An Autumn Evening in the Garden
2010 Participating Farms
 

The Alleged Farm, Valley Falls
            After fifteen years, Thomas Christenfeld remains very much an alleged farmer, hovering in that uncertain space between true agriculturalist and gardener run amok.  With ten acres of crops on his fields in Easton, including just about every geographically possible vegetable but sweet corn and okra, he has too much ground to keep well weeded and not enough to justify the sort of equipment that would cause his dairy farming neighbors to accord him grudgingly the title of farmer.  Plus he insists on growing all sorts of weird stuff—Japanese eggplants and white tomatoes, lemon basil and purple kohlrabi, fingerling potatoes and husk cherries, round zucchini and red turnips—things surely that no actual farmer would be caught setting out in a field.  Fortunately, the members of his CSA hold weird stuff in slightly higher regard—or at least they are kind enough to indulge his taste for the offbeat—and if he has accomplished nothing else, at least he has taught his two sons to enjoy a nice head of Romanesco broccoli sauteed in garlic and olive oil or some steamed tatsoi with chiles.

The Alleged Farm                               Thomas Christenfeld
209 Crooke Hollow Road                    518-692-9065
Valley Falls, NY 12185                        www.theallegedfarm.com
 

Bard’s Farm – Schenectady
           Originally founded in 1919 by Clifford Bard’s great-grandfather, Bard’s Farm is still in the family today.  These days, the land is worked by Clifford and, with the help of his father and brother, they maintain 25 acres at the original farm and an additional 300 acres in Schoharie County.  They can be found at the Schenectady Upper Union Street Market, the Scotia Farmer’s Market and the Market at the Crossings in Colonie.  Bard Farm is known for its fresh vegetables and beautiful cut flowers.

Bard's Farm                                       Clifford Bard
2395 Rosendale Road                        518-374-7249
Schenectady, NY 12309
 

Denison Farm – Schaghticoke
            Denison Farm is a community supported family farm in The Hudson Valley. Brian and Justine Denison have been farming in Schaghticoke for six years on the fertile soil that has been the home of the oldest CSA in New York State, Buttermilk Falls Organic Farm. The farm is 164 acres of rich bottomland, wooded ridges, pasture/hayfields, marsh, and streams and has a 20-year history of organic management.
     Denison Farm is fully committed to organic agriculture. We are certified by a local agency, Certified Naturally Grown and we adhere to the national organic standards.  Denison Farm produce can be found at both the Saratoga and Troy Farmers Markets and we provide over 450 families in the Capital District a weekly share of fresh vegetables, herbs, melons and strawberries over the course of 22 weeks through our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).

Denison Farm                                    Justine & Brian Denison
333 Buttermilk Falls Road                 518-664-2510
Schaghticoke, NY 12154                    www.denisonfarm.com
 

The Farm at Miller’s Crossing – Hudson
        The Farm at Miller's Crossing is a beautiful 200-acre farm situated in the Hudson Valley of New York. The Ockawamack Creek divides the farm providing water for the animals and plants that are raised there. The old Albany-Boston rail bed remains on the northwestern end of the property, providing the name Miller's Crossing, which was the stop and original address of this 200 year old farm.
            We grow certified organic vegetables, plants and flowers and also raise a small beef herd.  The farm has 30 acres of vegetables within a 60-acre rotation, as well as 75 acres of pasture for our cows.  Our greenhouse provides room to grow the farm’s transplants and bedding plants for sale.  Our produce is marketed through a 150-member CSA, three local farmers’ markets, and numerous wholesale accounts.  Such diversified markets allow us to grow many different types of vegetables all season long.

The Farm at Miller's Crossing             Katie Smith & Chris Cashen
81 Roxbury Road                                518-851-2331
Hudson, NY 12534                              www.farmatmillerscrossing.com
 

Hand Melon Farm - Greenwich
        Hand Melon Farm, a 418-acre u-pick fruit and vegetable operation founded in 1908, is farmed by owner/farmer John Hand. The Hand Melon Farm, east of Saratoga, grows varieties of cantaloupe so well known for their exceptional flavor that they were dubbed "Hand melons" in the 1920's. Also known for delicious berries, the farm was recently awarded a Farmland Protection Program Grant to help preserve the farm. Find their products at area farmer's market or check out their farm stand in Greenwich.

