Farmstay https://farmstayus.com We connect travelers with farm stays across the U.S. Mon, 02 Jun 2025 11:59:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://farmstayus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/favicon-16x16-1-150x150.png Farmstay https://farmstayus.com 32 32 15 Years of Farm Stay USA: Celebrating Our Roots and Honoring the Founders Who Helped Cultivate a Movement (4) https://farmstayus.com/15-years-of-farm-stay-usa-celebrating-our-roots-pt-4/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=15-years-of-farm-stay-usa-celebrating-our-roots-pt-4 Mon, 02 Jun 2025 11:59:46 +0000 https://farmstayus.com/?p=19332 Part 4 – The Rest of Us Welcome to the final chapter in our four-part celebration of Farm Stay USA’s 15th anniversary! We’ve introduced you to the visionaries, the adventurers, and the enthusiasts—now it’s time to shine a light on the rest of us: the farms that didn’t quite fit neatly into any one category […]

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Part 4 – The Rest of Us

Welcome to the final chapter in our four-part celebration of Farm Stay USA’s 15th anniversary! We’ve introduced you to the visionaries, the adventurers, and the enthusiasts—now it’s time to shine a light on the rest of us: the farms that didn’t quite fit neatly into any one category but were equally instrumental in building this movement.

These farms, including my own—Leaping Lamb Farm—started in the early 2000s. We weren’t just testing the waters, nor were we seasoned pros. We were somewhere in the middle, navigating the challenges of keeping our farms afloat while exploring new ways to share what we loved with others.

For us, farm stays weren’t just a fun idea—they were a lifeline. In my case, the concept quite literally saved our farm. Opening our doors to guests gave us the financial and emotional support we needed to keep going. And as I looked around the country, I realized we weren’t alone. There were incredible farms and ranches doing the same thing—but scattered, hard to find, and operating without a shared platform.

So, with the help of a USDA grant and a whole lot of determination, we launched Farm Stay USA: a centralized site where curious travelers could discover authentic rural experiences, and where farmers could find community, visibility, and support. We knew it worked in places like Italy and the U.K.—why not here? Why not invite people out to the countryside, just a short drive from their homes, to reconnect with food, nature, and the people who make both possible?

It turns out, we were onto something.

Crow Vineyard and Winery, Kennedyville, Maryland | Farm Stay USA
Crow Vineyard and Winery in Autumn

Crow Farm Vineyard and Winery in Kennedyville MD, taken on by Judy and Roy Crow in 2008, is a third generation heritage farm. They transformed the family farm from dairy, wheat, corn and soy to grass-fed Angus beef and planted a vineyard. At this time they also opened their B&B. Their motto: “stay original” drives a growing business of selling their natural grass-fed beef to local citizens and restaurants in the area. Guests enjoy their quality estate wines and farm-to-table events in the Haybarn.  As Judy says, “Having the public be a part of your farm family takes commitment and planning.” She thinks of safety first. Her husband enjoys taking guests to feed and rotate the cattle. Judy enjoys taking them to the chicken yard to collect eggs. The winemaker enjoys speaking about his wine making techniques. Even their volunteer gardener who manages the vegetable gardens gets into it and gives garden tours, enlisting guest help in return for veggies they can take home with them. One funny story had to do with the guest who sent a message saying how much they had enjoyed their stay but on return home had cooked some of the corn they had taken from the field that was just terrible. Judy had to explain that the corn they had picked was field corn for the cattle and not human consumption! In the end, the reward for hosting guests doesn’t come from other family members or staff but rather from the guests themselves. Having outsiders see the efforts and dedication to farming that is rewarded with money and kind words is the greatest compliment, improving morale and keeping these farmers smiling.

people riding in the woods
Riding at Fairwinds Farm

Fairwind Farms in North East MD actually started to host guests in 1999. JoAnn and Ted Dawson had dreamed of having a B&B where they could share a farm experience. They finally found their farm and made their dream come true, not only inviting guests to stay over, but their horses as well! They advise new farm stay owners to be open and welcoming to visitors, showing them around and patiently answering questions. They feel it important to realize many may never have seen or been near any kind of farm animals, even dogs, so they try to help them ease into the experience. Collecting eggs from the chicken house is always fun for the questions…and for the answers. Asking how many eggs a chicken lays in a day has had some funny answers and one adult even asked once what the farm does with the eggs after collecting them. The thought was that the eggs had to go to the store first before they could be eaten. When asked for a favorite story, JoAnn referred to her book “Bed, Breakfast, and Beyond: Twenty Years of Kooky Guests, Gentle Ghosts, and Horses in Between” for some of the more interesting experiences. As for why they listed on the Farm Stay USA site, JoAnne feels is has always been a well-respected platform that pairs guests with just the right farm experience they are searching for, making life easy for the farmer as well.

Leaping Lamb Farm, Alsea, Oregon | Farm Stay USA
Sheep in the orchard – Leaping Lamb Farm

Leaping Lamb Farm is a small family sheep farm in the Coast Range of Oregon. Scottie and Greg Jones moved to the farm in 2003 as new farmers and by 2008 had launched their farm stay when it became evident that running a small-scale lambing operation was not going to pay to fix the tractor. Luck was on their side for getting the word out: Sunset Magazine mentioned them, the Today Show included the farm in a summer travel piece, and the Oregonian ran a front page story – all within the first year. That and word-of-mouth have kept them busy ever since. Scottie launched Farm Stay USA in 2010 because she recognized a need for farms doing what she was doing to show up on one site…and she was tired of searching Google to help guests find another farm stay when she was booked! Guests at Leaping Lamb Farm are invited to help with chores and love this part, whether it is feeding hay to the sheep, helping with lambing, or “scooping poop”. Of course, for that last chore the option is always given to cuddle goats instead. It’s the hands-on activities that make people keep coming back. As for the reward, when kids say the experience is better than Disneyland and the parents comment on the “best vacation ever” and re-book for the next year, it’s enough to know an impact has been made…and for the better. Also that the tractor can be fixed because of the added income. While Farm Stay USA has taken a moment to find its place in the travel world because both guests and farms have had to be educated about farm stays: what they were, why they were a unique experience, their importance. 15 years (and Covid) later, it all makes sense. Her memoir, Country Grit: A Farmoir of Finding Love and Purpose, was published in 2017.

Sweet Retreat Guesthouse and Sugarworks, Northfield, VT | Farm Stay USA
Sugar house at Sweet Retreat

Sweet Retreat Guesthouse and Sugarworks in Northfield, Vermont is owned by Hannah and Ray Morvan. Having bought the property in 1992, the Morvans built a guest house for friends to visit during sugaring season in spring and leaf season in fall. In 2001 they decided to turn the guest house into a farm stay business. The primary product for the farm is maple syrup produced in their Sugarworks building and sold both wholesale and retail in finely etched bottles. But, the farm is also home to Heritage Ox Farm where show oxen are raised and trained to take to fairs, parades and demonstrations. The experience on the farm is observational for guests rather than hands-on as both areas of production (Sugarworks and Ox Farm) can be dangerous. Instead, guests can enjoy hiking and cross country skiing on the trails throughout the 400 acre farm. Hannah’s advice to those considering hosting guests on farm property is to think about what guests will be allowed to do. One should always be conscious of the liability risks and post signage addressing the risks of visiting a farm. Her most memorable story has to do with the ongoing education of guests about the oxen. Brought to the farm as steers, these animals are not oxen until they are trained. Somewhere in between, they are called Handy Steers. It takes four years for a steer to become a fully-trained oxen. The Morvans were introduced to a European head yoke style which lashes the yoke to the bony part of the head at the base of the horns while up in Nova Scotia scouting for steers. The oxen wear decorative leather face pads and collars with brass bells hanging from the collars.  Interestingly, a number of guests who have found Sweet Retreat through their Farm Stay USA profile are farmers from all over (New Zealand being the furthest away) trying to learn either about sugaring or oxen (or both).

