Upstate New York Orchards Took Top National Spots
Two orchards have earned national recognition for their role in the state's robust apple-growing landscape.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Organic Food
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USA Today’s 10Best rankings for 2026 have named two Upstate New York locations as the top orchards in the United States. Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards earned the No. 1 ranking, while Minard’s Family Farm secured the No. 2 position.
Why it matters
These rankings highlight the state's deep roots in fruit production, where roughly 600 commercial apple growers contribute to New York’s status as the second-largest apple-producing state in the nation.
The USA Today 10Best annual voter-determined ranking placed Beak & Skiff first and Minard’s Family Farm second out of the national pool. Beak & Skiff has now secured the top position six times since 2015, though specific voting margins for the 2026 results were not disclosed.
The players
Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards
An Onondaga-based orchard that has operated for 115 years and has won the top national ranking six times since 2015.
Minard's Family Farm
A Clintondale-based orchard in the Hudson Valley with roots dating back to 1906.
The details
Beak & Skiff, based 18 miles south of Syracuse, operates as a long-standing fixture that recently invested $1 million into a new Apple Grove Adventure Park. Minard’s Family Farm, located in the Hudson Valley, features a 2.5-acre corn maze and follows a multi-generational history involving a 2003 sale to non-family owners and a successful 2015 repurchase by the founding family.
Timeline
1906: Minard's Family Farm planted its first apple trees.
2003: Minard's Family Farm was sold outside the family.
2015: Minard's Family Farm was bought back by the family.
2026: Beak & Skiff was named the No. 1 orchard in the nation.
Health Landscape
The USA Today 10Best annual ranking provides a standard benchmark for evaluating public interest in regional agriculture across the United States. This recognition updates the historical ranking figures for New York orchards within the broader annual assessment.
Engaging with local orchards offers a way to source fresh, seasonal produce while supporting the local food economy. Families looking to visit these sites should note that Beak & Skiff operates on weekends from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The takeaway
Supporting local growers like those in Upstate New York helps bolster regional food security and access to seasonal nutrition. Consider checking the peak harvest times for your local orchard to ensure you are selecting fruit at its highest nutrient density.
Further reading
For more on the regional agricultural impact, explore the Organic Food section.
Live Poll
Does an orchard's national ranking influence your decision to visit for seasonal picking?
