The Green Heron Growers
100% Grass Fed Beef. Certified Organic Chicken. Pasture-Raised Pork. Shiitake Mushrooms. Seasonal Produce.
We raise local, healthy food using regenerative farming practices to promote biodiversity in our soils, pastures, and forests.
We’re proud of our special herd of Red Devon and their crosses at the Green Heron Growers.
These breeds are not just ordinary cattle. They’re experts at converting grass to high-quality meat efficiently, naturally marbling without eating grain.
Devon cattle have been at the heart of American agriculture since the Pilgrim settled in New England.
Our approach to cattle raising is a blend of time-honored tradition and modern, eco-friendly practices.
Farmer Steve and herdsman Ryan Hoitink ensure our cows graze on fresh pasture daily during the growing season, using managed intensive grazing (MIG) to nurture the land and sequester carbon back into the soil. It’s a win-win for the environment and our cattle.
Remember, cows are born herbivores, and our practice respects that natural diet.
In winter, they’re fed stored pasture grasses, known as baleage, to keep them healthy year-round.
We invite you to experience the difference at Green Heron Growers.
Come see our Devon herd, understand our loving and careful management, and maybe even learn a thing or two about regenerative farming.
Here at Green Heron Growers in Western New York, each season is marked by the arrival of 500 Cornish Cross meat birds.
These chicks, barely two days old, begin their journey with us through parcel post.
At three weeks, these young birds graduate from the inside brooder to the great outdoors. Their new home? Lush pastures and chicken tractors.
These movable enclosures are more than just protection against predators. They provide essential shade and shield them from the elements.
Twice a day, we move these tractors by hand, ensuring the birds always have access to fresh grass.
This pasture-raised approach allows our birds to forage naturally, their diet enriched by grasses and insects. This not only leads to healthier birds but also enhances the nutritional value of the meat with plenty of omega-3s.
We compliment their diets with certified organic grains, meticulously chosen to be free of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and GMOs.
The journey from chick to full-sized bird takes about eight weeks. When they reach this milestone, we handle the butchering and packaging right here on our farm with the utmost respect and care.
This hands-on process from start to finish ensures that the meat you bring to your dinner table is of the highest quality, raised with love and attention.
Taste the difference with Green Heron Growers’ certified-organic, pasture-raised chicken.
Tasting pasture-raised pork is an unrivaled culinary experience!
Our pigs, a special blend of Old Spot and Large Black breeds, are the epitome of heritage quality. Raised with care by our Amish neighbor, John Bricker, these pigs enjoy a life well-lived.
Their diet? It’s not just any feed – he focuses on high-quality, GMO-free grains.
But that’s not all. Pigs are natural foragers, and his relish their time rooting around in the woods. There, they feast on wild apples and an array of forest offerings.
This diet, rich in plants and not just grains, infuses our pork with omega-3s, especially in the fat, making it not just delicious but also nutritious.
When they’re not on their woodland adventures, these pigs reside in a spacious, covered barn. Comfort is key, with ample bedding to ensure they’re cozy and content.
The Brickers’ approach to farming transcends the norm, resulting in pork that’s not only more flavorful but also packed with nutritional value, a cut above conventionally raised pork.
Green Heron Growers is the largest shiitake farm in Western New York!
Our journey into mushroom cultivation began in our hemlock grove. While studying at Cornell University, Farmer Steve’s son, Logan, became a part of the Cornell Mushroom Club. It was the club’s president, Nick Laskovski, who, after a visit to the farm, suggested we venture into shiitakes.
Back in spring 2007, our collaboration led to inoculating over 800 logs. Today, we inoculate over 2000 each year, making us the largest producer in western New York.
Witnessing our mushroom yard is truly a sight to behold. We invite you to come and tour this unique setup.
Curious about how we cultivate these delicacies?
It starts with inoculating logs with shiitake spores. This process involves drilling holes, inserting spawn, and sealing everything with wax. After inoculation, we give the logs a rest period until the following spring. During this time, the living shiitake mycelium in the spawn colonizes the log.
It takes about 12-18 months for the logs and mycelium to gather the energy needed to fruit. To ensure regular fruiting, we soak one batch of logs daily. Post-soaking, they’re arranged in a ‘teepee’ formation for easy harvesting and to promote air circulation.
Our shiitakes are harvested by hand, one at a time, then weighed, packed, and refrigerated.
Why incorporate shiitakes into your diet? Their earthy flavor and meaty texture make them perfect for sauces, omelets, stir-fries, and soups.