Hand Melon Farm                              John Hand
533 Wilber Ave.                                  518-692-2376
Greenwich, NY 12834
 

Hicks Orchard – Granville
            Located in Middle Granville, New York in the Lower Adirondack Region on the New York/Vermont border, Hicks Orchard is a great place to spend a lazy summer day picking cherries, blueberries or raspberries or an entire day during the fall apple harvest enjoying the best that eastern New York has to offer.
            Whether you're picking your own fruit on our farm, tempting your taste buds with hot cider donuts, watching apple cider being pressed in our cider mill, visiting the barnyard animals, getting lost in the corn maze or making a scarecrow to take home, Hicks Orchard has something for everyone.

Hicks Orchard                                    Dan Wilson & Susan Knapp
18 Hicks Road                                    518-642-1788
Granville, NY 12832                           www.hicksorchard.com
 

Indian Ladder Farms – Altamont
          Indian Ladder Farms is a family owned farm, located just minutes from the villages of Voorheesville and Altamont.  Peter G. Ten Eyck, the grandfather of the current owner, purchased the first of five adjacent farms in 1915. The “s” at the end of our name is in acknowledgement of the five original farms.
         Located at the base of the Helderberg Mountains, the location is perfect for growing apples.  The cool air from the mountains helps to protect against early blossom and frost damage and in the fall it helps to increase the sugar content of the apples.  Apples have continuously been grown on this farm since the 1800’s, however Indian Ladder Farms initially raised dairy cows and then beef cattle.  It has been a for profit apple farm since 1963.
         Indian Ladder Farms is a popular destination for Pick Your Own fruit in the Capital Region.  In addition to our apple orchards, we offer strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, tomatoes, pumpkins and soon, we will have our own cherries.  We have a farm market with local, fresh produce and foods. The Yellow Rock Café serving lunch and weekend brunch features fresh and local foods.  Our bakery sells our own apple pies and fresh baked sweets and breads.

Indian Ladder Farms                          Cecelia Soloviev
342 Altamont Road                             518-765-2956
Altamont, NY 12209                            www.indianladderfarms.com
 

Kipp Hill Farm – Sloansville
            Kipp Hill Farm is located on a secluded property snuggled in the hills of northern Schoharie County.  What began as a 4-H project for Bill & Suzann Kipp and their two grandchildren quickly grew into the first commercial goat dairy in Schoharie County, and became the first goat dairy in NYS to be awarded the prestigious Dairy of Distinction in 2008.
             Kipp Hill Farm currently features a herd of 30 registered dairy goats.  Suzann and her granddaughter, Andrea produce several artisan cheeses in small batches three times a week.  They market their cheese, as well was Kipp Hill Farm fresh eggs, at many farmers’ markets in the Capital Region, including the Empire State Plaza, CDPHP, and the Saturday Delmar Market.  Their cheese can also be found at upscale restaurants in the area.  Kipp Hill Farm goat cheese was chosen to be served at the NYS State of the State reception at the Governor’s Mansion and has been shipped to customers as far away as Beverly Hills, CA.

Kipp Hill Farm                                    Suzann Kipp
199 Shenandoah Drive                      518-868-9737
Sloansville, NY 12160                        www.kipphillfarm.com
 

Little Field Farm - Argyle
          In the year 2000, a long time dream was realized. It initially presented itself as a flower farm but over the last 5 years our 10-acre farm has developed into a venue for field and greenhouse specialties. Now we're in the process of constructing our second hydroponic greenhouse. This will use state of the art technologies to create an environment ideal for cultivating gourmet greens year round. Our methodology couples the latest in technology with environmentally sound practices resulting in products of an unrivaled quality.  We grow specialty herbs and greens such as butter lettuce, red green speckled heirloom romaine, lollo rosa, arugula, watercress, chervil, sage, as well as micro greens, edible flowers, sunflower sprouts and mache. We will do specialty crops at chef's request. We pride ourselves on establishing ongoing personal relationships with appreciative clientele. A key role in our development has been our interaction with chefs.
         Through our dialogue we have come to develop personalized relationships ultimately resulting in new and exciting product. We would just like to thank all of customers who have allowed us to live the dream.

