Hendel Farms in Holley opened in 1953 as a commercial grain farm. The business was built on the goal of providing quality products and superior customer service. Hendel Farms raises only non-GMO varieties of grains for their animal feed. They say it is their duty as a family-run operation to produce both the cleanest and highest quality products for their feeds. Founded by Art Hendel, son Andy Hendel has been running the farm since his father’s passing in 2009. Throughout the years Hendel Farms has been sourcing some of their non-GMO corn, sunflower seeds and other grains from another area family farm, Partyka Farms in Kendall.
Partyka Farms is owned by Jeff and Lora Partyka, both of whom come from five generations of Western New York farmers. Their sons, Scott and Steve, are the sixth generation farmers, and both actively work on the farm. Partyka Farms is 900 acres of farmland. On their land, the Partyka family raises high-quality fresh fruits, vegetables, and no-shell pumpkin seeds. They sell nursery stock and all gardening supplies. They have a Farm Store and Gift Shop that offers baked goods, jams and jellies, honey, and a variety of gifts. They also have a grill serving hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, sandwiches, wraps and ice cream and more, with a free picnic area and playground. It is a destination place for visitors to enjoy country scenery and the family farm experience.
Partyka Farms also owns The Farmer’s Table in Hamlin. A small farm to table restaurant, The Farmer’s Table is where “Everything is homemade fresh in our kitchen from locally sourced products.” It is also a place where local farmers, neighbors, friends, and visitors occupy the counter stools and tables, drinking coffee, enjoying fresh food, and discussing what’s on their minds. The restaurant fare includes homemade Black Angus corned beef hash and eggs, chicken and waffles, salads made with fresh greens and roasted vegetables, sandwiches prepared with house-made chicken and tuna salad, steak and pulled pork sandwiches, homemade soups, daily specials, and much more.
Partyka Farms has been Hendel Farms’ source for corn, seeds, and grain for years. Scott and Steve Partyka have been helping Andy Hendel farm his land since he has been running the farm after his dad’s passing. Hendel Farms has developed a loyal retail store customer base who relied on them for their animal feed. In July 2019, Andy Hendel announced, “To all our loyal Hendel Farms customers, after 40 years in the retail feed and grain business I have decided that it is time to pursue other opportunities.” Hendel sincerely thanked everyone for their loyalty and support. Although the retail store closed on July 13, Hendel Farms will continue their thriving wholesale feed business.
“Andy loved his retail store customers, and his customers love his products and him. The retail was just too much for him, his wholesale business was growing and was taking his time,” Lora Partyka said. Within days of closing, Lora asked Andy if he wanted to continue his retail sales business, and if he did that, Partyka Farms would handle it at their farm store. “He said he would love to do it. We have a long-standing working relationship, and it worked out in favor of everyone including the Hendel Farms customers and their animals that enjoy the specially blended feed mixes,” Lora Partyka said.
Hendel Farms offers a bird food blend that Andy created, and the birds love. “I don’t know what it is, but Andy’s customers have been coming in for the bird food raving about how their birds love it. I am so happy that Hendel’s customers can come here to purchase their products,” Lora Partyka said. “We moved my entire store to the Partyka Farm store. We have a great working relationship and have had one for many years. I am so glad my customers can go there now. There is a direct line of communication between Lora and I to talk about any of my customers’ wants and needs,” Andy Hendel said.
The “Hendel Farms Feed & Grain Products Sold Here” sign now proudly occupies a space in the front of the Partyka Farm Store. When you enter the store, to the right is a display area featuring all of the Hendel Farms feed products for dogs, cats, goats, rabbits, pigs, chickens, horses, birds and more. They also carry the Hendel alternative energy sources that were available at Hendel’s retail store. Energy products include stove corn, wood pellets, and stove coal. Partyka Farms will now be open all year round to accommodate the feed and energy customers.
Partyka Farms is located at 1420 County Line Road (Rt. 272), Kendall. For information, call 659-9131 or visit Partykafarms.com.
Photos by Karen Fien
