To the Editor:

Peter G. Ten Eyck II was a passionate man [“Peter Ten Eyck, innovative farmer, mourned,” The Altamont Enterprise, Oct. 9, 2025]. Each fall, families throughout the Capital Region could experience Pete’s passion by picking that perfect apple while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Helderberg Escarpment.

Generations of families know Indian Ladder Farms as the destination for the best apples, cider doughnuts, and an enjoyable outdoor experience only minutes from home. Pete’s passion also extended to his family, his community and to the agriculture industry.

Pete always had a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye, and a quick wit ready to espouse upon the newest apple variety, compared to some of the heirlooms still growing in the orchard. As a passionate agriculturalist, Pete actively collaborated with plant science researchers at his alma mater, Cornell University, to find the next best apple variety or to test the state-of-the-art growing systems.

Pete knew that success in growing apples required the best science and technology to deal with whatever Mother Nature threw at the farm.  Despite the challenges of a late spring frost or an August hailstorm or rainy fall weekends, Indian Ladder Farms remains the place where families create memories and go home a bit more informed about New York agriculture.

Pete’s passion extended to his community and the greater agriculture industry. He was giving of his time and talents through service on the Voorheesville School Board (15 years), the Albany Academy Board of Trustees, the Albany Institute of History and Art, and the Holland Society of New York, among others. 

The agriculture community is better from Pete’s time served as chairman and member of Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean Advisory Council, Agricultural Representative on the Cornell Board of Trustees, director of the New York State Agricultural Society; president of the New York State Horticultural Society, a delegate to the Council of Agricultural Organizations, and a trustee of the New York State Farm Bureau Foundation.

Peter Ten Eyck’s departure from this earth leaves a big hole to be filled by his family, our community, and the greater agriculture industry. It has been an honor for me to call Pete a friend and mentor. I am confident his legacy will live on as we will never forget the smile on his face and the twinkle in his eye.

Rick Zimmerman

New Scotland