{"id":74419,"date":"2026-07-31T07:44:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T11:44:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/?p=74419"},"modified":"2026-07-31T07:44:14","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T11:44:14","slug":"becker-farms-vizcarra","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/becker-farms-vizcarra\/","title":{"rendered":"How a Couple Turned a Family Farm into an Agritourism Mecca"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\">Run by Class of \u201979 alums, Western New York\u2019s Becker Farms draws thousands of visitors for produce, festivals, weddings, and more<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-cornell-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b20c122c1bf28acfc89276ef15bf6607\">\u201c<em>Bear Hugs\u201d celebrates heartwarming stories of Cornellians on the Hill and around the world. Have an idea? Email us at <a href=\"m&#x61;&#x69;&#x6c;&#116;&#111;&#x3a;&#99;&#111;&#114;&#110;&#101;&#108;&#x6c;&#105;&#x61;n&#115;&#x40;&#x63;o&#x72;n&#x65;l&#108;&#x2e;e&#x64;&#x75;\"><strong>&#99;&#111;&#x72;&#x6e;&#x65;&#x6c;&#108;&#105;&#x61;n&#115;&#64;&#99;&#111;rn&#x65;&#x6c;&#108;&#x2e;&#x65;&#100;&#x75;<\/strong><\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By <strong>Melissa Newcomb<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">Standing beside rows of grapevines, Mindy Perry Vizcarra \u201979 looks out at vibrant flower beds, stone walkways connecting several buildings, and a wedding venue set up with white flowers and rows of chairs for a ceremony later that afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis was all field,\u201d she says, gesturing across the property that today bears little resemblance to the fruit farm on which she grew up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mindy and her husband, Oscar Vizcarra \u201979, have transformed her family\u2019s fifth-generation property into <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beckerfarms.com\/upick\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Becker Farms<\/a>, a 340-acre Western New York agritourism destination that draws tens of thousands of guests each year for you-pick fruit, weddings, festivals, estate-made wine and beer, children\u2019s activities, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"853\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new7-A.jpeg\" alt=\"Melinda and Oscar as a young couple on a tractor with their baby.\" class=\"wp-image-74502\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new7-A.jpeg 853w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new7-A-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new7-A-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new7-A-800x450.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new7-A-608x342.jpeg 608w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new7-A-304x171.jpeg 304w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new7-A-152x85.jpeg 152w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new7-A-592x333.jpeg 592w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new7-A-296x166.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new7-A-632x356.jpeg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new7-A-316x178.jpeg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new7-A-400x225.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new7-A-200x113.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new7-A-100x56.jpeg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 853px) 100vw, 853px\" \/><figcaption class=\"rkv-image-credit\">Provided<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"981\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new6-A.jpeg\" alt=\"Melina and Oscar sitting on farm equipment with their son next to them.\" class=\"wp-image-74503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new6-A.jpeg 981w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new6-A-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new6-A-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new6-A-800x450.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new6-A-608x342.jpeg 608w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new6-A-304x171.jpeg 304w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new6-A-152x85.jpeg 152w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new6-A-592x333.jpeg 592w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new6-A-296x166.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new6-A-632x356.jpeg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new6-A-316x178.jpeg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new6-A-400x225.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new6-A-200x113.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new6-A-100x56.jpeg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 981px) 100vw, 981px\" \/><figcaption class=\"rkv-image-credit\">provided<\/figcaption><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The family&#8217;s early years on the farm.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Visitors can browse a market stocked with homemade pies, fudge, and apple butter; enjoy a meal at the brewpub; pet friendly goats and donkeys; or watch their kids climb tire swings and dig in a giant sand mound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nearby, cabins tucked among the orchards host overnight guests. During its high season in September and October, when it hosts a fall festival, the farm welcomes thousands of visitors each weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But little of this existed four and a half decades ago, when the Vizcarras returned to Mindy\u2019s hometown after graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote alignwide has-text-align-center\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px\"><blockquote><p>Visitors can browse a market stocked with homemade pies, fudge, and apple butter; enjoy a meal at the brewpub; pet friendly goats and donkeys; or watch their kids climb tire swings and dig in a giant sand mound.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Founded by her great-grandparents in 1894, the farm in Gasport\u2014about 45 minutes northeast of Buffalo\u2014primarily grew tart cherries and other fruit for the wholesale market. Like many growers, the family relied on prices that the wholesalers set, leaving them little control over the business\u2019s profitability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the decades following the Vizcarras\u2019 move to Gasport, the couple reimagined the farm by implementing one idea after another\u2014each inspired by an opportunity they recognized or a problem they sought to solve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1980, for example, the couple launched the you-pick apple operation; they\u2019d take visitors via wagon to the orchards, where large straw bales served as decoration. But before long, they realized that many kids were spending more time climbing on the hay than picking apples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Brides, Berries, Brews &amp; Beyond<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<section aria-label=\"Image Carousel\" class=\"wp-block-rkv-carousel rkv-swiper swiper is-caption-align-left\"><div class=\"alignfull swiper-buttons\"><div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div><div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large rkv-carousel__image swiper-slide is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3792-A-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A wedding venue set up with rows of wooden chairs and an arch with white and blue flowers to the sides.\" class=\"wp-image-74429\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3792-A-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3792-A-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3792-A-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3792-A-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3792-A-1264x843.jpg 1264w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3792-A-632x421.jpg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3792-A-316x211.