NEW SCOTLAND — Cider production has entered a new era at Indian Ladder Farms.

On Nov. 12, the farm unveiled a single-belt cider press that can triple the production speed of the wooden-rack-and-cloth press that was installed in the 1970s.

In the 1960s, Indian Ladder Farms at the foot of the Helderbergs began to press cider on the front porch of its barn, according to a farm history written by the late Peter Ten Eyck in the farm’s 105th year.

“The farm began doing school field trips and ultimately built an addition on the farm market building to accommodate the cider press,” he wrote, noting a massive window was installed so the public could watch cider being made.

Ten Eyck also introduced the production of cider doughnuts to the retail market in the early 1970s.

The old press, which required two operators and frequent resets, could process about 840 pounds of apples per hour. The new continuous belt press processes more than 2,600 pounds per hour, greatly increasing production while reducing labor and cleaning time.

The press was purchased with funds from an Empire State Development grant.

The farm was awarded a $50,000 Craft Beverage Micro Grant to install three fermentation vessels, a glycol chiller, and new pumps, according to from Empire State Development.

“The supplemental production will increase both the volume and variety of ciders offered on site,” it said. “They will also be able to expand their wholesale distribution throughout New York and eventually to other states.”