Open Farm Day 2015– Saturday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Information is available on the website, www.granbyAG.org.
Information is available on the website, www.granbyAG.org.
Clark Farm at Bushy Hill
29 Bushy Hill Road, Granby
Bushyhill.com
In June of 2010 Allen and Becky Clark purchased the 75-acre orchard from Hal and Nora Law. Since then, the Clarks have continued to honor what the Law family began and now that the rehabilitation of the Apple Store and the Creamery has been completed, this farming family’s dream has come true! Although it’s an orchard, there is so much more grown on the farm. Seasonal fruit is available and includes strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, pears. Apple picking is available seasonally.
Enjoy a cone, sundae or shake at the Creamery, serving Bliss ice cream and homemade gelato. Order at the window and choose from seating inside or on the renovated porch.
On Open Farm Day, you will have the chance to pick your own apples and sample their cider donuts. Garlic Farm
76 Simsbury Road, West Granby
GarlicFarmCT.com
The Garlic Farm grows pesticide-free vegetables and flowers and sells them to the public every day in the vintage barn on the farm. Equally well known for its tomatoes and its garlic, the farm also grows peppers, eggplant, squash and other summer veggies, along with onions, leeks, and shallots.
On Open Farm Day, visitors can inspect tractors at close range and perch for a moment on one of them for a photo. Farm owner Gary Cirullo will lead several tours and offer tips on growing garlic at home. Samples of roasted garlic and peppers will be available.
29 Bushy Hill Road, Granby
Bushyhill.com
In June of 2010 Allen and Becky Clark purchased the 75-acre orchard from Hal and Nora Law. Since then, the Clarks have continued to honor what the Law family began and now that the rehabilitation of the Apple Store and the Creamery has been completed, this farming family’s dream has come true! Although it’s an orchard, there is so much more grown on the farm. Seasonal fruit is available and includes strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, pears. Apple picking is available seasonally.
Enjoy a cone, sundae or shake at the Creamery, serving Bliss ice cream and homemade gelato. Order at the window and choose from seating inside or on the renovated porch.
On Open Farm Day, you will have the chance to pick your own apples and sample their cider donuts. Garlic Farm
76 Simsbury Road, West Granby
GarlicFarmCT.com
The Garlic Farm grows pesticide-free vegetables and flowers and sells them to the public every day in the vintage barn on the farm. Equally well known for its tomatoes and its garlic, the farm also grows peppers, eggplant, squash and other summer veggies, along with onions, leeks, and shallots.
On Open Farm Day, visitors can inspect tractors at close range and perch for a moment on one of them for a photo. Farm owner Gary Cirullo will lead several tours and offer tips on growing garlic at home. Samples of roasted garlic and peppers will be available.
Holcomb Farm CSA
111 Simsbury Road, West Granby
holcombfarm.org
Holcomb Farm is a town-owned historic property in West Granby. Today the property continues as a working farm with fields full of fresh produce, and is also a resource available to the public for passive recreation.
Holcomb Farm is committed to preserving the expansive green spaces for which the state is known, and dedicated to offering programs that honor community, agriculture and education. The Holcomb Farm CSA brings the farming tradition at the Farm into the 21st century. All crops are grown without chemicals and with a commitment to sustainable agriculture. As part of its non-profit mission, the CSA’s Fresh Access program provides a portion of its harvest to social service agencies in Hartford and Granby.
At the CSA Bbarn, visitors will have several opportunities to tour the farm and see the unusual plants that are being cultivated, as well as learn about the health benefits hidden in the herbs and vegetables grown. Come at noon and join in the Tomato Taste-off, sampling a variety of heirloom, slicers and cherry tomatoes. Lost Acres Orchard
130 Lost Acres Road, North Granby
lostacres.com
Since the 70s the Wutka family at Lost Acres Orchard has grown peaches, apples, quince and pears. In the fall, you can pick your own apples or buy them already picked. They also sell local winter squash, mums, pumpkins and gourds.
The kitchen at the orchard rightly deserves its reputation for delicious pies and other baked goods and soups. The retail bakery stays open all year round, with longer hours during the fall fruit season. Enjoy some hot apple crisp on the front porch (with ice cream from the GranVal Scoop) or select something to take home – soup, quiche, pie, cookies, jams, jellies and more.
On Open Farm Day, enjoy complimentary wagon rides through the orchard. Each hour, on the hour will be a five-minute talk on the history of the orchard and the area of North Granby where it is located. Light lunch will be available for purchase.
111 Simsbury Road, West Granby
holcombfarm.org
Holcomb Farm is a town-owned historic property in West Granby. Today the property continues as a working farm with fields full of fresh produce, and is also a resource available to the public for passive recreation.