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3792-A-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3792-A-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3792-A-100x67.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3792-A.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large rkv-carousel__image swiper-slide is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3828-A-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A child plays on a mound of sand with a shovel and rake in both hands at Becker Farms.\" class=\"wp-image-74431\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3828-A-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3828-A-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3828-A-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3828-A-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3828-A-1264x843.jpg 1264w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3828-A-632x421.jpg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3828-A-316x211.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3828-A-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3828-A-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3828-A-100x67.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3828-A.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3883-A-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A girl stands next to goats at Becker Farms.\" class=\"wp-image-74433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3883-A-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3883-A-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3883-A-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3883-A-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3883-A-1264x843.jpg 1264w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3883-A-632x421.jpg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3883-A-316x211.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3883-A-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3883-A-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3883-A-100x67.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3883-A.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large rkv-carousel__image swiper-slide is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3800-A-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"The inside of one of the pavilions at Becker Farms featuring chandeliers and tables with linens set up for a wedding.\" class=\"wp-image-74430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3800-A-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3800-A-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3800-A-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3800-A-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3800-A-1264x843.jpg 1264w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3800-A-632x421.jpg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3800-A-316x211.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3800-A-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3800-A-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3800-A-100x67.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3800-A.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large rkv-carousel__image swiper-slide is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3760-A-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A visitor walks up the pathway featuring flowers on each side to the farm house market.\" class=\"wp-image-74425\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3760-A-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3760-A-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3760-A-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3760-A-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3760-A-1264x843.jpg 1264w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3760-A-632x421.jpg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3760-A-316x211.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3760-A-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3760-A-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3760-A-100x67.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3760-A.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large rkv-carousel__image swiper-slide is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3780-A-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Guests sit at the bar and talk to each other inside the brewpub at Becker Farms.\" class=\"wp-image-74428\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3780-A-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3780-A-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3780-A-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3780-A-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3780-A-1264x843.jpg 1264w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3780-A-632x421.jpg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3780-A-316x211.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3780-A-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3780-A-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3780-A-100x67.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3780-A.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large rkv-carousel__image swiper-slide is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3777-A-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"The inside of the farm market, including an array of children's toys, candies, and a counter for fresh fudge.\" class=\"wp-image-74427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3777-A-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3777-A-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3777-A-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3777-A-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3777-A-1264x843.jpg 1264w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3777-A-632x421.jpg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3777-A-316x211.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3777-A-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3777-A-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3777-A-100x67.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3777-A.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large rkv-carousel__image swiper-slide is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3741-A-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Four visitors walk into the brew pup entryway, which features flower beds, bushes, and small trees.\" class=\"wp-image-74424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3741-A-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3741-A-300x200.jpg 300w, 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https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3741-A.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large rkv-carousel__image swiper-slide is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3921-A-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"A visitor picks kneels down to pick raspberries in the field at Becker Farms.\" class=\"wp-image-74434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3921-A-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3921-A-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3921-A-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3921-A-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3921-A-1264x843.jpg 1264w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3921-A-632x421.jpg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3921-A-316x211.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3921-A-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3921-A-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3921-A-100x67.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3921-A.