In 1984, as a senior at Cornell University studying pomology (fruit science) and economics, Chip Bailey founded KC Bailey Orchards, a now 230-acre apple orchard in upstate New York. A first-generation farmer, Chip was always interested in orchards growing up in Wayne County, New York, the largest apple-producing county east of the Mississippi. His extended family had vineyards in the Finger Lakes region, and he worked on local farms as a teenager, driving his desire to someday acquire his own farm. Chip met Karla who at the time was running an apple slicing business and distributorship. Karla had studied Finance and Systems at the University of Buffalo and also had a desire to own her own farm.
Chip and Karla are environmentally-conscious people who understand the potential for generating renewable energy on their farm and have integrated a holistic approach to growing their 10+ varieties of apples.