From Farm to Snack in Record Time
Bryan Bender’s farm in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, has a unique advantage: its proximity to Hanover, the “Snack Food Capital of the World.” This strategic location allows Bender’s freshly harvested potatoes to be transformed into potato chips and stocked on grocery shelves within a day.
“That’s what’s great about our location,” Bender said. “We have several chipping companies that are super local.”
A Legacy of Potato Farming
The Bender family has a long history of farming in the Chambersburg area. Bryan’s great-grandfather, Charles Bender, began farming in the 1920s, initially where Chambersburg Senior High School is located today. The family later moved to their current farm, purchased by Bryan’s grandfather, also named Charles Bender, in 1965. It was here that the family installed a large pond and began growing potatoes.
Bryan now manages the farm with his parents, David and Linda, their niece Brooke, and a dedicated team of employees. His wife, Betsy, and their three children, Lottie, Hart, and Jack, also live on the farm, embracing the farming lifestyle.
Diverse Potato Varieties and Sustainable Practices
The farm cultivates seven varieties of white potatoes, including chipping and table stock potatoes for local restaurants, food suppliers, and grocery stores. Covering 450 acres, the farm dedicates 140 acres to potatoes at any given time, rotating fields every three years to maintain soil health.
“We love living here. We love being on the farm, having the space for them to be kids,” Bryan said. “When I’m working, they’re able to come and join in and hang out with me. We love walking down through the woods and playing Wiffle Ball. Just being a family on the farm is really fun.”
Teamwork and Community
Bender values the contributions of his farm’s employees, creating an environment where they can thrive.
“We’ve got a handful of really faithful employees who I enjoy working with, and I hope they enjoy working for me and with me,” he said. “We try to create an environment where they can thrive and just be themselves, and we really appreciate each other and value one another.”
His father, David, expressed pride in seeing the family legacy continue.
“I’m grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to farm and surrounding me with a beautiful family,” he said.
Historic Roots and Cooperative Efforts
The Bender family farm, established in 1740, includes a historic farmhouse from the 1790s and a 100-year-old barn used for storing hay and potatoes. The farm is also part of the Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato Growers, which unites local farmers to meet larger orders and promote potatoes nationally.
“Even though we’re smaller, if we work together we can meet some large orders, the large demand for potatoes, and just promote the potato nationally,” Bender said.
Embracing Challenges and Adventures
Despite the challenges, Bryan Bender enjoys the dynamic nature of potato farming.
“You’ve got to be willing to work hard,” he said. “You’ve got to trust other people. Everything’s always changing, so you’ve got to be flexible. You’ve got to be willing to have a little adventure and try new things. There’s always something new, a new challenge to try to overcome. I love that.”
Although most of their potatoes are destined to become chips, Bender’s personal favorite is french fries.