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large rkv-carousel__image swiper-slide is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3772-A-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Fresh fudge on display in the flavors amaretto chocolate swirl and strawberry cheesecake.\" class=\"wp-image-74426\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3772-A-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3772-A-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3772-A-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3772-A-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3772-A-1264x843.jpg 1264w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3772-A-632x421.jpg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3772-A-316x211.jpg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3772-A-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3772-A-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3772-A-100x67.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/799A3772-A.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe thought if people want entertainment, we\u2019ll do entertainment,\u201d Mindy recalls. She credits her husband with leading many of the projects: \u201cOscar has no fear. He never lets an opportunity go by, and he loves to build things.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After emigrating from Peru as a teenager, Oscar lived in NYC before enrolling at SUNY Delhi to study landscaping. There he met Mindy, and the pair later transferred to Cornell to study pomology in CALS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote alignwide has-text-align-center\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px\"><blockquote><p>Over the decades following the Vizcarras\u2019 move to Gasport, the couple reimagined the farm by implementing one idea after another\u2014each inspired by an opportunity they recognized or a problem they sought to solve.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI lived in the South Bronx, and I\u2019d talk with people about what farms with cows and barns are like, because most of us had never seen one,\u201d Oscar says. \u201cWhen Mindy would ask, \u2018Who\u2019s going to want to come all the way out here?\u2019, I was confident they\u2019d come.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That ability to see Becker Farms through visitors\u2019 eyes has shaped nearly every major decision, the couple says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/scanJulius-and-Augusta-Becker0001-2-A-1024x576.jpeg\" alt=\"Melinda Perry Vizcarra's grandparents in front of their house where Becker Farms is with horses and their children.\" class=\"wp-image-74496\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/scanJulius-and-Augusta-Becker0001-2-A-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/scanJulius-and-Augusta-Becker0001-2-A-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/scanJulius-and-Augusta-Becker0001-2-A-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/scanJulius-and-Augusta-Becker0001-2-A-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/scanJulius-and-Augusta-Becker0001-2-A-800x450.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/scanJulius-and-Augusta-Becker0001-2-A-608x342.jpeg 608w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/scanJulius-and-Augusta-Becker0001-2-A-304x171.jpeg 304w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/scanJulius-and-Augusta-Becker0001-2-A-152x85.jpeg 152w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/scanJulius-and-Augusta-Becker0001-2-A-1184x666.jpeg 1184w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/scanJulius-and-Augusta-Becker0001-2-A-592x333.jpeg 592w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/scanJulius-and-Augusta-Becker0001-2-A-296x166.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/scanJulius-and-Augusta-Becker0001-2-A-1264x711.jpeg 1264w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/scanJulius-and-Augusta-Becker0001-2-A-632x356.jpeg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/scanJulius-and-Augusta-Becker0001-2-A-316x178.jpeg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/scanJulius-and-Augusta-Becker0001-2-A-400x225.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/scanJulius-and-Augusta-Becker0001-2-A-200x113.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/scanJulius-and-Augusta-Becker0001-2-A-100x56.jpeg 100w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/scanJulius-and-Augusta-Becker0001-2-A.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"rkv-image-credit\">Provided<\/figcaption><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mindy&#8217;s grandparents and family circa 1900 &#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"785\" height=\"442\" src=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new8-A.jpeg\" alt=\"A vintage photo of Becker Farms from the road.\" class=\"wp-image-74495\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new8-A.jpeg 785w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new8-A-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new8-A-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new8-A-608x342.jpeg 608w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new8-A-304x171.jpeg 304w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new8-A-152x85.jpeg 152w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new8-A-592x333.jpeg 592w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new8-A-296x166.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new8-A-632x356.jpeg 632w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new8-A-316x178.jpeg 316w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new8-A-400x225.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new8-A-200x113.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/alumni.cornell.edu\/cornellians\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/new8-A-100x56.jpeg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 785px) 100vw, 785px\" \/><figcaption class=\"rkv-image-credit\">Provided<\/figcaption><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">&#8230; and the farm many decades later, after Mindy and Oscar began turning it into a local attraction.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The original farmhouse that Mindy\u2019s parents grew up in became a market selling food and gifts; surplus berries inspired a winery. Hosting their daughter\u2019s wedding led to requests from other couples, while visitors asking for beer rather than wine prompted them to open the brewery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And while the couple\u2019s three adult children are involved in the business, the Vizcarras\u2014who, in addition to their agritourism offerings, grow apples, grapes, berries, pumpkins, sunflowers, and vegetables, and run a CSA\u2014aren\u2019t quite ready to hand the operation off to the next generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis is my passion; I\u2019m always looking for the next improvement,\u201d Oscar says, adding with a laugh: \u201cAnd I\u2019m not settling down\u2014which makes Mindy uncomfortable, but the results are fun.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>(All photos by Melissa Newcomb \/ Cornell University, unless otherwise indicated.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Published July 31, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Run by Class of \u201979 alums, Western New York\u2019s Becker Farms draws thousands of visitors for produce, festivals, weddings, and more<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":68,"featured_media":74435,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Run by Class of \u201979 alums, Western New York\u2019s Becker Farms draws thousands of visitors for produce, festivals, weddings, and more","alumni_hub_syml_posts":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[652],"tags":[],"cornell_year_post":[],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-74419","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bear-hugs"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - 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