For 300 years, life here has centered on making a living from the land. In its early days, Mabee Farm was self-sufficient, with all able-bodied members of the family working to keep it running. Traditional crops were varied, but always included some type of grain, most often wheat. Many early colonists adopted farming techniques from local Mohawk who had been farming this region's land for centuries. Known as the "three sisters," small hills of soil were planted with corn, beans, and squash, forming a symbiotic relationship and helping each other grow. As technology advanced, this farm became home to larger scale operations. By the 1800s, the Mabees were specializing in cash crops which were sold directly for profit. The fields continue to be farmed with many of the same crops they grew, including rye, corn, pumpkins, potatoes, peas, and more, while traditional farming methods are taught and the yield is used in programming and events or given to local businesses to turn into product.