Willet Ponds Farm LLC, Todd, North Carolina | Farm Stay USA
Horse in pasture at Willet Ponds Farm

Willet Ponds Horse Farm in Todd North Carolina is a horse farm owned by Walton Conway. Soon after he and his wife, Betty, set up their horse farm in 2005, their closest neighbor put his house up for sale. It was the original old farmhouse for the land they were living on. They decided to offer the Old Farmhouse as a guest house to share their dream. In subsequent years they were able to buy out two more neighbors, piecing the old farm back together, and adding more houses for guests. They sell eggs, poultry, firewood, trout, apples and more, but the real treasure there is intangible.  Set in the back of a secluded valley with 100+ acres of mountain views, streams, trails, and meadows, Willet Ponds Farm offers the perfect Appalachian mountain farm stay.  For farms considering doing what Walton does, he advises “Do it! Our youth have a great hunger and need for wholesome, hands-on experiences. Our most important crop is the next generation!’  The more we share, the more comes back to us.” When asked for a favorite farm chore shared with guests, it’s an enthusiastic “mucking the barn!” Kids learn to drive a wheelbarrow, use a rake and shovel. Parents discover that their kids can work! And they all go home with a new idea about what a vacation can be. Walton says he still smiles thinking about the lady who exclaimed, “If you had told me yesterday that I’d be shoveling horse manure on my vacation!!!” A particular family has returned to the farm many times over the years. Each time Walton finds unique experiences for them to enjoy: pressing apple cider, building a holzhausen, even slaughtering a deer. Most recently they brought chainsaws with them and spent their vacation helping to clear trees blown down by hurricane Helene. The farmer was humbled. For Willet Ponds, Farm Stay USA has been instrumental in connecting them with families far and wide who seek out farm experiences when they travel. The guests sent from the site are always enthusiastic and eager to celebrate their mission–connecting people to the land and life in the country.

Conclusion

Looking back on the last 15 years, we’re filled with gratitude and awe—for the farms that took a chance, for the guests who showed up with curiosity and open hearts, and for the growing community that continues to believe in the power of agritourism. From the trailblazers to the new farmers and ranchers just starting out, each story shapes the vibrant patchwork that is Farm Stay USA.

This may be the final part of our anniversary series, but it’s not the end of the journey. We’re more inspired than ever to keep growing, connecting, and sharing the magic of life on a working farm or ranch.

Here’s to the next 15 years—and to all of you who make this movement matter. Thank you for being part of our story.

(Header photo courtesy of Willet Ponds Farm)

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15 Years of Farm Stay USA: Celebrating Our Roots and Honoring the Founders Who Helped Cultivate a Movement (3) https://farmstayus.com/15-years-of-farm-stay-usa-celebrating-our-roots-pt-3/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=15-years-of-farm-stay-usa-celebrating-our-roots-pt-3 Mon, 19 May 2025 21:07:27 +0000 https://farmstayus.com/?p=19330 Part 3 – The Enthusiasts Welcome to Part 3 of our special anniversary series celebrating the passionate pioneers behind Farm Stay USA! As we mark 15 years of connecting travelers with authentic, working farms and ranches across the country, we’re turning the spotlight on the spirited founding members who believed in the dream from day […]

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Part 3 – The Enthusiasts

Welcome to Part 3 of our special anniversary series celebrating the passionate pioneers behind Farm Stay USA! As we mark 15 years of connecting travelers with authentic, working farms and ranches across the country, we’re turning the spotlight on the spirited founding members who believed in the dream from day one and helped turn it into a thriving national network.

When Farm Stay USA first launched in 2010, farm stays were virtually unheard of in the U.S., a far cry from their popularity in Europe. Many Americans didn’t realize it was even possible to spend the night on a farm; let alone why they might want to. But a small group of forward-thinking farmers and ranchers saw the potential in opening their gates and sharing their lives with curious, countryside-seeking travelers.

From the very beginning, we walked alongside these early adopters, offering support, tools, and a community that celebrated the value of rural hospitality. Together, we nurtured a vision of agritourism rooted in connection, education, and genuine experience.

Fifteen years later, these farms have flourished. They’ve grown into confident, innovative businesses, continually adapting like all successful small farms do. Their voices are stronger, their offerings richer, and their place in the agricultural landscape well-earned.

We are incredibly proud to have been part of their journey and even more excited for what’s to come next.

B & B Orchards, Hubbard, Oregon | Farm Stay USA
Farmhouse at B & B Orchards

B and B Orchards, located outside of Salem, Oregon was inherited by the next generation in 2011. The hazelnut orchard had been leased out and the family was not in a position to move to the farmhouse or take over operations right away. 3rd generation, Bari, and her 4th generation son, Anthony, became aware of Farm Stay USA’s website that would allow them to share the farm with others. With a few upgrades and just the right number of modern touches, the farmhouse retained all the warmth and coziness of grandma’s house.  These days, taking visitors around the farm and through the hazelnut orchard is a favorite: explaining how hazelnuts flower, set nut clusters, and are harvested. Equally popular, especially with kids, is visiting the farm animals: feeding the chickens, goats, cows and barn cats, and collecting fresh eggs. One family even spent an afternoon helping to plant flowers in the garden beds, their children wide-eyed and excited to dig in the soil, choose each plant’s spot and asking questions. As for advice to others, Anthony and his mother began modestly and learned as they went along. They searched out best practices, fostered strong relations with their neighbors stayed informed about local zoning regulations and even found grants and cost-share opportunities to offset some of their setup expenses.

little girl kissing a goat
Child and goat – Dogwood Hills

Dogwood Hills is owned by Ruth and Thomas Pepler. The farm is located in Harriet, Arkansas and now offers a hands-on experience starting with morning chores, milking, harvesting fodder, gathering eggs, feeding the animals, and checking in on the babies as they arrive. It didn’t start this way. The first iteration before knowing about farm stays started with hosting pastors and their families in 2009. Their guests would walk down during chores and ask to help. It was the beginning of an idea. Ruth found Farm Stay USA and joined. She asked other farms about their setups and began from there with the assistance of her then teenage daughter. Her advice: start simply and as you get that operation under your belt, you can add another. Do things well and think through the business plan.  Her farm has grown with cooking classes, a cooking show, a barbecue contest and more. Her favorite chore with guests is milking the cows, starting with the hydroponic barley fodder they hand feed, then on to the milk stand and the entire process of brushing down the cow, cleaning and milking. Afterwards everyone heads upstairs for a full farm breakfast made with the farm fresh milk. As for favorite guest interaction, Ruth tells of the guest that was very animal shy, scared to death of everything from the moths to the dogs and when she finally put a squirt of milk in the can, she just screamed and then squealed with delight. For Ruth and her daughter, Farm Stay USA proved more than a platform to advertise their property. It opened up international travel for them through USAid to help other farm communities set up agritourism operations and it gave the farm its own community in which to engage and share and learn best practices.

