over the years Ray and Bev worked side by Side with their son Kevin, & together they expanded the farm little by little each year!
We Regret to inform everyone of the passing of Raymond K Bowman on Jan 30th 2014
Ray will be Sincerely missed by his Wife Bev, 3 children, 13 Grandchildren, 13 Great grandchildren, and so many others who knew and loved him!
RIP "Apple Papa Ray" 8/30/31-1/30/14
Kevin & Martha Bowman
In 2004 Kevin, his wife Martha, and their 3 children bought the farm from Ray and Bev and took over full responsibilities of running the operation. Since the purchase in 2004 Kevin and his family have been working hard at improving and expanding the business each and every year! Kevin and Martha are now sharing operation of the farm with their children and hope to one day pass along ownership of the farm to the 3rd generation so they can then pass it along to the 4th generation! In the off season Kevin and Martha like to spend some time traveling to some farm conferences to learn more about how to improve their business and get some fresh new ideas on technology.
Kristal & Michael Gessler
Kristal is the Oldest Child of Kevin & Martha. She was born and raised on the farm. Kristal’s main passion is horses and that is where she has chosen her lifelong career, she trains horses and gives lessons to riders of all ages. Kristal's son and the first grandchild of Kevin and Martha; Michael was born in 2006 and gets a kick out of being “boss-man” around the farm! He loves to oversee the employees from his 4-wheeler and round up the animals when they get loose. He is also the farm's handyman and enjoys building or repairing anything that may need attention around the farm!
Kenny, & Megan Bowman & Children.
Kenny is Kevin & Marthas middle Child.He was born and raised on the farm and Bowman Orchards has been his full time job since he was old enough to be working! Aside from being partners with his mom and dad & working full time on the farm he owns his own snowplowing & lawnmowing business to help financially as well. Kenny lives here on the farm with his wife Megan and their 4 children; Kaleb, Kendra, Abigail & Thomas. Megan also works on the farm during busy seasons and oversees our tours and is a team leader in the bakery. Kenny oversees the everyday maintenance of the orchard, machinery, & buildings as well as the running of orchard crews during peak seasons.
Katie Bowman-Oathout & Chad Oathout With Sons, Bradley & Dominick
Katie is Kevin and Martha’s youngest child. She was born and raised on the farm, & has been working for the farm since she was old enough to work. Although she has had numerous jobs throughout the years working for other horse farms and businesses, Katie has always worked as needed for the farm and in June of 2012 came back to partner with her brother & work Full time for Her parents.
Katie oversees the websites, Social Media, horses, entertainment, and check out areas of the business.
Katie's Husband Chad Also Helps out for the Orchard on weekends during busy seasons, and is her right hand man for Carriage Ride Events!
LONG-TERM EMPLOYEES
Barb Hine
Barb has been a close family friend and working at the farm since 1998. Barb and Martha met through their church and their children’s homeschool group Schenectady L.E.A.H. where they both had 3 kids involved. Barb’s children also work at the farm on an as needed basis.
Barb is the store manager and her duties include inventory, organization, layout, & oversees employees.
Barb Retired after the fall season of 2021! We would like to THANK barb for many years with us and wish her the best as she moves south with her husband to enjoy their retirement years!! THANK YOU BARB!!