Our Farm
Suyundalla Farms is located in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania. We are a small, family owned and operated farm in Laury's Station, Lehigh County.
Past History
Suyundalla Farms is a sixth generation farm. Suyundalla means “Clearview” in Hopi and is an integral part of the history of the Lehigh Valley. It originally was part of a large tract of land deeded to William Penn by King Charles II of England, as payment due Penn’s father, an English navel hero. William Penn’s son, Thomas, sold part of this tract to a Joseph Turner, who then sold it to William Allen, founder of Allentown.
In 1892 the land where the farm is located, was purchased by Francis Schneck (Pappy) and it has been family owned and operated ever since. Pappy, being a plasterer by trade, left the operation of the farm to his wife, Mary (Mammy).
In the early years fruits and vegetables raised on the farm were sold on a huckstering route. During the late 30’s, early 40’s Grace, one of the daughters, and Betty, their granddaughter, ran the route in an old 1927 Chevrolet huckstering truck. They would go along their route, making several stops for customers to come out and buy the fruits and vegetables they needed. Some of the fruits included peaches, apples, cherries, pears, plums, and apricots. Potatoes, beans, cabbage, turnips, radishes, cucumbers, and sweet corn were some of the vegetables offered . There were also fresh farm eggs, butter, and ducks, geese and chickens already cleaned and dressed. During the depression the farm survived by selling potatoes.
The huckstering route came to an end in 1945, but the family still raised and sold oats, wheat, field corn, rye, hay, barley, straw, and had eggs available.
When Mammy could no longer run the farm, Ed. one of the sons, took over. Ed eventually moved and sold the farm to another brother, Webster. Webster sold eggs and chickens at the farm, besides raising the field crops.
Around 1955 Betty, Mammy’s granddaughter, her husband Paul, and two of Betty’s cousins took over. Eventually the cousins took on other jobs, leaving the operation of the farm to Betty and Paul, and their son, with few changes.
Current History
Suyundalla Farms is now run by Pappy and Mammy’s great grandson, Kenneth, and his wife, Heather. The operation has been modernized, but a lot of the old farm is still here.
The spirit of the old huckstering truck remains, along with much of the old horse drawn equipment. The original barn still houses the family cows, and many of the old buildings are still in use. The old fruit trees are gone but have been replaced with newer and better varieties while Rhode Island Red cross chickens are preferred as they lay large brown eggs.
In 1985 it was decided to introduce sheep into the operation. Polypays were chosen as they are a great all round breed. Their wool is a nice general purpose fiber for blankets, sweaters, and yarn. They also grow rather quickly for meat.
The 20’x96’ greenhouse was added in 2005 for plants and some greenhouse veggies.
In 2019 two conical grain bins were installed. These are for rye and barley that is being sold to two local maltsters.
Finally, in 2021 a 62.4kW solar system was installed to move toward more self sustainability. The system supplies electricity to all of the farm buildings including the sheep barn, cow barn, farm market, and grain dryers. We also introduced an Awassi ram. This is a special breed from Southeast Asia. They are a very robust and vigorous breed that stores its fat in its tail.
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