shepherds wagon at sunset
Shepherd’s wagon – Serenity Sheep Farmstay

Serenity Sheep Farm Stay brilliantly converted two shepherd’s wagons to welcome guests on her farm, located halfway between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park in Belgrade, Montana. LaVonne opened in 2009 after discovering (from us) that there was a thing called a “farm stay” and it could be something she added to her farm to generate additional income. Originally one of her favorite chores with guests was to show them how to milk her goats. These days the goats are gone and instead she runs a wool mill where guests can learn the process of taking a sheep fleece and turning it into roving. LaVonne’s advice to farms thinking of starting up with a farm stay – make friends with your local county health and planning departments in order to understand what permits you might need and what you are actually allowed and not allowed to do on your property. Her other bit of advice when it comes to hosting guests – you never know who they might be. She admits she is a “hugger” and she includes this in her welcome note just in case this is something that might make a guest uncomfortable. One guest asked if she really did hug her guests because he had read all her material. When she queried him as to why he was checking, he responded “I like to know what I am headed into.” It turns out he was an FBI Investigative agent! Farm Stay USA gave LaVonne a basis for her operation that has now welcomed guests from 29 countries and all over the U.S. As one of her friends said, “Leave it to LaVonne to bring the world to her.”

vineyard with a silo in the background on a cloudy day
Vineyard with silo farm store – Stillwaters Farm

Stillwaters Farm is a family owned and operated 153+ acre farm and vineyard in Henderson, Tennessee with a menagerie of animals (including a peacock!) and gardens. Valeria began hosting guests in 2007. At first it was just a way to accommodate friends and family who wanted to visit the Pitonis since they had uprooted their lives in a move from Florida to Tennessee. This quickly turned into a career decision with Valeria focused on educating guests about the important role agriculture plays in everyone’s lives. With the opening of her farm to guests, there were lessons learned. Be yourself in your presentation as all farm hosts are as varied as what they grow. Use direct booking to save your guests the additional fees – this also is more efficient (for everyone) and makes interactions more personal without a middleman. Her favorite experiences with guests these days revolve around the grape harvest from the vineyard recently installed in 2023. They are able to truly engage their senses in the feel, the smell and of course the taste of a ripe wine grape. As for memorable experiences, Valeria tells of a young man who brought his mom to the farm specifically to learn how to build a compost bin. They spend a Saturday together building a small one where the boy learned how to use power tools, think through the process and enjoy a job well done. Only a year later, he passed away, but his mom still visits from time to time because this was one of his favorite places in the world, a bond they will have for life. Farm Stay USA, for Stillwaters Farm, gave them the credibility they were looking for as part of a network of farmers who work hard, share their knowledge and believe in their collective future.

Vermont Grand View Farm, Washington, VT | FarmStay USA
Herding sheep from pasture – Grand View Farm

Vermont Grand View Farm is located in Washington, Vermont just south of Montpellier and closer to the Canadian border than to New York City. The farm is run by Kim Goodling and her family. They first started hosting guests in about 2005 after purchasing their farm and realizing it was the perfect setup for what they were then calling a “bed and breakfast”. The farm is recognized as having Vermont’s first flock of Gotland sheep, an endangered wool breed from Denmark that is slowly being revived in the U.S.  Not just about the sheep, Kim has connected her guests with Vermont’s rich agricultural life, teaching about maple sugaring, shepherding, fiber arts, and sustainable farming. They can help with chores or just settle back to snuggle with the sheep. Farm Stay USA has helped Kim spread the word about her farm and what she offers. Guests have arrived to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and weddings. They have come to grieve the loss of loved ones and to get lost on the dirt county roads. They’ve come to get engaged and then write wedding vows. They’ve been opera composers, internationally know singing groups, Pixar graphic artists, German knitting experts, journalists, photographers, people from Siberia, Australia, Italy, India, Canada, Japan, Germany and France. The most memorable was the very first family who had a little girl. She went to help collect eggs. When she felt how warm the freshly laid egg felt, she went running to her grandmother sitting on the porch and held it out to her saying “Look, the hen laid an egg, and she even cooked it!” Teaching moments come in all shapes and forms and for all age levels and farmers like a good laugh now and then to see the farm as an outsider.

As we celebrate the enthusiasm and evolution of our founding members, we’re reminded that the farm stay movement in the U.S. has always been fueled by heart, hustle, and a deep love for the land. These early partners dared to try something new and helped shape a community that continues to grow.

But the story doesn’t end here.

In the coming weeks, we’ll share Part 4 – The Rest of Us, featuring a final group of farms that also launched in the early 2000s. those who, like Leaping Lamb Farm (my own!), were neither brand new nor deeply seasoned when they joined the Farm Stay USA family. The last part in this series offers a personal glimpse into how this movement not only supported other farms, but also helped save my own and how a vision for a nationwide farm stay platform took root. Stay tuned!

If you haven’t read Part 1 – The Trailblazers or Part 2 – The Ranchers be sure to check them out!

(Header photo courtesy of Dogwood Hills)

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15 Years of Farm Stay USA: Celebrating Our Roots and Honoring the Founders Who Helped Cultivate a Movement https://farmstayus.com/15-years-of-farm-stay-usa-celebrating-our-roots-pt-1/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=15-years-of-farm-stay-usa-celebrating-our-roots-pt-1 Thu, 10 Apr 2025 23:26:17 +0000 https://farmstayus.com/?p=19323 Part I- The Trailblazers Fifteen years ago, Farm Stay USA launched with a big idea and a small website: to introduce Americans to the joy of staying overnight on a real working farm or ranch. But here’s the twist, when we showed up, we discovered something wonderful: many farm stays were already out there! They […]

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Part I- The Trailblazers

Fifteen years ago, Farm Stay USA launched with a big idea and a small website: to introduce Americans to the joy of staying overnight on a real working farm or ranch. But here’s the twist, when we showed up, we discovered something wonderful: many farm stays were already out there! They just weren’t called that yet. Some went by “farm vacations,” others by “working ranches” or “bed and breakfasts.”

Farm Stay USA gave these pioneers a home, a shared identity, and a place to be found by curious travelers. For others just getting started, we offered a framework, a sense of community, and a cheering section as they opened their gates to guests for the first time.

As part of our 15th anniversary celebration, we’re shining the spotlight on our 21 founding members. That’s a lot of inspiration to pack into one blog, so we’ve split their stories into four digestible parts.

We used a light-touch Q&A format to gather reflections, asking when and why they began hosting, what moments still stand out, what advice they’d give a new farmer-hoster, and how Farm Stay USA made a difference for them. In true farmer fashion, some followed instructions, some plowed their own path. And just like the farms themselves, no two answers are the same.

We’re starting this series with the mentors, those generous trailblazers who were welcoming guests long before “farm stay” was a buzzword. They laid the groundwork for everything that followed.

East Hill Farm, Troy, New Hampshire | Farm Stay USA
Winter Barnyard, East Hill Farm

East Hill Farm in Troy NH started hosting guests in the mid 1940s. At the time it was a small dairy farm and the owner decided to add some lodging for extra income. He expanded the business over the years, adding animals and amenities until the farm became a year-round family resort. In the 1970s, the next generation took over the farm, adding educational aspects including raising rare breed animals, cow and goat milking for guests, horseback riding, and butter and cheese making workshops. Currently Jennifer Adams and her siblings, part of the 4th generation, run the farm. Generations run in guests as well with some families having come to the farm for over 50 years! As for favorite experience, Jen runs a Farm School program where the kids spend 3 days and 2 nights working with the animals and the farmers. She loves to watch them move through the steps from being tentative to confident and curious, knowing she is sending them home with a better understanding of what it takes to be a farmer. When it comes to Farmstay, the site gave the farm a place to list nationally and the opportunity within its community to be a mentor to others.