Holcomb Farm is committed to preserving the expansive green spaces for which the state is known, and dedicated to offering programs that honor community, agriculture and education. The Holcomb Farm CSA brings the farming tradition at the Farm into the 21st century. All crops are grown without chemicals and with a commitment to sustainable agriculture. As part of its non-profit mission, the CSA’s Fresh Access program provides a portion of its harvest to social service agencies in Hartford and Granby.
At the CSA Bbarn, visitors will have several opportunities to tour the farm and see the unusual plants that are being cultivated, as well as learn about the health benefits hidden in the herbs and vegetables grown. Come at noon and join in the Tomato Taste-off, sampling a variety of heirloom, slicers and cherry tomatoes. Lost Acres Orchard
130 Lost Acres Road, North Granby
lostacres.com
Since the 70s the Wutka family at Lost Acres Orchard has grown peaches, apples, quince and pears. In the fall, you can pick your own apples or buy them already picked. They also sell local winter squash, mums, pumpkins and gourds.
The kitchen at the orchard rightly deserves its reputation for delicious pies and other baked goods and soups. The retail bakery stays open all year round, with longer hours during the fall fruit season. Enjoy some hot apple crisp on the front porch (with ice cream from the GranVal Scoop) or select something to take home – soup, quiche, pie, cookies, jams, jellies and more.
On Open Farm Day, enjoy complimentary wagon rides through the orchard. Each hour, on the hour will be a five-minute talk on the history of the orchard and the area of North Granby where it is located. Light lunch will be available for purchase.
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Lost Acres Vineyard
80 Lost Acres Road, North Granby
lostacresvineyard.com
In the 1700s Lost Acres was a political no-man’s land known as “the Wedge.” In the early 1800s, the Wedge’s free spirited, cider-distilling hill farmers populated the area. At Lost Acres Vineyard, owners Kevin Riggott and Michelle Niedermeyer continue this tradition with grape wine. A former apple orchard, Lost Acres Vineyard reclaimed this land in 2008 and it is now home to five acres of wine grapes, contributing to the agricultural spirit and the natural beauty of Granby.
On Open Farm Day, the vineyard will have free samples of Clemons Springs wine and demonstrations of an old style wine press. Lost Acres Vineyard will welcome the Granby Pony Club, which is celebrating its 50th year. The Pony Club will offer pony rides for a small fee and give demonstrations. Acclaimed horse trainer Marcus Rhatigan will wow you with a training and riding demonstration.
Sepe Farm (www.sepefarm.com) sheep shearing team—Peter and Carolyn Sepe, Erin Sepe Pirro and Jonathan Pirro—will be at the vineyard to demonstrate fall sheep shearing. Ongoing at Sepe Farm will be spinning demonstrations and a felting activity for kids.
80 Lost Acres Road, North Granby
lostacresvineyard.com
In the 1700s Lost Acres was a political no-man’s land known as “the Wedge.” In the early 1800s, the Wedge’s free spirited, cider-distilling hill farmers populated the area. At Lost Acres Vineyard, owners Kevin Riggott and Michelle Niedermeyer continue this tradition with grape wine. A former apple orchard, Lost Acres Vineyard reclaimed this land in 2008 and it is now home to five acres of wine grapes, contributing to the agricultural spirit and the natural beauty of Granby.
On Open Farm Day, the vineyard will have free samples of Clemons Springs wine and demonstrations of an old style wine press. Lost Acres Vineyard will welcome the Granby Pony Club, which is celebrating its 50th year. The Pony Club will offer pony rides for a small fee and give demonstrations. Acclaimed horse trainer Marcus Rhatigan will wow you with a training and riding demonstration.
Sepe Farm (www.sepefarm.com) sheep shearing team—Peter and Carolyn Sepe, Erin Sepe Pirro and Jonathan Pirro—will be at the vineyard to demonstrate fall sheep shearing. Ongoing at Sepe Farm will be spinning demonstrations and a felting activity for kids.
Maple View Farm
192 Salmon Brook Street, Granby
mapleviewhorsefarm.com
In 1950, Bill and Evelyn Bogli found 50 beautiful acres in Granby for their young family and took over an existing dairy operation. After coming out of the milking business, the farm was used to board horses and ponies. Jason and Kate Bogli are committed to keeping this land in the center of town a working farm. They now raise cows, goats and pigs in addition to boarding and leasing horses and providing beginner horseback riding lessons. The farm store offers cuts of their meat and other locally made products.
