COLLINS CENTER, N.Y. (WKBW-TV) — Christopher Jeanniton gave up a career as a computer software engineer to become a farmer in his hometown of Collins Center. He says he didn't know much about farming adding "we're learning everyday, read a ton of books and watch you tube videos."
Chris and his wife Paula have created the 'Farm In Peace'. They have chickens and goats and grow close to fifty different kinds of vegetables. Chris says "We liked the fact of homesteading and produced so much extra vegetables we started a farm from that."
Their farm stand is 'Pay What You Can' and Chris says if you can't pay, that's okay, just take what you need and do something nice for someone. One of the most popular spots at the farm is the sunflower field where visitors can pose for pictures.
They grow hemp for the grain and fibers and have worked with a Springville coffee roaster to make New York State's first Hemp Coffee.
There is a schedule of family friendly events on their 'Farm In Peace' FaceBook page. Christopher calls his farm a "work in progress" and hopes that visitors will find it fun and educational, adding "we have kind of a laid back atmosphere here."
