A Fall Tradition Rooted in Family
In rural Central New York, where crisp autumn air carries the scent of hay and harvest, Cullen Pumpkin Farm has become a beloved seasonal tradition. For the Shypski family, it’s more than a business—it’s a legacy built on hard work, teamwork, and a love for bringing the community together each fall.
Today, the farm is run by John Shypski and Ellen Coogan, alongside John’s brothers Tom and Richard. Tom plants, cultivates, and picks the pumpkins while overseeing wholesale operations. Richard designs the farm’s whimsical decorations and photo-worthy displays. John is the “jack of all trades,” from prepping fields and tractor work to retail help during the busy season. Ellen orchestrates the retail side, ensuring visitors feel welcome from the moment they arrive.
Generations of Farming
The story began decades ago when the brothers’ father returned from serving in World War II, married, and bought the property in 1951. What started as a modest dairy farm with 15 cows and a team of horses grew into a 350-acre operation with 100 head of cattle.
In the early 1980s, he added sweet corn sales at a roadside stand, followed by pick-your-own pumpkins—originally just $5 for all you could carry.
When John returned to the farm in the mid-2000s, the brothers expanded into the destination visitors know today. They added a retail building offering snacks, drinks, maple syrup, honey, and their own pumpkins, squash, gourds, and decorative corn.
A Destination Experience
Now, guests come for more than pumpkins: narrated wagon rides with Tom, a corn maze, a children’s barrel train, antique tractors, photo ops, and special weekend events. This year’s new highlight is a whimsical “tea party” display crafted by Richard.
Each season has its rhythm—spring means planting over 30,000 seeds in greenhouses, summer is for transplanting and fieldwork, and winter brings snowmobiling and farm projects.
Community Connections
Community remains central to the Shypski family. Partnerships include a craft fair with a local church, a fundraiser with the fire department, and a “pumpkin find” with NBT Bank.
Halloween is still the heart of it all—families spread across the fields in search of the perfect pumpkin, kids climb aboard rides, and laughter fills the air.
Looking ahead, the Shypskis are restoring an 8-foot windmill for display in fall 2026. Until then, Cullen Pumpkin Farm will keep offering the simple joy of finding “the one” pumpkin.
Visit Cullen Pumpkin Farm
Address: 587 Cullen Road, Richfield Springs, NY 13439
Phone: (315) 867-3878
️ Season: September 13 – October 31, 2025
Hours: Weekdays 12 pm–6 pm; Weekends 10 am–6 pm
