Remembering Peter Ten Eyck, a Leader in Farmland Protection and Innovation at Indian Ladder Farms

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with family and friends of Peter Ten Eyck II, who passed away on September 25, 2025. Peter was a pillar of the farming community in New York state, and a trailblazer for conservation and stewardship. The Ten Eyck’s Indian Ladder Farms was the first farm in Albany County to be permanently protected.

Peter carried on his family’s legacy of farming for four generations in the shadow of the Helderberg Escarpment, an area of rugged limestone cliffs just miles from Albany. Peter’s grandfather bought the farm in 1916, starting with dairy cattle and fruit trees, and the farm has since evolved to be an upstate New York favorite for apple-picking, seasonal berries, tours, and educational programs.

Peter served American Farmland Trust as a founding member of the New York Council since 2011, and the Ten Eyck family often opened their farm for tours and educational purposes with AFT and numerous agricultural organizations. On several occasions, Peter joined AFT at the Capitol to urge legislators to support state funding for protecting farmland and to encourage New Yorkers to buy products from farms in their backyards. Peter often said, “We have to stop waving money in the air and expecting someone to feed us,” which was his way of emphasizing the importance of knowing local farmers and where food comes from.  

“Peter was a passionate champion for New York’s farmers and always focused on helping them sustain their livelihoods,” said David Haight, Vice President for Programs. “He had a rare ability to master the intricacies of farm business management while also stepping back to see the broader landscape—offering sharp insights and a quick wit that made his message resonate. His leadership has left a lasting legacy in New York’s agricultural community and in the movement to protect farmland for future generations.”

Peter, a recognized and respected voice for New York agriculture, was always at the forefront of innovation in the orchard. Through his leadership, Indian Ladder Farms became eco-apple certified, a rigorous program for apples grown using ecology-based agricultural practices that promote soil and tree health, nurture pollinators, and protect biodiversity.  

The legacy of Indian Ladder Farms continues with Peter’s family, including his daughter, Laura Ten Eyck and husband Dietrich Gehring, and Peter’s son, Peter Ten Eyck III. The farm’s evolution led to a new business producing beer and cider and growing hops, led by Laura and Dietrich, along with new partnerships on the farm.

We mourn the loss of Peter as an agricultural legend and friend of American Farmland Trust. Join us in honoring his memory by supporting New York orchards and farms, getting to know your local farmers, and advocating for a better food system for future generations.