The Big Reveal

Months of planning and secrecy culminated in a spring announcement that had the community buzzing.

“We were so excited! The whole process started back in February, so being able to finally announce the theme was a relief,” shares Audrey of Long Acre Farms. “We’d been holding onto the secret for so long, so seeing the amazing reaction on socials and enthusiasm from the community was very reassuring.”

The family was stunned when Ford replied to their initial outreach.

“I sent a cold email to a random Ford address meant for shareholders. They actually replied and connected me to their marketing team. I was in Australia for a farm tour when I got the response—I about fell off my chair. When I got home, Sarah and I had a few Zoom calls, and somehow, we landed a major sponsorship!”

Building the Partnership

What followed was a process of sharing the farm’s story and demonstrating its value to a global brand. Ford’s corporate team reviewed the sponsorship package, and a PR group coordinating partnerships for regional dealerships in Rochester, Buffalo, and Erie ultimately moved the project forward.

“We learned so much along the way,” Audrey reflects. “Always start high and negotiate. Don’t undervalue yourself. And don’t be afraid to say no. For example, Ford wanted to rebrand our Music Nights as ‘Ford Fridays.’ That wasn’t in the original package, so we politely declined. It’s important to know your worth.”

For Ford, the appeal was clear: a unique opportunity to connect with a rural audience. For Long Acre Farms, it was validation of years of community building.

“They wanted to reach a rural audience—there are nine local dealerships, and the market has been sluggish. We welcome 15,000 visitors every fall, and trucks are king out here. It just clicks.”

Designing the Mustang Maze

Each year, Long Acre Farms’ maze tells a story, and this year’s pays tribute to one of America’s most iconic cars.

“We’ve never done a car-themed maze before, but the Mustang is iconic,” Audrey says. “The details in the design are super crisp—you can absolutely tell it’s a Mustang.”

Crafting such precision takes careful planning.

“We treat the field like giant graph paper. We stake posts, run twine, and grid out coordinates. Then we enlarge the design, flag the paths, and kill the corn in those areas while it’s just a few inches tall. It’s three days of work with 2-3 people, but the result is amazing.”

Ford’s involvement added an extra layer of branding to the project, but their efficiency made the process smooth.

“They were incredibly organized and worked directly with Amazing Maize Maze to provide all the files and ensure everything was on-brand. It really couldn’t have been easier.”

Overcoming Challenges

The 2025 growing season brought no shortage of hurdles. After a wet spring delayed planting, summer droughts threatened the crop.

“It was a huge obstacle. With such a wet May, the field was planted later than normal. Then the rain stopped, and the corn started struggling. For the first time ever, we had to irrigate.”

Neighbors pitched in, lending equipment and support as the farm rigged a manual irrigation system.

“We borrowed a pump, bought 1,000 feet of high-velocity hose, and manually moved water through the maze section by section. When the corn finally perked up, you could almost feel the field sigh in relief. It was so rewarding to see all that hard work pay off.”

Now, with a decommissioned fire truck ready to handle future dry spells, the farm is prepared for whatever Mother Nature brings next.

Community Excitement

The Mustang theme has captured imaginations far beyond the farm.

“We had no idea there were so many Mustang fans!” Audrey says with a laugh. “People have shared stories about their first Mustang or the one they’ve always dreamed of owning. The excitement around the car show has been amazing. There’s so much nostalgia wrapped up in this theme.”

That sense of connection is exactly why Long Acre Farms continues to invest in creating memorable experiences.

“We’ve always chosen themes that bring people together. This one adds a layer of nostalgia that resonates with so many. It’s brought new visitors to our farm, and that’s what we love—welcoming people into our family tradition.”

Looking Ahead

The success of this partnership has sparked renewed confidence for the Long Acre team.

“I never thought one email could lead to something this big,” Audrey reflects. “It just proves it never hurts to try. The worst that can happen is no response—the best? We’re living it. And now, I’m excited to explore more collaborations in the future. We’re always dreaming of new events, and with the momentum from this year, who knows what’s next?”