Liberty Hill Farm Inn, Rochester, VT | Farm Stay USA
Feeding the babies – Liberty Hill Farm

Liberty Hill Farm, run by Beth and Bob Kennett, is located in Rochester VT and has been a pioneer in the agritourism movement since opening its doors to guests in 1984. Their multi-decades-long commitment to sustainability was recognized in 2008 when the farm was designated as Vermont’s first certified Green Agritourism Enterprise. Guests from around the world have stayed at this 120-head dairy that is part of the Cabot Creamery Co-op. Beth cooks breakfast and dinner for guests, shared around the farm house table. At this point she counts repeat guests in generations and in friendships. With tours on top of stays, guests can watch the milking process and even try their hand at manual milking. Feeding the calves, playing in the hayloft, walking in the fields, and in fall visits for the leaf change are all part of the experience. Beth’s suggestions for farms considering agritourism: look at what you like to do and make sure hospitality can fit into your farming schedule. Break up the responsibilities so the load does not become too much and, if you are cooking, stick with your favorite recipes. For the Kennetts, Farm Stay USA was a place to be recognized as the quintessential New England farm and the barn was the masthead of the site for many years.

a horse with a jacket on in front of a red barn
Horse in paddock – Grace Note Farm

Grace Note Farm in Pascoag RI, also known as the Benjamin Smith homestead farm c. 1730, is nestled in the northwest corner of Rhode Island adjacent to the George Washington Management area. It is a horse farm and riders can enjoy over six hours of riding on wide, mostly sandy trails that connect to Connecticut and Massachusetts. The inn opened in 2001 after Virginia built stalls for guest horses. Two factors helped with this decision: Virginia’s son announced the farm should pay for itself and two guests from a horse club who just happened to pull into the driveway suggested she become a B&B. Since opening, Virginia has found that both grownups and kids love to wash the horses and, in terms of the children, they love the freedom to roam, to collect eggs with her in the morning, and to ride beside her in her 4×4. She would advise new farm stay operators to make sure they have a private space of their own to retreat to; that guests are strangers until  they have completed their first visit; and that the Internet is best for marketing. As far as Farmstay, she felt it gave her national exposure and credibility as a working farm with lodging, not just a vacation rental. Now in her 80s, Virginia is about to close the barn door on guests but the experience has been worth the effort for the people she has met and the lives she has touched.

Hull-O Farms, Durham, New York | Farm Stay USA
Reaching for the sheep – Hull-O Farms

Hull-O Farms in Durham NY has been in the Hull family since its 1779 post-Revolutionary War founding. The farm has been recognized and designated by New York State as a National Bicentennial Farm. Sherry and her husband, Frank, started hosting guests in June 1994. Back then they were milking 80 cows and struggling financially. They decided, encouraged by a friend, to offer a farm “vacation” option in a cottage that stood on the farm grounds. Another friend who worked for a cable station on Long Island ran a free ad for them about this new vacation opportunity. Within 30 minutes of the ad running, the phone started ringing. Sherry has never looked back. While Sherry handles the hospitality end, farmer Frank oversees guests interaction on the farm. Top of these is collecting eggs, hand-milking the cows, playing with the barn cats, and enjoying s’mores and music around the campfire. Their advice to new farm stay hosts: welcoming visitors can be a lot of work but also incredibly rewarding. You must genuinely love people and be okay with sharing your personal space, so be flexible and do your due diligence about all the ins and outs of a farm stay. As for a particularly memorable experience, three years after the farm stay opened, a very excited 10-year-old boy ran into Sherry’s kitchen and said with great enthusiasm “Ms Sherry, this may just be the best day of my life.” In the end, Farm Stay USA helped to raise awareness about the novelty of a farm vacation by adding more farms into the travel niche,  even acting as a resource for other options Sherry could point to when they were full.

Labour of Love Landscaping and Nursery, Glover, VT | Farm Stay USA
Lower garden in July – Labour of Love Landscaping and Nursery

Labour of Love Landscaping and Nurserv, owned by Kate  Glover started hosting guests in 1985. Her nursery in Glover VT is known as a “local destination”, offering more than the typical small nursery with the addition of display gardens, tours, lodging in a restored 1800’s Greek Revival home, and a gift and craft shop that includes 30 varieties of homemade jams and jellies (from local fruits) and handwoven apparel and home items. Almost on the Canadian border, the farm routinely hosts international visitors. Not your traditional ‘farm’, Kate, the owner, grower and designer, takes the idea of growing plants and puts them in a retail setting so they can go home with you, while offering ideas for your own landscaping. Landscaping and growing is all there in farming, just by a different name. When it comes to advice for new farms starting out, Kate focuses on making her place look like somewhere she would like to visit and of all her “chores” she enjoys answering questions from visitors. One of her favorite visits was from a 6-year-old who told his parents to let him stay at the nursery because he liked it better than home! Just as many come across the border as international travelers, so Farm Stay USA sends Kate visitors from far and wide to share her little piece of heaven.

These early hosts were the quiet pioneers, the ones offering fresh eggs with their morning coffee and handing over pitchforks to eager guests long before “farm stay” had a name. Their creativity, grit, and love of sharing farm life set the stage for everything that’s followed. Without them, there would be no Farm Stay USA. We’re endlessly grateful they opened their barn doors and hearts, giving this movement its roots.

We hope you’ll stick with us in the weeks ahead as we continue this celebratory journey.

Next up: a few of our amazing ranches who’ve been with us from the start, where the stars are big, the hats are wide, and the hospitality is just as heartfelt.

(Header photo courtesy of East Hill Farm NH)

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Hay Wagon Rides and Summer Go Hand-in-Hand https://farmstayus.com/hay-wagon-rides-and-summer-go-hand-in-hand/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hay-wagon-rides-and-summer-go-hand-in-hand Thu, 01 Aug 2024 01:27:23 +0000 https://farmstayus.com/?p=18236 We’re a long way from those childhoods our grandparents (or great-grandparents?) had, where jumping on top of the hay wagon was a part of the summer fun. Of course, once you got to the barn you were handed a pitchfork to unload the wagon. Luckily there are still some farms that will load up the […]

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We’re a long way from those childhoods our grandparents (or great-grandparents?) had, where jumping on top of the hay wagon was a part of the summer fun. Of course, once you got to the barn you were handed a pitchfork to unload the wagon. Luckily there are still some farms that will load up the hay wagon just to give you the experience, with no pitchforks in sight!

Check out these delightful farm stays where you can ride around the farm, drawn either by horses or these days more likely the tractor. Embody the joy experienced by your inner-ancestor.

Here’s a roundup of just a few of the farms you can visit:

people in the back of a hay wagon being pulled by a tractorarm Stay USA
Riding on a hay trailer at Hidden Hills Farm in Kansas

Fairwinds Farm Located in Maryland, Fairwinds Farm offers a variety of activities including hay wagon rides, horseback riding, and fishing. This family-friendly farm is perfect for those looking to experience a variety of farm life activities in a scenic setting​ (Farmstay)​.

Verdant View Farm Situated in Pennsylvania, Verdant View Farm provides hay wagon rides, dairy tours, and opportunities to help with farm chores. This farm emphasizes hands-on experiences, making it ideal for families and groups looking to get involved in farm life​ (Farmstay)​.

