THE BRAND
At the heart of The Farmer's Cow brand lies a deep-rooted commitment to authenticity, farm-to-table quality, farming innovation, and community.
We believe that every family-run farm tells a story of dedication, resilience, and passion.
We champion the preservation of these stories by fostering growth and ensuring the viability of family farms amidst economic and business-model challenges in a rapidly changing world
Our products are a testament to the hard work, love, and care that goes into every acre of land and every animal raised on our partner farms. We take pride in delivering farm-fresh products that are not only of the highest quality but also carry the essence of our farms' unique histories and values.
When consumers choose The Farmer's Cow, they not only get a best-in-class product experience; they are also supporting values that matter to them and to our communities everywhere, including:
- Humane farming practices
- The prosperity of small farming communities.
- The transparency, integrity, and timeless values of family farming.
The Farmer's Cow is more than a brand; it's a promise. A promise to uphold a shared legacy and ensure an expanding future, to nurture the bond between farmers, consumers, and communities, and to pave the way for a bright and successful future for family-run farms everywhere.
The Farmer’s Cow Calfé & Creamery
A delightful extension of our brand with high-growth potential, The Farmer's Cow Calfé & Creamery capitalizes on the growth of the fast-casual restaurant category, offering consumers a direct experience of our very own products and quality offerings in a community-oriented setting. Featuring farm-to-table menus, including delicious ice creams and refreshing beverages, the Farmer’s Cow Calfé and Creamery experience promises high growth potential in the fast-casual market segment.
The Farmer's Cow Calfé & Creamery Ethos
Nestled in the heart of our communities, The Farmer's Cow Calfé & Creamery is more than just a café; it's an experience that brings the farm story to life, offering our patrons a taste of the authentic, fresh flavors that define The Farmer's Cow brand and its local artisans. The Calfé provides a delicious variety of quality fast-casual fare and an opportunity to support your local farming community.
We believe in creating moments – whether it's the joy of savoring a handcrafted dessert or the comfort of a warm conversation over coffee, the Calfé & Creamery is a haven where traditions meet the tastes of today’s market, where every visitor is treated as a member and kindred spirit of our extended farm family. Through our offerings, we provide, educate, inspire, and foster a deeper appreciation for the farm-to-table journey, making every visit a memorable one.
Our Farms
Each farm, with its unique history and practices, directly supports and strengthens the future of small family farms while building The Farmer’s Cow brand.
Cushman Farms
Cushman has been a family farm since 1936. This multi-generational farm partnership is currently operated by Nate Cushman and the Smiths: Donald, Dave, Jim, Brandon, and Ethan, along with other family members. The farm consists of 3,120 acres of cropland and more than 2,000 acres of preserved farmland to feed its Holstein herd of 1,750 milking cows.
Three daily milkings produce 14,000 gallons of milk per day by their herd. A manure digester scheduled for completion in 2023 will convert farm waste into renewable natural gas (RNG). Cushman Farms has received the Green Pastures award.
Fairvue Farms
Fairvue Farms was founded by Paul and Diane Miller in 1961, next to the historic Woodstock Fairgrounds. The Millers grow about 1,600 acres of corn and 1,000 acres of grass for silage on owned and rented land to feed their Holstein herd of 1,500 milking cows.
Each day, the cows give 14,000 gallons of milk from three daily milkings. The family is continually advancing the quality of their herd through collaborations with other local farmers in the specialized nuances of breeding and livestock care. The Millers are members of the Connecticut Farm Bureau and have received the New England Green Pastures Award.
Fort Hill Farms
Fort Hill Farms, managed by Jim Orr, Kristin Orr, and Kies and Jared LaVack, was founded on April 1, 1943, by Kristin’s parents, Ernest and Norma O’Leary. The farm encompasses 600 acres, some of which are protected by the CT Farmland Preservation Program.
They are also known for their annual corn maze, pumpkin picking, and lavender production. A mixed herd of 210 Holstein, Jersey, and Guernsey cows are milked twice daily. Fort Hill installed an anaerobic digester to manage manure storage and provide electricity for the farm. Kies and Jared have won the Outstanding Young Farmers Award for CT.
Graywall Farms
Graywall Farms is operated by the Chesmer family. They started their farm business in 1989 with 185 acres of leased land and just 80 cows. It has grown to 900 acres of owned land, with 725 acres protected by Connecticut’s Farmland preservation program.
Their herd of mostly Holstein cows, with a few Brown Swiss and Jersey crossbreeds, are milked in shifts four times a day. Graywall has been named Connecticut Dairy Farm of the Year for the New England Green Pasture Program.
Hytone Farm
The Peracchio family founded Hytone farm in the rolling hills of Coventry, Connecticut in 1944. They farm 1,000 acres of managed croplands supporting 600 Holstein cows that produce 3,300 pounds of milk with two milking times per day.
Hytone Farm has received the Agrimark Quality Award for high-quality milk for the last 10+ years, the New England Green Pastures Award for innovation and excellence in conservation, and Connecticut’s Dairy Farm of Distinction Award. Hytone has installed a half-megawatt anaerobic manure digester to provide electricity to the community.
Mapleleaf Farms
Mapleleaf Farm was founded by the Ellis family more than a century ago, in 1903. Their multi-generational stewardship continues, with 450 acres of managed land, 400 acres of which are preserved through the CT Farmland Preservation program.
Solar panels have been installed to provide power for the farm. The milking herd of 280 Holstein and Jersey cows produces 2,280 gallons of milk a day, at two milking times. Mapleleaf is a Dairy Farm of Distinction and has been awarded the Century Farm Award. Ned Ellis has received the Outstanding Farmer Award.