Could you tell us a little bit about your farm or farmland?
Wally Farms is a 1000-acre farm about 25 minutes east of Hudson, NY. It crosses the towns of Hillsdale, Ancram, and Taghanik in Columbia County.
It's 90% forested, so we have about 85 acres of open, tillable land across 15 fields available for farming.
Currently, we're home to three agricultural businesses: Far Out Container Farm growing hydroponic greens; Overstory Goods producing shiitakes in the woods for use in mushroom broth; and Apis Apotheca, a botanical skincare company.
We have a 90' x 30' greenhouse, a head house, 3 walk-in coolers, a drying room, a commercial kitchen, wash/pack facility, storage sheds, and hoop house available for use.
Water, electric, and fiber internet are available throughout the property as well.
What type of arrangement are you looking to make with a farmer?
Our model at Wally Farms is focused on creating a platform for climate-forward farm businesses. We do this by removing one of the biggest barriers to entry for ag entrepreneurs: access to land. Our process begins with an online application and farm visit, followed by a series of conversations with the Wally Farms team and existing resident farm businesses.
We also offer rental of any of our spaces by like-minded farm businesses looking to expand or in need of something short term.
Do you have any personal goals for making your land available for farming?
What is most important to us at Wally Farms is being a place where farmers can experiment with solutions to the ongoing climate crisis. We want to see this land and its resources being used to make strides in resiliency, mitigation, and adaptation, as well as being a field laboratory for innovation and technology in the farm space. We're eager to share any lessons learned on-site with other farmers, community members, and anyone with an interest in climate conversation.
For more information on Wally Farm go here.