Hull-O Farms Located in New York, Hull-O Farms features hay wagon rides, bottle feeding animals, and opportunities to explore a corn maze (seasonal). Guests can also participate in various other farm activities such as fishing and gardening​ (Farmstay)​.

tractor pulling hay wagon with people in it
Hay wagon ride at Heavenly Acres Farm in Indiana

Liberty Hill Farm Inn This Vermont farm offers hay wagon rides, berry picking, and dairy tours. Liberty Hill Farm Inn is a great place to learn about sustainable farming practices while enjoying the beautiful Vermont landscape​ (Farmstay)​.

HarBet Lodge Located in Texas, HarBet Lodge provides a range of activities including hay rides, fishing, and learning about large animal veterinary care. This farm stay offers a unique blend of educational experiences and outdoor fun​ (Farmstay)​.

A Tennessee Dude and Guest Ranch At this Tennessee ranch, guests can enjoy hay wagon rides, horseback riding, and even participate in bread and butter making. This ranch is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in a traditional ranch experience​ (Farmstay)​.

 

Summer is hay season on the farm so this is the time to get out for those rides. Some of these farms will trade wheels for sleds in winter, when you cuddle under blankets, marvel at the quiet of the snow and the huffing of the team, and dream of hot chocolate on return home.

These farms here are just a few of the farms offering hay wagon rides found under the Activities filter check-off for hay wagons on the Farmstay site. Give it a try!

guests sitting in a covered hay wagon pulled by a tractor and surrounded by livestock
Riding in the covered hay wagon at Rockn Rowdy Ranch in Texas

(Cover photo courtesy of Hull-o Farms NY)

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These farmers will teach you how to milk a cow, a sheep or a goat https://farmstayus.com/these-farmers-will-teach-you-how-to-milk-a-cow-a-sheep-or-a-goat/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=these-farmers-will-teach-you-how-to-milk-a-cow-a-sheep-or-a-goat Tue, 23 Jul 2024 22:03:21 +0000 https://farmstayus.com/?p=18210 Have you ever wanted to try your hand at milking a cow? You’re thinking, “How hard could it be?” Actually it’s not as easy as it looks but these farms want to give you a chance to dispel the romance and try for yourself. It’s where nostalgia and novelty overlap. 1. Dogwood Hills Guest Farm […]

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Have you ever wanted to try your hand at milking a cow? You’re thinking, “How hard could it be?” Actually it’s not as easy as it looks but these farms want to give you a chance to dispel the romance and try for yourself. It’s where nostalgia and novelty overlap.

1. Dogwood Hills Guest Farm – Arkansas

Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, Dogwood Hills Guest Farm provides a serene setting with a variety of activities, including cow milking. Guests can stay in a comfortable three-bedroom cottage that accommodates up to eight people. The farm offers many engaging activities such as dairy tours, egg gathering, and gardening. Guests can also enjoy farm-fresh meals prepared with local ingredients, including raw milk and farm-fresh eggs​ (Farmstay)​.

Stony Creek Farmstead cow | FarmStay USA
Stony Creek Farmstead, Walton, NY | FarmStay USA

2. Sanctuary Farm Montana – Montana

Sanctuary Farm Montana, located in Alberton, offers a peaceful retreat with no cell phone coverage, internet, or cable TV, allowing guests to truly unwind. Visitors can stay in a cozy log cabin or an all-season yurt, both offering unique and comfortable accommodations. The farm provides opportunities to participate in farm activities like milking goats and feeding chickens. Guests can also enjoy the beautiful surroundings, including a creek and adjacent National Forest​ (Farmstay)​.

3. Fat Sheep Farm and Cabins – Vermont

Fat Sheep Farm & Cabins, located in Hartland, Vermont, offers a unique farm stay experience where guests can immerse themselves in farm life. There are five comfortable cabins available to stay overnight. Visitors can participate in daily animal chores such as feeding and milking sheep, feeding chickens, and collecting eggs. Seasonal activities include socializing with lambs in the spring and enjoying workshops on cheese and bread making (Farmstay)​.

4. Reves de Moutons – California

Rêves de Moutons, located in the picturesque Paso Robles wine country, offers a luxurious farm stay experience. Guests can enjoy staying in retro-style campers or rooms in the farmhouse. The farm focuses on sheep and goat farming, producing milk, cheese, meat, and wool. Visitors can participate in daily farm tours and meet the animals, with opportunities for hands-on experiences like feeding and milking (Farmstay).

5. New Day Dairy – Iowa

New Day Dairy Guest Barn in Clarksville, Iowa, offers a unique farm stay experience where guests can immerse themselves in the daily life of a working dairy farm. The guest barn provides 24/7 views of 150 cows through large loft windows, allowing visitors to watch and interact with the cows from the comfort of their accommodations. Guests can even take the “Be a Dairy Farmer” challenge and participate in an introductory and farewell tour of the barn (Farmstay).

If these states aren’t on your travel list, use the filter option when you search on Farmstay for all the farms offering “Milking” .  Remember, not all farms have dairy animals, but there’s a whole host of other activities that allow you to fully immerse yourself in farm life.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy the beauty of the Ozarks, the tranquility of rural Vermont, or the scenic vistas of Montana, it’s time to come home with some good farm stories to regale your friends…and it might just be your adventures as a milkmaid!

(cover photo courtesy of Hull-o Farms, New York)

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My Stay at a Vermont Farm Bed & Breakfast by Sveva Marcangeli https://farmstayus.com/my-stay-at-a-vermont-farm-bed-breakfast-by-sveva-marcangeli/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=my-stay-at-a-vermont-farm-bed-breakfast-by-sveva-marcangeli https://farmstayus.com/my-stay-at-a-vermont-farm-bed-breakfast-by-sveva-marcangeli/#respond Thu, 01 Dec 2022 22:12:23 +0000 https://farmstayus.com/?p=14070 Liberty Hill Farm Inn, owned by Beth and Bob Kennett, have been bringing people together from all corners of the world under one roof since 1984. Having recently welcomed a seasoned global traveler Sveva Marcangeli to the farm, they were left with more than a heartfelt guestbook entry, rather an inspiring testament on the importance […]

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Liberty Hill Farm Inn, owned by Beth and Bob Kennett, have been bringing people together from all corners of the world under one roof since 1984. Having recently welcomed a seasoned global traveler Sveva Marcangeli to the farm, they were left with more than a heartfelt guestbook entry, rather an inspiring testament on the importance of community, connecting to your local farmer, and practicing gratitude. Take a moment to read an excerpt from her beautifully written piece below, and then follow the link for the whole article.

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My Stay at A Vermont Farm Bed & Breakfast: Liberty Hill Farm & Inn in Rochester, VT

Originally posted on SVADORE in November, 2022.
Excerpt reposted with permission.

Beth and Bob from Liberty Hill Farm & Inn provide a public service that big agricultural farms cannot provide. An experience for the public that creates memories and forms gratitude around the table. That’s why a stay at Liberty Hill Farm is not just a stay at a Vermont arm bed & breakfast – it’s a life-changing experience.

 

As we near Thanksgiving, I thought it would be fitting for me to write this article that touches on the matter of food, gratitude, and connecting with people. Food is what brings community to the table. There is no greater way to nourish the body and the soul than through the communal and universal act of eating and sharing a meal with others. That’s what the Vermont Farm Bed & Breakfast Liberty Hill Farm & Inn, owned by Beth and Bob Kennett, brings to people. It endeavors to nurture relationships among people from different walks of life who are looking to further educate themselves on the farming industry.