Little Field Farm                                 Sandy & Berta Littlefield
4865 County Rte 48                           518-638-6254
Argyle, NY 12809
 

Little Seed Garden – Chatham
      Little Seed Gardens is a 97 acre family-run farm in the town of Chatham in Columbia County, situated on rich bottomlands at the confluence of two creeks. Farmers, Claudia Kenny and Willy Denner and their two children tend vegetables, cover crops and pasture. We are committed to agricultural practices that protect land and human resources, build biological diversity, and produce quality food for our local communities. Our food is grown without synthetic insecticides, fungicides, herbicides or fertilizers. Little Seed Gardens is certified organic by N.O.F.A. NY. As farmers we work to sustain the land for future generations.

Little Seed Garden                             Willy Denner & Claudia Kenny
PO Box 195                                         518-392-0063
Chatham, NY 12037
 

Mack Brook Farm - Argyle
       Mack Brook Farm comprises over 300 acres in Argyle, NY, situated between the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains of Vermont.
       The land was purchased in 1928 by Kevin's grandparents. Kevin was born and raised here, as were his sons.
       For most of its history, the land was used primarily as a dairy farm. In 2003, Kevin and Karen decided to raise beef cattle and began selecting the herd. They now work full time on the farm with the fourth generation pitching in when needed.
       We welcome visitors and sell our pre-cut beef directly from the farm.

Mack Brook Farm                              Kevin Jablonski & Karen Christensen
312 McEachron Hill Road                  518-638-6187
Argyle, NY 12809                               www.mackbrookfarm.com
 

Nettle Meadow Farm – Warrensburg
        Nettle Meadow Farm is a 50 acre goat and sheep dairy and cheese company in Thurman, New York just below Crane Mountain in the Adirondacks between Gore Mountain/North Creek, New York and Warrensburg, New York. It is owned and operated by Lorraine Lambiase and Sheila Flanagan. Both have a great love of animals, goat cheese and the simplicity and challenges of farm life. 
       Nettle Meadow is committed to the principles of natural ingredients, happy and healthy animals, and carefully hand-crafted artisan cheeses. They make several varieties of soft goat cheeses including Lightly Salted Chevre, Tellicherry Pepper and Lemon Verbena Chevre, Chevre with Mixed Herbs, Horseradish, Olive Oil and Garlic Chevre, Maple Walnut Chevre, Pumpkin Spice Chevre and Herb, Pepper and Garlic Chevre as well as Fromage Blanc, Honey Lavender Fromage Blanc, and Rosemary Infused Fromage Blanc. They are also well known for their semi-aged cheeses, including triple crème Kunik made from goat milk and Jersey cow cream, and Crane Mountain made from 100% goat milk. Their most recent creation, Three Sisters (named after Three Sisters mountains which overshadow our farm), is made from farmstead sheep, goat and Jersey cow milk.
       The farm is normally open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for cheese sales. Visitors with a love of animals and cheese are always welcome.

Nettle Meadow Farm                       Lorraine Lambiase & Sheila Flanagan
99 County Route 52                       518-794-7733
Greenwich, NY 12834                     www.nettlemeadow.com
 

Old Chatham Sheepherding Company – Chatham
        In 1993, Tom & Nancy Clark established the Old Chatham Sheepherding Company in Old Chatham, NY.  Today the farm is the largest sheep dairy in the country.  While Nancy is the licensed cheesemaker, she also focuses on problem solving and new product development.  Day to day cheese and yogurt making is the responsibility of Willy Bridgham & Kyle Monahan.  Tom is the general manager and frequently helps with hay making as well as spending time on the road selling the products. 
            Both Tom & Nancy are graduates of Cornell University, and they still get regular consulting help from Cornell.  Tom & Nancy’s passion and commitment to the company has resulted in steady growth, and today they sell their products nationwide including their award-winning Nancy’s Camembert made from a blend of sheep & cow milk, Ewe’s Blue made from 100% sheep milk and their 100% Sheep Milk Yogurt.

Old Chatham Sheepherding Co.        Shaleena Bridgham
155 Shaker Museum Road                518-794-7733
Chatham, NY 12136                           www.blacksheepcheese.com
 

Pleasant Valley Farm – Argyle
      In 1988, Paul and Sandy Arnold purchased land in Argyle, located about an hour north of Albany.  They and their two children, Robert and Kim, have built Pleasant Valley Farm into a thriving fruit and vegetable farm over the past 20 years, which included building barns, a house, a greenhouse, and two high-tunnels which are used to produce crops throughout the winter. 
      Over 40 varieties of diverse fruit and vegetable crops are grown with organic methods on about 7 acres of land.  Some of the specialties grown on their farm include: lettuce, spinach, greens, beets, carrots, potatoes, squashes, cabbage, onions, apples, strawberries, and herbs.  To meet the energy challenges of the farm, the Arnolds have installed several green technologies which produce roughly 50% of the needed electricity.