Nutritionally, they’re a powerhouse of protein, vitamin D, and fiber.
Medicinally, shiitakes are renowned for their anti-cancer properties, immune system support, and cholesterol reduction.
Visit us and take a tour of our shiitake hemlock grove.
Stop at the farm stand to shop our shiitake products, including fresh mushrooms, finishing butters, and tincture.
Our small scale vegetable farm stated as a garden for personal use. We built raised beds that wrapped around our house. As the beds increased, so did the harvests.
Now, we raise enough to offer vegetables at our Farm Stand and at local farmers markets.
Farmer Steve & William Petransky co-manage the garden and grow a diverse range of healthy produce.
Harvest days are Fridays! Stop by and see what’s fresh.
We are certified organic by NOFA-NY, LLC since 2007, and we’re proud of it!
We offer a range of natural, seasonal products that embody the essence of our farm’s diverse ecosystem.
Explore our high-quality, 100% natural maple syrup, honey, and mushroom tincture.
Maple Syrup
Our maple syrup is a sweet treat straight from the trees of Western New York. We tap our maple trees during the brief, magical window of late winter and early spring. The sap is then carefully boiled down to create a rich and flavorful syrup. Perfect for pancakes, waffles, or as a natural sweetener in your favorite recipes.
Honey
Experience the pure, natural taste of our locally harvested honey. Our bees busily collect nectar from a variety of wildflowers around The Heron, resulting in honey that’s as unique as it is delicious. Drizzle it over your morning toast, add it to tea, or use it in baking for a touch of natural sweetness.
Mushroom Tinctures
Our mushroom tinctures are powerful extracts made from our farm-raised shiitakes and wild foraged medicinal mushrooms.
The mushrooms are carefully harvested and processed to create a potent tincture. It’s a perfect addition to your wellness routine, offering a natural boost to your immune system and overall health.
Pasture-Raised Eggs:
Our eggs are laid by happy, pastured hens that roam our farm. The result is bright, flavorful yolks. Perfect for a nutritious breakfast, baking, or any recipe calling for eggs with a richer taste.
Tart Cherry Juice:
Savor the tangy, refreshing flavor of our tart cherry juice, made from cherries grown in our orchards. It’s not just delicious – it’s packed with antioxidants and natural compounds beneficial for health. Enjoy it as a morning drink, a mixer in your favorite beverage, or simply as a healthful refreshment.
Bring a part of our farm into your home and experience the richness and authenticity born from the love and care of our land.
Shop at our local farm stand in Sherman, NY.
We’re open year-round. Daily from 8:00am-8:00pm.
Take advantage of our self-service options. Pick your meats and produce. Then, leave your payment.
To use a credit card, ring Farmer Julie at 716-753-0371 or knock and make some noise. Our house is attached to the Green Heron Growers Farm Stand.
What You Can Buy
- 100% grass fed beef
- certified organic chicken
- pasture-raised, heritage pork
- shiitake mushrooms
- local organic cheese
- pasture-raised eggs
- seasonal produce
- mushroom tincture
- nutritious ready-to-eat foods prepared with love
- t-shirts and funky, fun merchandise
Campers please stop at the farm stand to get burgers to grill, eggs for breakfast, soup for lunch!
How to Pay
- Self-service with cash
- Debit & Credits Cards
- EBT sales by appointment
Energy Conservation Note: We save energy and are good to the planet by leaving the lights off. If you need more light, just pull the strings.
Where to find our products:
The Green Heron Growers Farm Stand is open year-round, daily 8:00am – 8:00pm.
Our online shop allows you to order for weekly home delivery, convenient pick-up at any of our farmers markets or curbside pick-up at our Farm Stand.
Our Seasonal Farmers Markets include Williamsville, Fredonia, Westfield, and Chautauqua Institute. See our calendar for specifics, pop-up markets and events.
Locations: Find us at local markets
Our Farm Store
The Heron Farm and Events Center: Farm Store
2361 Wait Corners Rd
Panama NY 14767
Open Daily 8AM – 8PM
Fredonia Farmers Market
Delivery
DELIVERY OPTIONS
- We offer HOME DELIVERY weekly in Chautauqua County and Erie, PA regions weekly.
- HOME DELIVERY is bi-weekly in the Buffalo/Amherst/Hamburg regions.
- A delivery fee of $6.95 is applied when you check out for Buffalo & Erie areas.
- ONLY NON-PERISHABLE farm products or festival merchandise can be shipped.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
You can choose which events and series your are interested. Please be sure to check all of options you would like to stay informed about.