Upcoming Event
Meet Our Farmers — Part III · In Person
Grain: Soil Health, Stewardship & the Return of Local Grains
Friday, September 25, 2026 • 2:00–5:00 PM • Hudson Valley Hops & Grains, Ancram, NY
Grain farming is finding new footing in the Hudson Valley, as growers turn to non-chemical, soil-health-based practices to raise wheat, barley, rye, and other grains for local mills, bakeries, distilleries, and breweries. For the third installment of our 2026 "Meet Our Farmers" series, Hudson Valley Farmland Stewards heads to the Ancram farm hub of Hudson Valley Hops & Grains — home to Stuart Farr's biological grain operation.
Stuart farms 400 acres of small grains, sunflowers, canola, camelina, black beans, and hops for regional human consumption — drying, cleaning, and storing grain on-site, and pressing sunflower and canola into oil for local sale. The farm is certified organic by NOFA-NY and the Real Organic Project.
Stuart will be joined in conversation by Kevin Pike, co-owner of Branchwater Farms since 2013, whose regenerative grain and terroir-driven spirits — eaux de vie, gin, whiskey, and vermouth — are rooted in land stewardship and craft.
The conversation will cover
- ▪The Growing Regional Grain Economy
- ▪Soil Health
- ▪Production & Technical Practices
- ▪Conversion from Conventional Corn/Soy to Organic Grains
- ▪Land Stewardship & Relationships
The afternoon includes a brief presentation by Stuart, a moderated conversation, a tour of the farm, and time to connect with fellow stewards.
To RSVP, please reach out to Helene Marsh at helenemarsh@me.com and Eugene Kwak at ekwak22@gmail.com.