On Open Farm Day, Farmer Kate will lead tours of the farm where you’ll get to meet all of the animals and see how they are raised. There will be a riding demo given by some of their students and a chance to meet Jellybean the pony. Come early for breakfast with Farmer Kate or come at lunchtime to purchase a Maple View Burger, Dog or Sausage. The day culminates with a haybale throwing contest.
O’Brien Nurserymen
40 Wells Road, Granby
OBrienHosta.com
O’Brien Nurserymen has grown into New England’s premiere hosta nursery. Its extensive display gardens feature more than 1,600 hosta varieties as well as other shady characters including asarums, pulmonarias, epimediums and arisaemas. The gardens also include a wide variety of unusual dwarf conifers and more than a hundred varieties of Japanese maples.
On Open Farm Day, nurseryman John O’Brien puts the spotlight on rare peony species and intersectional peonies (cross of tree peonies and herbaceous peonies). Their showy seedpods ought to be at their peak in early September. Also expect hosta division demos, a tour of the landscaped trails with John O’Brien for fans of the hostas, and a self-guided plant quiz for fun. Discover the pleasure of plants, many unique and unusual specimens.
192 Salmon Brook Street, Granby
mapleviewhorsefarm.com
In 1950, Bill and Evelyn Bogli found 50 beautiful acres in Granby for their young family and took over an existing dairy operation. After coming out of the milking business, the farm was used to board horses and ponies. Jason and Kate Bogli are committed to keeping this land in the center of town a working farm. They now raise cows, goats and pigs in addition to boarding and leasing horses and providing beginner horseback riding lessons. The farm store offers cuts of their meat and other locally made products.
On Open Farm Day, Farmer Kate will lead tours of the farm where you’ll get to meet all of the animals and see how they are raised. There will be a riding demo given by some of their students and a chance to meet Jellybean the pony. Come early for breakfast with Farmer Kate or come at lunchtime to purchase a Maple View Burger, Dog or Sausage. The day culminates with a haybale throwing contest.
O’Brien Nurserymen
40 Wells Road, Granby
OBrienHosta.com
O’Brien Nurserymen has grown into New England’s premiere hosta nursery. Its extensive display gardens feature more than 1,600 hosta varieties as well as other shady characters including asarums, pulmonarias, epimediums and arisaemas. The gardens also include a wide variety of unusual dwarf conifers and more than a hundred varieties of Japanese maples.
On Open Farm Day, nurseryman John O’Brien puts the spotlight on rare peony species and intersectional peonies (cross of tree peonies and herbaceous peonies). Their showy seedpods ought to be at their peak in early September. Also expect hosta division demos, a tour of the landscaped trails with John O’Brien for fans of the hostas, and a self-guided plant quiz for fun. Discover the pleasure of plants, many unique and unusual specimens.
Old Beech Farm
53 Case Street, West Granby
Old Beech Farm began operation in the fall of 1988. The farm raises registered Hereford cattle and the breeding stock is sold from Maine to Virginia. The farm actively shows cattle throughout the Northeast and as far away as the national show in Denver in January. This is a great opportunity to view this breed including cows with their calves, breeding-age bulls and yearling heifers (females). There are free range chickens roaming around and a large vegetable garden to explore. Joan Palmer will be available to share her expertise in plants and gardening. There will be a display of tractors, great for some photos with the kids on board. Also available for sale will be locally sourced beef, chicken and pork as well as maple syrup. We look forward to sharing our farm with the community. Come wander around the fields.
Schoolhouse Farm
100 East Street, Granby
860 985 0190
At Schoolhouse Farm, Mary-Jo Toczydlowski breeds alpacas and shows them. You’ll also find pigs, chickens and vegetables. Schoolhouse Farm is so-named because it’s located on the former site of the Loomis School one-room schoolhouse.
Meet alpacas, pigs, and chickens at this new farm. Take a look at the John Deere 1946 B tractor on display. Perch on the tractor for a momentary photo opportunity. There will be a spinning demonstration from 10-12, and they will be giving samples of their farm-raised ham. Items such as gloves, hats, socks, scarves and blankets made from the farm’s alpaca fiber will be for sale during Open Farm Day.
The Granby Horse Council will be at Schoolhouse Farm all day for Open Farm Day. They will have horses for petting and we will have demonstrations of tack and different styles of horsemanship. There will be kid’s games, trivia questions and prizes. There will be something for everyone.
New to Open Farm Day this year, Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital will also be at Schoolhouse Farm.
Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital veterinarians have been caring for farm families and their animals for more than 60 years. Dr. Milkey started the practice in 1953 on his horse farm on Hungary Road. Since that time, they have forged long lasting client relationships based on progressive medicine and a fundamental concern for the well-being of all animals. Their fully equipped ambulatory trucks allow them to provide both medical and surgical care for animals on the farm. They offer digital x-ray, ultrasound and endoscopy services at the farm as well as in the hospital along with general medical and lameness examinations and a full array of laboratory analysis. The depth of expertise with the eight-doctor practice and compassionate staff allow them to provide the best in veterinary medicine for both farm and companion animals.
You will have an opportunity to meet the new vet, Dr. Rothacker and see the ambulatory truck used to help treat the farm animals. In the afternoon, they will be giving several presentations—one on sheep and goat parasites and one on vaccinations.
Sweet Pea Cheese at House of Hayes
151 East Street, North Granby
sweetpeacheese.com
Sweet Pea Cheese extends the House of Hayes traditional cow-dairy operation into goat milk, yogurt, and cheese. A growing herd of goats produces milk year round for products sold at the farm and at farmers’ markets in the region. The House of Hayes cow dairy has 60 cows and produces cheese, yogurt and milk.
Open Farm Day activities at the House of Hayes include tours of the dairy and cheese-making facilities. Visitors can enjoy free bite-sized goat cheese samples. The corn maze will also be open at noon, with an admission fee of $7 for adults/$5 for children aged 5 to 13; free for children under 5. The retail store sells pasteurized whole goat and cow milk, along with yogurt, feta cheese and chèvre (goat cheese prepared according to the French tradition).
Hemlock Knoll Farm will also be at Sweet Pea Farm with an informational display about their farm-raised meat products.
53 Case Street, West Granby
Old Beech Farm began operation in the fall of 1988. The farm raises registered Hereford cattle and the breeding stock is sold from Maine to Virginia. The farm actively shows cattle throughout the Northeast and as far away as the national show in Denver in January. This is a great opportunity to view this breed including cows with their calves, breeding-age bulls and yearling heifers (females). There are free range chickens roaming around and a large vegetable garden to explore. Joan Palmer will be available to share her expertise in plants and gardening. There will be a display of tractors, great for some photos with the kids on board. Also available for sale will be locally sourced beef, chicken and pork as well as maple syrup. We look forward to sharing our farm with the community. Come wander around the fields.
Schoolhouse Farm
100 East Street, Granby
860 985 0190
At Schoolhouse Farm, Mary-Jo Toczydlowski breeds alpacas and shows them. You’ll also find pigs, chickens and vegetables. Schoolhouse Farm is so-named because it’s located on the former site of the Loomis School one-room schoolhouse.
Meet alpacas, pigs, and chickens at this new farm. Take a look at the John Deere 1946 B tractor on display. Perch on the tractor for a momentary photo opportunity. There will be a spinning demonstration from 10-12, and they will be giving samples of their farm-raised ham. Items such as gloves, hats, socks, scarves and blankets made from the farm’s alpaca fiber will be for sale during Open Farm Day.
The Granby Horse Council will be at Schoolhouse Farm all day for Open Farm Day. They will have horses for petting and we will have demonstrations of tack and different styles of horsemanship. There will be kid’s games, trivia questions and prizes. There will be something for everyone.
New to Open Farm Day this year, Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital will also be at Schoolhouse Farm.
Salmon Brook Veterinary Hospital veterinarians have been caring for farm families and their animals for more than 60 years. Dr. Milkey started the practice in 1953 on his horse farm on Hungary Road. Since that time, they have forged long lasting client relationships based on progressive medicine and a fundamental concern for the well-being of all animals. Their fully equipped ambulatory trucks allow them to provide both medical and surgical care for animals on the farm. They offer digital x-ray, ultrasound and endoscopy services at the farm as well as in the hospital along with general medical and lameness examinations and a full array of laboratory analysis. The depth of expertise with the eight-doctor practice and compassionate staff allow them to provide the best in veterinary medicine for both farm and companion animals.
You will have an opportunity to meet the new vet, Dr. Rothacker and see the ambulatory truck used to help treat the farm animals. In the afternoon, they will be giving several presentations—one on sheep and goat parasites and one on vaccinations.
Sweet Pea Cheese at House of Hayes
151 East Street, North Granby
sweetpeacheese.com
Sweet Pea Cheese extends the House of Hayes traditional cow-dairy operation into goat milk, yogurt, and cheese. A growing herd of goats produces milk year round for products sold at the farm and at farmers’ markets in the region. The House of Hayes cow dairy has 60 cows and produces cheese, yogurt and milk.
