​How long have you been farming and how did you get started?​

​

We’ve been farming as a family for 16 years, and we’ve been on Hogan Hill for thirteen of those. We got started with help from other farms and farmers who shared their knowledge and encouraged us along the way. What began as a small family project has grown into a way of life that keeps us connected to the land and to our community.

 

How many people work on your farm, and how much land do you farm?

​

We’ve always kept things small and family-run. We started with about 15 acres in production, but now we work on less than five. Over time, we’ve learned to make better use of the whole property — planting more shrubs, trees, and perennials that produce across all 15 acres. It’s less about how much land we till and more about working with the land as a whole.

 

What are your main crops?

​

We grow a mix of fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, blueberries, watermelons, apples, and peaches. Our vegetable crops include corn, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, leafy greens, and beans. Having a variety helps us make the most of the growing season and keeps the farm balanced and healthy. We basically grow anything that we can in Zone 4.

 

What do you love most about farming, and what’s the hardest part?

​

We love the community that comes with farming — learning from others, sharing ideas, and blending creative thinking with practical work. It keeps things meaningful. The hardest part is finding balance and making decisions together, but working through those challenges helps us grow stronger as a family and as farmers.

 

How does your day-to-day change with each season?

​

Life in the Adirondacks keeps us on our toes. No matter the season, the day usually starts with layering up, hydrating, and checking the weather — because it always shapes the plan. Spring and summer are full of planting, weeding, and harvesting. Fall is about wrapping things up and preparing for what’s next. Winter slows down a bit, giving us time to plan, regroup, and take care of the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the farm running. Rob also has a business pruning fruit trees which takes him all over the Northeast in the winter.

 

How long have you been selling through the Ticonderoga Food Co-op?

​

We connected with the Co-op early on because we loved what they were doing for local farms. It’s been a great partnership — steady, supportive, and centered around the same goal of getting fresh food to our community.

 

Why is the Co-op important to your farm?

​

The Co-op is an important partner because it shares the same values that guide our farm — accountability, food security, and care for the community. Together, we’re helping strengthen the local food system and keeping good food close to home. It’s rewarding to see how steady efforts like these can make a real difference in our own community.

 

How has selling through the Co-op helped you reach customers compared to other outlets?

​

The Co-op has helped us reach more people, which has always been one of our goals. Our area is pretty rural, and getting to markets takes a lot of time and energy. Selling through the Co-op lets our food reach folks we might not otherwise connect with — while keeping it local and accessible. 

 

What would you like to say to the Ticonderoga Co-op community? Anything new and exciting?

 

Mostly, we just want to say thank you — to the Co-op and to everyone who supports it. Knowing that people value local food and the work that goes into growing it means a lot. It keeps us motivated and reminds us why we do what we do. We also just raised another greenhouse which will allow us to further extend the seasons and offer more varied produce during the colder months.