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Schultz Continues Busti Cider Mill

Andy Schultz preps a batch of crushed-up apples for pressing at the Busti Cider Mill. P-J photo by Katrina Fuller

BUSTI – A staple landmark and tradition in the town of Busti will continue on thanks to Andy Schultz and his wife, Chelsea.

Schultz said he took over the mill this year from his grandfather, Robert Schultz. Previously, Schultz worked on the mill and has committed to keeping the tradition going. His grandfather had owned the mill since 1983. Schultz is a contractor by day and runs the mill in his spare time.

The press itself was built in the 1890s and was brought in to the mill in 1980 by Schultz’s grandfather. Schultz has made sure the press is in tip-top shape for this season’s operations and is offering custom pressings with individuals own apples as well as the cider that so many in the area know and love. There is a cooler filled with cider in front of the antique shop located in front of the mill that is regularly stocked.

“I’ve been working here since I was a kid,” he said. “I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t like it.”

Each weekend, Schultz said he likes to make the Busti Cider Mill cider, and adds that the public is welcome to stop in on Saturdays and Sundays to see how it operates.

The Busti Cider Mill, located at 1135 Southwestern Drive in Busti, will be open during the Busti Apple Festival Sunday, Sept. 24. P-J photo by Katrina Fuller

Unlike other operations, Schultz said the Busti Cider Mill uses UV treatment instead of pasteurization. Many people take advantage of this because the cider can then be used to make wine or hard cider. The process uses UV lights to kill bacteria

Currently, the press is operated by belts and an electric motor.

“It used to be powered by steam,” Schultz said. “It’s a pretty simple system, but it works great.”

Overall, He said the mill hasn’t changed much, but he does want to reintroduce the educational aspect of the mill in the future. Previously, bus trips from area schools and other opportunities had occurred and Schultz said he would like to get back to that.

The mill will be busy for the annual Busti Apple Harvest Festival. He said he will be at the mill making cider all day. The Busti Apple Harvest Festival will be held on Sunday, Sept. 24, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Busti Historical Society at 3443 Lawson Road.

Special pressings are done by appointment only, but Schultz said he is on site every Saturday and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. He said they will begin selling apples at the mill very soon.

The mill is located at 1135 Southwestern Drive in Busti. For more information or to make an appointment, call 487-0177.

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