Pleasant Valley Farm                         Paul & Sandy Arnold
118 South Valley Road                      518-638-6501
Argyle, NY 12809
 

Slack Hollow Farm – Argyle
            Slack Hollow Farm has been growing certified organically grown vegetables since 1985.  We are located in the town of Argyle, which is north of Albany in Washington County.  We specialize in growing various greens, including lettuce and salad mixes.  We also raise beets, carrots, and various herbs. We grow large plantings of onions and butternut squash for fall sales. Recently we have constructed greenhouses to produce salad mixes year round.  Our produce is available all year at the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market and the Honest Weight Food Coop.

Slack Hollow Farm                             Seth & Martha Jacobs
177 Gilchrist Road                             518-638-6124
Argyle, NY 12809                               www.slackhollowfarm.com
 

Threshold Farm – Philmont
     Hugh Williams and Hanna Bail are the proprietors of Threshold Farms, a 45 acre spread in Upper Hudson Valley, New York. Hugh started farming in 1961 on the family farm in Australia where his mother, a devotee of anthroposophy and biodynamic gardening, had quietly been using the preparations on her home garden while Hugh was growing up.
            Hugh and Hanna grow vegetables, fruit (peaches, pears and apples) and keep a small herd of cows with their calves. The cows are grass-fed, which Hugh says is “becoming a big thing,” and the calves are not separated from their mothers. “They are simply a part of the herd; they run with the herd,” as Hugh puts it.  Their farm animal population also includes two cats to keep the chipmunks out of the greenhouse and a dog “for the woodchucks.”
            Hugh and Hanna make all of their own biodynamic preparations on the farm and, as of this spring are 100% self-sufficient in compost.  Threshold Farm is the sole source of support for Hugh and Hanna and their two children. Except for cheeses, eggs, grains, pasta and some other things, it also produces almost 100% of what they eat.

Threshold Farm                                  Hugh Williams & Hannah Bail
16 Summit Street                               518-672-5509
Philmont, NY 12565
 

Tilldale Farm - Hoosick
      The Tilley Family has been stewards of the 300 acres of Tilldale Farm since 1938, when the land was purchased by Ernest Tilley.  Dany, Ernest’s son, and his wife, Joanne have carried on the legacy of Ernest and his dairy farming tradition since 1979.  They began their journey as certified organic farmers 15 years ago and have never looked back from farming animals in a natural, humane way.  Tilldale Farm is certified through Northeast Organic Farm Association (NOFA).  Compliance to maintain certification includes an extensive yearly inspection that ensures that certified farms are abiding by NOFA organic guidelines (which are more stringent than the federal guidelines).  
      For the past five years, Dany and Joanne have nourished their local community by providing wonderful quality meat and forging growing connections at their local farmers’ market.  They offer heritage breed beef, pork, and chicken which are known for their tenderness and propensity toward fattening on grass.  The Tilleys recognize the importance of maintaining traditional breeds of domestic animals and giving them ample room to roam for both the health and welfare of the animal and the consumer.   The Tilley’s believe that eating meat is a privilege, and so respect and appreciate their animals and treat them accordingly.  As a result, the taste of Tilldale Farm meat reflects the care and quality of life of the animals they foster.

Tilldale Farm                                      Dan & Joanne Tilley
PO Box 177                                        518-686-7779
Hoosick, NY 12089
 

Witenagemot Farm - Schaghticoke
       Witenagemot Farm is situated where the Hoosick and Hudson Rivers meet in beautiful upstate New York. We grow a wide variety of produce from herbs and greens, to sweet corn, pop corn and flour corn (which we grind ourselves) and nearly everything in-between.
            We specialize in a wide variety of potatoes and more than 50 varieties of Heirloom Tomatoes. We have a fledgling orchard and a small berry patch. Three dogs help keep the varmints at bay but heartily welcome visitors to the farm. We participate in the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market every Saturday from 9-1 between the first of May and the end of October.

Witenagemot Farm                                         Art & Suzi Place
155 Knickerbocker Road                               518-664-6086
Schaghticoke, NY 12154