Farm Profile: Farmsteads of New England, Hillsborough

On Wednesday I was fortunate to be invited to take a tour of the Farmsteads of New England by my friend and farm employee Lindsey Lafond. Their are two branches Farmstead of New England, one in Epping and one in Hillsborough. We were at the Hillsborough location. This farm, a non-profit organization, is unique in that it offers a day program and residential program for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. There is housing right on the property for those receiving services farmers who value a rural lifestyle, a certain degree of independence and a meaningful work experience through farming. To quote their mission statement on their facebook page, "Farmsteads of New England, Inc. (FNE) was created to provide a farming environment that is conducive to a meaningful and satisfying life for people who have autism and other developmental disabilities and who are seeking a holistic lifestyle that supports their vocational, recreational, and residential needs." Incorporating human services into the farming experience, this facility is an incredible display of synergy and community engagement. The farm also does a local CSA and participates in the Hillsborough farmer's market.

There are, of course, lots of veggies flourishing on the property, like kale and tomatoes.

 

Across the street there is a sprawling apple orchard. There are several fruit treats, including pear and peach, dispersed around the gardens as well.

There are also animals, like laying hens, goats, pigs and chickens being raised for meat. These chickens live in this portable lean-to type structure that is moved all over the gardens so they can dig and scratch and turn up the ground around the farm.

The farmers and other farm employees eat the meat that is raised on the farm year round. There is a lot of pork thanks to their healthy community of pigs and they are just beginning to raise chickens for meat (as seen above). Sometimes they trade their meat for beef from Eccardts Farm in Washington. Everyone enjoys a big community lunch every day, sampling the farm goodies and simply sharing good company.

A very cool feature of the farm is this handicap accessible greenhouse, with raised beds that can be worked in while sitting down and wide aisles that allow for the passage of a wheelchair.

And outdoor raised beds accessible from a wheelchair.

Here is my host, Lindsey, holding one of the adorable goats they have hanging out on the farm.

A hot but happy cow resting in her room.

And a bunny relaxing merrily in his home.

The farm also has goods for sale, like eggs...

And goat milk products, like soap...

...and laundry detergent...

...and luscious body butter. Yum!

Overall, my trip to the Farmsteads of New England was inspirational and uplifting. It is exactly these kinds of programs - helping communities to thrive by infusing them with life, creating authentic and meaningful bonds between people while connecting with nature through growing food - that encourage and move me deeply. Beautiful! Let's do more of this! Please comment if you know of similar multifunctional farm experiences. :)