Photos courtesy of Nanticoke Farms
In the heart of Endicott, New York, two green-thumbed brothers are cultivating something extraordinary. Introducing brothers Peter and Chip Shafer, the duo behind Nanticoke Farms—a homegrown enterprise that has evolved from a garden center into a trailblazing force in New York’s burgeoning cannabis industry.
Planting the Seeds of Change
Their story takes root in 1999 when a young Chip, armed with a passion for plants and a degree in biology, began his journey at Nanticoke Gardens, a growing garden center in Endicott. From the simple tasks of mixing soil and filling pots to the responsibilities of managing production, Chip quickly rose through the ranks, honing his skills alongside the plants he nurtured in the bustling retail environment.
Meanwhile, in the concrete jungle of Brooklyn, Peter found himself yearning for change. After a decade in the city and an MBA to his name, the call of suburbia and an enticing opportunity beckoned. In 2011, the brothers joined forces, acquiring Nanticoke Gardens and embarking on a new adventure. Little did they know that this would mark the beginning of a journey that would lead them from petunias to pre-rolls.
Weathering the Storm and Embracing Variety
The path to success, however, was not without its challenges. Just months after taking the helm, Tropical Storm Lee unleashed its fury, flooding the garden center. Undeterred, Peter and Chip rolled up their sleeves, determined to not only rebuild but to expand. They saw opportunity in adversity and were ready to seize the moment.
In the Garden Center, Nanticoke Farms became renowned for its unparalleled commitment to variety. Their diverse selection catered to every taste and preference, offering a wide array of plants, flowers, and produce. From heirloom vegetables to exotic ornamentals, they took pride in providing something for everyone. As a testament to their dedication to variety, they boasted an impressive collection of over 50 tomato varieties and more than 30 distinct pepper types, just to name a few. This philosophy of embracing variety would later become the cornerstone of their approach to cannabis cultivation.
By 2013, fueled by a vision of growth, the brothers secured a new property just a short distance from the garden center. Free from the limitations of the flood zone, they began constructing greenhouses, steadily transforming the landscape. Today, an impressive 85,000 square feet of thriving greenhouses stand as a testament to their determination. But this was just the beginning of their green revolution.
Cultivating Diversity in the Cannabis Frontier
As whispers of cannabis legalization began to echo through New York, Peter and Chip, who had been eagerly awaiting this moment, knew that their unique skill set and deep-rooted passion for plants could unlock a world of possibilities.
In 2017, when the state began issuing industrial hemp licenses, Nanticoke Farms was ready to embrace this new frontier. Securing the first CBD production license and the third overall hemp license in New York, the brothers carved out a distinctive niche. While others focused on outdoor cultivation, Nanticoke Farms leveraged the power of their greenhouses, establishing themselves as the go-to supplier of clones and clippings.
Drawing inspiration from their garden center roots, Peter and Chip seamlessly translated their commitment to variety into their cannabis operation. Today, Nanticoke Farms proudly offers more than 20 different varieties, ensuring that there is something to satisfy every palate and preference.
The Art and Science of Cannabis Perfection
However, with great variety comes great responsibility. Introducing a new strain to the market is an endeavor that spans at least nine months. The process begins with sourcing seeds from four to five different suppliers, each offering a unique set of 25 seeds. These seeds are meticulously grown to the flowering stage, subjecting each plant to rigorous testing and evaluation.
Through a meticulous selection process, the pool of potential strains is narrowed down to a curated collection of 25. These chosen few are then sent for potency testing, as the market demands nothing less than the best. Simultaneously, the brothers cultivate a separate set of mother plants, carefully selected for their exceptional performance and desirable traits. These mother plants serve as the foundation for propagating the next generation of cuttings, ensuring consistent quality and reliability.
The Future is Green and Always Improving
As Nanticoke Farms navigates the dynamic landscape of New York’s cannabis industry, challenges are inevitable. State regulations impose limitations on square footage, requiring the brothers to strategically allocate their resources and curate their offerings with care. Yet, these challenges drive innovation and adaptability.
Amidst the growing pains, a sense of optimism prevails. Peter and Chip remain steadfast in their pursuit of quality, constantly refining their craft and setting their sights on new heights. With each passing harvest, every crop showcases notable improvements in potency, flavor, and overall experience, a testament to the brothers’ unwavering dedication and growing expertise.
But for Peter and Chip, this is just the beginning. They view each harvest not as a destination, but as a stepping stone in their ongoing journey to elevate the art and science of cannabis cultivation. They’re always on the lookout for innovative ways to enhance the quality of their cannabis, ensuring that each generation of plants surpasses the last.
This commitment to continuous improvement is at the heart of Nanticoke Farms’ ethos. As they look to the future, Peter and Chip are excited by the prospect of delivering ever-more exceptional products to their customers. With each harvest, Nanticoke Farms inches closer to this ideal, raising the bar for the entire industry along the way.
An Unwavering Love for Plants
The story of Nanticoke Farms is one of resilience, innovation, and a deep-rooted passion for the green. From their humble beginnings in the garden center to their entry into the world of cannabis, Peter and Chip have nurtured not only plants but also a legacy that will continue to grow and inspire.
At the heart of their success lies Chip’s unwavering love for plants and his degree in biology, which continue to drive the business and shape every harvest. His deep understanding of plant science, coupled with the brothers’ dedication, has led to a cannabis operation that consistently delivers exceptional quality and variety. As they look to the future, Peter and Chip are excited by the prospect of pushing boundaries in the world of cannabis. With each harvest yielding better results than the last, they are confident that the best is yet to come.
The next time someone lights up a Nanticoke Farms creation, they can appreciate the journey that brought it to fruition. This tale of two brothers united by a shared dream and tireless commitment to crafting exceptional cannabis is one that will continue to inspire. As they set the standard for quality and innovation, Nanticoke Farms is poised to lead the green revolution, one harvest at a time.
Leave a Reply