I’ve always been fascinated by farming. It may sound strange, but there is something about returning to the simplicity and traditional way of life that charmed me. I had stayed at farm stays in Norway, Italy and other places around the world, but none of them actually took it to the level of education of farming on a day-to-day basis in that area. It wasn’t until I watched Clarkson’s Farm, featuring one of my favorite reality stars Jeremy Clarkson from The Grand Tour and previously Top Gear, that I realized the time, money, and effort that went into maintaining this traditional practice that feeds us all. That’s when a sense of gratitude first sparked within me for this unthought of industry.

Here is a stat that will give you pause: If 12% of farmers are producing 90% of the food, you can bet the other 88%, like Beth and Bob, are not profitable. That’s why it’s important for you to stay on the farm. Small farms like Liberty Hill Farm & Inn support an American heritage, the small family farm, without raising taxes or food prices. They also provide an experience for the public that creates memories. This is not a hotel–it’s a farm. Beth and Bob are just letting guests visit their lives for a little while. These farm stays offer home cooked meals, community and real farm life experiences.

If you’re looking to escape your iPhones, Androids, TVs to a more organic world, than a Vermont Farm bed & breakfast stay is for you. It brings you back to a much simpler time and connects you with people you otherwise may not have met. My experience at Liberty Hill Farm & Inn will be recounted in the form of short chapters. Each chapter revolves around Beth’s homemade (and renowned) meals we shared with her and other guests at Liberty Hill Farm & Inn, each with a lesson and moment of reflection.

Chapter 1: A Dane, A Frenchman, A Latina, An Italian, and An American Go To Dinner

Meal: Almond maple chicken, wild rice, carrot souffle (a big hit and super soft and creamy), swiss chard (the last of the harvest), broccoli and brussel sprouts, and warm, soft and buttery cheddar biscuits topped with a layer of Cabot butter.

Liberty Hill Farm & Inn’s historic farm is located in the heart of Rochester in the White River Valley of Vermont. It’s October when I visit and the color of the trees are slowly dimming as winter approaches, but the farm is still very much alive. Cows graze the fields with the Green Mountains in the background. This 240-acre farm has an undeniable charm. The property’s buildings, including a main house and various farm houses, all have a Vermont country feel of days gone by. We pull up to the front of the main house and get out just in time for dinner.

We sat down at the table seated for 8 at 6PM sharp. Ok…we were a couple of minutes late, but gosh did we feel bad about it! The owners and our hosts, Beth and Bob Kennett, led us in grace and the experience and conversation commenced. We weren’t the only guests at Liberty Hill Farm. Tonight there were 2 other couples staying at the property. One couple was from LA – he was Danish and she was Latina. She worked with special ed kids, he owned his own environmental sustainability tech company. How did they end up here? They took a van trip across the US last summer and fell in love with the beauty of Vermont. They decided to come back and ended up at this Vermont Farm bed & breakfast.

The other couple was older and lived in New Hampshire, but were originally from Maine. They were reoccurring guests who had visited the farm on multiple occasions and were close friends of the owners and our hosts Beth and Bob Kennett. He was the man who invented Hannaford’s Guiding Stars for Health program. What I learned most from them though was about Vermont’s huge French influence. I had never put the pieces together, but it all made sense now. The French town names, the amazing food, the even more amazing French food I’ve experienced in the State. But why?

The conversation came about as we were talking about genealogy and where each of us came from. The man from New Hampshire, originally Maine, went onto explain that his last name was originally French, but his ancestors had changed it to sound American because the French were being persecuted (specifically the Acadians or Canadian French) back in the early 1900s. Beth’s family had a similar experience. Her family who lived in Nova Scotia was also French, but was kicked out and had to change their name so they wouldn’t be banished. It was a common occurrence for French people to change their last names while in America to evade being kicked out.

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To finish reading the rest of the story, please visit: My Stay at A Vermont Farm Bed & Breakfast: Liberty Hill Farm & Inn in Rochester, VT (it’s totally worth the click!)

Thank you, Sveva, for letting us share!

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Fat Sheep Farm in Hartland, VT Offers Farm Life Up Close and Personal https://farmstayus.com/fat-sheep-farm-in-hartland-vt-offers-farm-life-up-close-and-personal/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fat-sheep-farm-in-hartland-vt-offers-farm-life-up-close-and-personal https://farmstayus.com/fat-sheep-farm-in-hartland-vt-offers-farm-life-up-close-and-personal/#respond Wed, 11 Nov 2020 19:57:34 +0000 https://farmstayus.com/?p=8173 Fat Sheep Farm is owned and operated by farmers Todd and Suzy Heyman-Kaplan. Their farm is located just south of Woodstock, Vermont, folded into the picturesque New England countryside like the farms you see in magazines.  We asked them a few questions we thought travelers might want to know about their farm and why they […]

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Fat Sheep Farm is owned and operated by farmers Todd and Suzy Heyman-Kaplan. Their farm is located just south of Woodstock, Vermont, folded into the picturesque New England countryside like the farms you see in magazines.  We asked them a few questions we thought travelers might want to know about their farm and why they offer a farm stay in lovely cabins they built on property overlooking their fields.

This is what they told us…

1) When did you take up farming and what was your vision?

Todd grew up in a rural town on the North Shore of MA.  As a young child, he spent countless days at his neighbor’s farm sometimes helping with harvests and planting, and getting to interact with the goats, pigs, and geese.  These were fond memories for Todd, so when he was contemplating a career change, he began volunteering on a farm while taking a culinary program in Austin, TX.  He continued to work on farms after he moved back to New England.  He attended the University of Vermont Farmer Training Program for a summer, apprenticed at a large farm in Hamilton, MA, and managed an urban farm in Lowell for a season, before he and Suzy decided to purchase their own farm.

Suzy grew up in the suburbs of NYC, but always dreamed of living on a farm.  She spent her childhood days in New York riding and caring for her horse.  While attending university, Suzy studied animal science but changed paths, after college, and took a job at the zoo in Boston caring for exotic animals.  After working at the zoo, she became an agriculture volunteer in the Peace Corps where she taught the women in her village how to grow a small vegetable garden.  During her experience in the Peace Corps her daily meals included eating fresh cheese, homegrown beans, farm fresh eggs and other local foods.

We were both excited about the idea of having our own farm, growing our own food, and raising our children to appreciate where their food comes from.  We were also excited about the idea of sharing this experience with people who may be curious about life on a farm, but unable to spend more than a couple of days on a farm.

Fat-Sheep-Farm | Farm Stay USA
Todd and Suzy

2) How did you come up with the name Fat Sheep Farm?

I wish I had a really good story as to how we came up with the name, but it’s really not that exciting. We wanted something fun and easy to remember. We also knew that we were not going to be a “traditional” farm (which you can easily determine that we are not at all traditional, when you arrive on the farm), so we did not want a “traditional” farm name.

One day my best friend and Todd were brainstorming names and one of them…we still don’t know the truth as to who said it first, but one of them threw out the name Fat Sheep Farm. We did some searching to see if there were any other Fat Sheep Farms in the world, and to our surprise, there was only one very small family farm out in Washington state that has the name (and unfortunately owns the domain name, as well). It didn’t take long before we committed to the name “Fat Sheep Farm”.