Open Farm Day activities at the House of Hayes include tours of the dairy and cheese-making facilities. Visitors can enjoy free bite-sized goat cheese samples. The corn maze will also be open at noon, with an admission fee of $7 for adults/$5 for children aged 5 to 13; free for children under 5. The retail store sells pasteurized whole goat and cow milk, along with yogurt, feta cheese and chèvre (goat cheese prepared according to the French tradition).
Hemlock Knoll Farm will also be at Sweet Pea Farm with an informational display about their farm-raised meat products.
Granby 4-H will be at Sweet Pea Farm. Come see what young people have accomplished!
Granby 4-H is an organization run by local youth that provides opportunities for them to learn and grow. There will be demonstrations and educational presentations from project groups such as dairy cows, poultry, goats, sewing, hiking, small engine and baking that are worked on throughout the year. T-shirts and food items will be available for purchase to support Granby agriculture and Granby 4-H.
New this year will be Open Farm Day t-shirts for sale! Stop by the Granby 4-H booth at Sweet Pea and get yours before they are gone!
Granby Grange #5 212 North Granby Road (Route 189), Granby
CTstateGrange.org
The Grange is a venerable rural community organization. On Open Farm Day, the Grange will be hosting a photo contest and chili-cooking contest. Come have chili for lunch and vote on your favorite! Photo contest theme is “People and the Land”—enter the contest or vote on your favorite photo.
In the evening after Open Farm Day is over, there will be a rock band at the Grange.
Briarwoods Farm (www.facebook.com/pages/Briarwoods-Farm/1508374366045861) will also be at Granby Grange with produce, canned goods, recipes, and canning demonstrations at 11a.m. and 2 p.m.
Located on the Granby/Barkhamsted/Canton line, and accessible from Rte. 179, the land has been in the Langer family for over 100 years. Sheila (Langer) Groneman started Briarwoods Farm in 2011 after building on the back acreage in 2007. Briarwoods Farm produces naturally grown fruit, vegetables and herbs, as well as small batches of jams, jellies and other fruit products.
New this year – Open Farm Day Memorabilia!!
Open Farm Day T-shirts will be available for sale. The Granby 4-H will be selling the t-shirts in their booth at Sweet Pea Farm. Come support local agriculture and the Granby 4-H.
Open Farm Day Calendar Renowned photographer and Granby resident Gary Melnysyn has been busy visiting the farms and capturing candid shots of our farms. The result is an Open Farm Day calendar showcasing our farms. Calendars will be available for purchase on Open Farm Day at several farms and at Gary’s studio – Hidden Acres Yoga and Art Gallery, 114 East Street, Granby.
Granby 4-H is an organization run by local youth that provides opportunities for them to learn and grow. There will be demonstrations and educational presentations from project groups such as dairy cows, poultry, goats, sewing, hiking, small engine and baking that are worked on throughout the year. T-shirts and food items will be available for purchase to support Granby agriculture and Granby 4-H.
New this year will be Open Farm Day t-shirts for sale! Stop by the Granby 4-H booth at Sweet Pea and get yours before they are gone!
Granby Grange #5 212 North Granby Road (Route 189), Granby
CTstateGrange.org
The Grange is a venerable rural community organization. On Open Farm Day, the Grange will be hosting a photo contest and chili-cooking contest. Come have chili for lunch and vote on your favorite! Photo contest theme is “People and the Land”—enter the contest or vote on your favorite photo.
In the evening after Open Farm Day is over, there will be a rock band at the Grange.
Briarwoods Farm (www.facebook.com/pages/Briarwoods-Farm/1508374366045861) will also be at Granby Grange with produce, canned goods, recipes, and canning demonstrations at 11a.m. and 2 p.m.
Located on the Granby/Barkhamsted/Canton line, and accessible from Rte. 179, the land has been in the Langer family for over 100 years. Sheila (Langer) Groneman started Briarwoods Farm in 2011 after building on the back acreage in 2007. Briarwoods Farm produces naturally grown fruit, vegetables and herbs, as well as small batches of jams, jellies and other fruit products.
New this year – Open Farm Day Memorabilia!!
Open Farm Day T-shirts will be available for sale. The Granby 4-H will be selling the t-shirts in their booth at Sweet Pea Farm. Come support local agriculture and the Granby 4-H.
Open Farm Day Calendar Renowned photographer and Granby resident Gary Melnysyn has been busy visiting the farms and capturing candid shots of our farms. The result is an Open Farm Day calendar showcasing our farms. Calendars will be available for purchase on Open Farm Day at several farms and at Gary’s studio – Hidden Acres Yoga and Art Gallery, 114 East Street, Granby.