Saturday, September 29, 2012, 11:00am-4:00pm
The Chatham Agricultural Partnership (CAP) is hosting their fourth annual Farm Tour on Saturday, September 29, 2012. Farms throughout Chatham will be open from 11-4. There will be horse, dairy, pig, chicken, alpaca, vegetable, sheep and beef farms open, many with local farm products to purchase. The tour allows visitors to see the diverse face of farming in Chatham, and provides educational and entertainment opportunities for all ages. Note specific times for activities at some farms.
Download the farm descriptions.
Participating Farms:
Kinderhook Farm
With fields and operations spanning Ghent and Chatham, visit the center of activity to learn more about raising grass-fed black angus beef and free range chickens. A farm store will have beef and chicken for sale. Tours throughout the day. Route 21 (at the end of Garner Rd.), Ghent.
Ooms Farm
The largest dairy operation in Chatham, sells wholesale and is a multi-generational dairy farm in business in Chatham for over 50 years. There will be tours on the hour, and milking at 3:00. 215 Route 28A.
Chatham Alpacas
A herd of 40 alpacas will surely welcome your visit. Come enjoy the new alpaca babies as they romp and play. Beautiful alpaca yarn is available as well as raw fleece. Also open Sunday the 30th 10:00 โ 4:00. 29 Sullivan Road at Route 17. 917-373-8822.
Full Field Farm
A small diverse farm in North Chatham, NY specializing in the production of heritage breed livestock. They steward their land using only biodynamic and organic practices. Featuring the rare Randall cattle, pigs and chickens. New to the tour this year! 18 Dorn Rd, North Chatham. Rt 17 and Rt. 203. 518-766-0155.
The Old Chatham Sheepherding Company
Visit the largest dairy sheep operation in the country for a self-guided tour, where they produce award winning artisanal cheeses and yogurts. The product is always available for sale in the Cheese Store. Observe the new born lambs. Milking at 3:30 in the main barn. 155 Shaker Museum Road.
Little Brook Farm
Welcome to one of the most diverse equine facilities in the nation. Established in 1977, LBF has successfully combined equine rescue with educational programs, including riding instruction. Demos will include vaulting and drill teams with hands-on activities and tours throughout the day. 548 Route 13 at Pitt Hall Road.
Spruce Ridge Farm
A farm raising breeding and fiber alpacas, as well as pigs, chickens and cattle, with a farm shop full of soft alpaca apparel, toys and more. Local vendors, and demonstrations on weaving, spinning and face-painting for the kids. Food and restrooms available. Also open Sunday the 30th 10:00 โ 4:00. 434 Route 13 at Highland Road. 518-794-6294.
Highland Farms
Highland Farm raises chickens, heritage breed turkeys and heritage breed pigs, which are pasture-raised and fed local organic grains. They also pasture Black Angus for Kinderhook Farm in the summer months. Come visit the animals, tours throughout the day. Farm store open with their chickens, honey and maple syrup for sale and taking reservations for turkeys and pork. 395 Highland Road.
Equine Advocates Safe Home Equine Rescue & Sanctuary
This beautiful farm provides a model for the humane treatment of horses of all different types and with different needs. The mission is to educate people on how to properly care for, handle and socialize horses. Tours throughout the day. 3212 Route 66
Hints:
The full circular route is approximately 32 miles. Lunch? Try the many good spots in Chatham or the Old Chatham Country Store. Food and restrooms also available at Spruce Ridge Farm.
The Chatham Agricultural Partnership was founded in 2005 and organized the first Agricultural Protection Plan in Columbia County, which was adopted by the Chatham Town Board in 2009. In addition to the Farm Tour, CAP sponsors a Harvest Dinner for Chathamโs farmers and friends and an annual Farm Film Fest at the Crandall Theater. All are designed to increase knowledge about the importance of farming and local foods and how they contribute to the local economy.