Fat Sheep Farm & Cabins, Hartland, Vermont | Farm Stay USA
Feta the sheep

3) What are guests allowed to do on your farm?

While staying at Fat Sheep Farm, guests are invited to participate in morning animal chores all year round.  During the summer months, this includes feeding the goats and bringing them to pasture, milking the sheep and bringing them out to pasture, feeding the chickens and collecting the eggs.  During morning chores, guests can have all of their burning questions about farming answered.

All summer long, the sheep are often grazing right in front of the guest cabins.  You can sit in the Adirondack chair on your porch and watch the sheep graze.  Guests are also welcome to walk around the vegetable fields.  The animals return to the barn around 4pm each evening.  Guests enjoy walking through the barn and visiting with the animals in the evenings, as well.

In the spring when the lambs are born, guests can enjoy the opportunity to help socialize the lambs (aka lots of lamb hugs).  We also have a one mile trail through our woods and a half mile walk through our fields.  At night, guests are welcome to come sit around our fire pit and enjoy the sunset and s’mores.

Fat Sheep Farm & Cabins, Hartland, Vermont | Farm Stay USA
Milking

4) I hear you offer workshops?

Once there is a Covid vaccine and travel becomes more normalized, the farm will once again offer cheese making and bread making workshops.

In the Basic Sourdough Bread Making workshop, guests learn the basics of how to work with sourdough and make, shape and bake their own dough for the perfect loaf.  Guests are even given dough to take back to their cabin to bake the following morning and starter to take home.

Fat-Sheep-Farm | Farm Stay USA
Bread Making Workshop

The Cheese Making workshop focuses on making cheese at home.  Guests are guided through the process of making fresh cheeses, such as Halloumi, Feta and Ricotta, or learn to make an aged cheese, such as Gouda. They are also instructed on how to create their own space for aging cheese at home.

Fat-Sheep-Farm | Farm Stay USA
Cheese Making Workshop

5) With multiple guests on the farm at one time, since you have five cabins, what is that experience like for them?

All of our guests, big or small, are able to enjoy the farm experience at Fat Sheep Farm in their own time and their own way.  Guests usually have different motivations for staying with us. Some guests want to participate in chores once, while some want to join for chores everyday during their stay.  Other guests want to relax on their porch, take in the views, and take day trips to the surrounding area attractions.

We are always happy to help our guests plan their trips before their arrival and make further suggestions of things to do and places to eat while they are at the farm.  We encourage guests to contact us way ahead of time if they are interested in attending a workshop on the farm, so that we can plan accordingly.

Fat Sheep Farm & Cabins, Hartland, Vermont | Farm Stay USA
The cabins at Fat Sheep Farm as seen by drone

6) Why do you offer farm stays?

Why do we offer farm stays…there are so many reasons! Many people have become so disconnected from the land and where the food comes from.  Our farm gives people the opportunity, whether it’s for one night, or annual week long visits, to disconnect from their screens, ask farming questions, snuggle a sheep, taste their first farm fresh egg, prepare a meal using produce from our farm, or learn a new skill like bread making or cheese making.

Whether guests are interested in the farm experience or just want a quiet place to rest their heads, everyone can appreciate the serenity of our farm and the magical views of the Vermont hills that everyone can enjoy from their cabin porch.

Fat-Sheep-Farm | Farm Stay USA
Lamb kisses

Find out more about Fat Sheep Farm at Farm Stay USA. We are happy to know them and to know their story. We hope you are too!

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COVID-19 INFORMATION

  • Please be aware of Vermont cross state travel information. Contact Fat Sheep Farm for more information or if you have questions.

  • Demand Is High For Independent Units Now — Cancellations Are Posted to Facebook and InstagramCheck our Availability

  • Fat Sheep Farm maintains our high standard for cleanliness, including sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces with EPA certified cleaners

  • Fat Sheep Farm has Blueair Blue Pure 121 Air Purifiers in every cabin
  • We offer a remote check-in and check-out process in order to limit person to person contact

  • Enjoy the beauty of Vermont and our farm while easily following all social distancing guidelines

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How Can Sheep Survive Bitter Cold Weather https://farmstayus.com/how-can-sheep-survive-bitter-cold-weather/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-can-sheep-survive-bitter-cold-weather https://farmstayus.com/how-can-sheep-survive-bitter-cold-weather/#respond Thu, 26 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000 http://farmstay.gitlab.testbox.pro/how-can-sheep-survive-bitter-cold-weather/ This post first appeared on Kim Goodling’s blog at http://www.livingwithgotlands.com/. Kim is shepherdess to a flock of Gotlands, the curly sheep from Sweden. She invites farm stay guests to experience rural living, sheep, and fiber art at her farm in Vermont. See her Farm Stay U.S. listing at Vermont Grand View Farm or visit her […]

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This post first appeared on Kim Goodling’s blog at http://www.livingwithgotlands.com/. Kim is shepherdess to a flock of Gotlands, the curly sheep from Sweden. She invites farm stay guests to experience rural living, sheep, and fiber art at her farm in Vermont. See her Farm Stay U.S. listing at Vermont Grand View Farm or visit her website.

We thought with all the challenging weather happening across the country right now, a post on how sheep can survive such cold temps would be interesting… enjoy!

 

I am often asked how my sheep can survive the harsh Vermont winter weather. Temperatures in our area often hover in the single digits with spells well below zero at times. Snow piles high around the barn, and cold winds blow frequently. With proper shelter and feed, our sheep have no difficulty with these winter conditions and cold temperatures.

Proper Housing

Visitors to our farm often think that a closed barn provides the best place for our livestock in the winter. In fact, that is the last thing that they need. Being shut in a barn, causes a build up of moisture and ammonia in the air, irritating their respiratory tract and causing infection. Sheep stay much healthier if they have access to sun and fresh air every day.

The thermometer registered 15 degrees below zero this morning, with wind chills between 40-60 degrees below zero. On days like this, our barn door remains open for the sheep to come and go as they please. The barn offers protection from the bitter wind, but certainly not much protection from the cold. This morning, all the sheep, as well as the llama, were hunkered down in the barn. With the gusty wind, we fed them their hay in the barn so they did not have to brave the subzero wind chill to eat breakfast. We also have a three sided shelter which provides a wind break for them. The sun shines into the shelter all day, giving the sheep a place out doors, with protection from the wind, without having to be inside the barn.

Grand View Farm, Vermont | Farm Stay USA
Drifting Snow and Wicked Winds

Warm From the Outside In

Sheep have their own natural source of insulation all over their bodies. Their wool keeps their body heat in and the cold out. That is why you will see sheep with snow piled on their backs; their body heat does not reach the outer layers of their fleece to melt the snow. The lanolin in their wool also prevents moisture from getting to their skin. When doing chores, if my hands get cold, I will take off my mittens and bury my hands in the wool on one of the ewes to get warm.

Grand View Farm, Vermont | Farm Stay USA
Ema’s wool protects her from the snow

Warm From the Inside Out

We do give the sheep lots of second cut hay during the winter to eat. Due to the fermentation of fibrous matter, the rumination process actually creates a great deal of heat. This warms the sheep from the inside out, thus the need for good quality hay throughout winter months. The more sheep eat, the more heat they produce. A pregnant ewe will also have added heat from the lamb growing inside of her. The shepherd may provide added energy to their diet during extreme cold weather. We give warm molasses water when the temps dip in the single digits for added energy.

Grand View Farm, Vermont | Farm Stay USA
Feeding Second Cut Hay

With shelter from the wind and proper nutrition-our sheep stay healthy and happy all winter.

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Grand View Farm in Washington, Vermont https://farmstayus.com/grand-view-farm-in-washington-vermont/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=grand-view-farm-in-washington-vermont https://farmstayus.com/grand-view-farm-in-washington-vermont/#respond Thu, 25 Sep 2014 00:04:08 +0000 https://farmstayus.com/?p=5534   Grand View Farm was one of the earliest farms in the town of Washington, dating back to its initial purchase in 1794. Since then, it has passed through two other families and was finally purchased in 2004 by today’s owners the Goodling family. As the fourth family to own the farm, they have made substantial […]

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Grand View Farm was one of the earliest farms in the town of Washington, dating back to its initial purchase in 1794. Since then, it has passed through two other families and was finally purchased in 2004 by today’s owners the Goodling family. As the fourth family to own the farm, they have made substantial efforts to reestablish some of its agricultural history. Today, the farm’s main focus is fiber animals. The Goodlings also offer a Bed and Breakfast Farm Stay in their 19th century farmhouse. Enjoy a farm fresh organic breakfast of local foods and the farm’s own pure Vermont maple syrup, then spend some time exploring the beautiful Green Mountains and taking one of the classes offered at Grand View.

Grand View Farm, Washington, Vermont | Farm Stay USA

 

FARM STAY

The Farmhouse Family Suite offers a warm and welcoming step back in history. With hand hewn exposed beams, wide wood paneling and antique four poster beds, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in this antique home setting. This two bedroom suite comes with a cozy wood stove, gas grill, candle lit dinners, plush robes, and modern conveniences to make you feel right at home.

Grand View Farm, Washington, Vermont | Farm Stay USA

 

Grand View Farm, Washington, Vermont | Farm Stay USA

 

Wake up to a farm fresh breakfast, then make your way outside to the porch for a relaxing and beautiful view overlooking the Green Mountains. If you feel up for it, you’re more than welcome to lend a hand with some of the farm chores. Seeking more adventure? Ask about one of the tours the farmers have put together for their guests, including excursions for cheese lovers, covered bridges, local foodies and outdoor enthusiasts.

 

FARM ANIMALS AND PRODUCTS

Grand View Farms main focus is raising Romney sheep for their superb fiber. Through proper practices in keeping a closed flock, practicing biodiversity, and maintaining a nutritional balance the Goodlings are better able to prevent disease and control parasites from entering their flock. They also have llamas and angora rabbits on the farm. The llamas act as guardians for the sheep and provide a unique fiber. The bunnies love their morning treats of fresh vegetables and fruits. Their fiber is spun into a soft yarn.

 

Dedicated to high breeding standards Grand View Farm offers lovely, quality woolen goods for you and your home. The Goodling family prides itself for carrying on the traditional arts of knitting, weaving and spinning. For more information on the products produced on the farm, please visit their Grand View Farm Store.

FARM CLASSES

If you want to expand your farm experience and knowledge take advantage of one of the multiple classes taught right there on the farm. From using locally grown plants as a natural dye to creating your own felted clasp purse or even working on a project of your own, Grand View Farm offers a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere perfect for working on your art projects.

For more information and reservations visit their Farm Stay USA Listing!

Photo Credits: Grand View Farm

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Cold Moon Farm: a Vermont farm stay with quality cuisine and luxurious accommodations https://farmstayus.com/cold-moon-farm-a-vermont-farm-stay-with-quality-cuisine-and-luxurious-accommodations/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cold-moon-farm-a-vermont-farm-stay-with-quality-cuisine-and-luxurious-accommodations https://farmstayus.com/cold-moon-farm-a-vermont-farm-stay-with-quality-cuisine-and-luxurious-accommodations/#respond Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 +0000 http://farmstay.gitlab.testbox.pro/cold-moon-farm-a-vermont-farm-stay-with-quality-cuisine-and-luxurious-accommodations/ Nestled into a beautiful corner of Southern Vermont, Cold Moon Farm is a relaxing retreat with an array of activities for guests. Owners Ed and Irene Glazer have created an inviting place to vacation, along with activities like learning to bake bread, picking vegetables from the garden, observing the grazing goat herd, and telling stories […]

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Nestled into a beautiful corner of Southern Vermont, Cold Moon Farm is a relaxing retreat with an array of activities for guests. Owners Ed and Irene Glazer have created an inviting place to vacation, along with activities like learning to bake bread, picking vegetables from the garden, observing the grazing goat herd, and telling stories around a campfire, just to name a few.

Cold Moon Farm, Jamaica, Vermont | Farm Stay USA
Cold Moon Farm, Vermont

It’s often said that a kitchen is the heart of the home. Indeed, Cold Moon Farm was designed around its kitchen, which frequently serves as the gathering place for the entire farm. Guests enjoy daily fresh breakfasts, featuring eggs from the laying hens, bacon and sausage from Cold Moon’s own pigs, and raw goat milk from the farm’s herd. Add fresh-baked bread, Cold Moon Farm honey, and farm made yogurt, and you have a hearty morning start for anyone about to launch into a day of exploration.

Challah Bread at Cold Moon Farm VT

With professional appliances, all the necessary tools, and lots of storage and counter space, this is Irene’s dream kitchen, and she has generously made it available for culinary events, demonstrations, and classes. Farm stay guests, as well as individuals not spending the night, can pay a class fee and learn to bake bread, make cheese and yogurt, or harvest and prepare a farm-to-table dinner.

Cold Moon Farm, Jamaica, VT | Farm Stay USA

If you can tear yourself away from the amazing kitchen, there are plenty of farm animals to visit. The Glazers raise a herd of milking goats, and South Down Baby Doll sheep for their wool. Chickens and ducks provide eggs for the farm, and in the summer months there are chickens raised for meat. Finally, a breeding pair of Large Black pigs is expected to deliver their first set of piglets early this summer, which the crew at Cold Moon Farm is eagerly anticipating. Helping guests become acclimated to all this activity is Dave Meckes, AKA “Farmer Dave”, the Farm and Operations Manager. He oversees the herd and the property, and takes guests on informative farm tours. You might see some wildlife, too. Georgia LoPresti Meckes, who does Marketing and Development for the farm, says, “Our pond is the perfect place to explore for frogs and to go for a refreshing dip!” Georgia writes a blog for the farm, and is the person behind the farm’s social media presence.

Cold Moon Farm, Jamaica, Vermont | Farm Stay USA
Cold Moon Farm B&B

Four guest suites make up the accommodations at Cold Moon Farm, and they all feature private baths and luxurious touches like TempurPedic mattresses, towel warmers, and tasteful Vermont decor. There are a variety of room types, for parties of different sizes, such as a Queen Bedroom suite that sleeps 2, a two-room Library Suite that can sleep up to 5 people, and a Family Room that can accommodate 7.

To meet Ed and Irene, and learn more about Cold Moon Farm, watch this video slide show from the farm, below, and then visit their listing on Farm Stay USA! Other activities at Cold Moon Farm include “Pick Your Own” weekends, where guests receive a farm tour, and can purchase a special bag that they fill with the freshest vegetables from the picking garden. There are also guided hiking trips, and visitors to the farm will find canoeing and kayaking at nearby Jamaica State Park. Sustainable weddings, and yoga retreats round out the farm’s offerings.

(All photos courtesy Cold Moon Farm)

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