FARM

Farm History

In June 1997, Pauline Williman placed her family’s 162 acre farm, located in the Town of Knox, into the Patroon Land Foundation, a protected land trust. The mission of the Foundation is to preserve the property as farm land and cultivate the land to grow and distribute produce, or the income from the sale of such produce, to feed the poor and hungry. The secondary purpose of the Foundation is to offer an educational opportunity for students to learn about agriculture and to participate in farming.

From 2001 to 2005, Ms. Williman managed the Farm by herself, planting corn, summer and winter squash, and pumpkins. Food Bank volunteers harvested the crops, and the Food Bank used its vehicles to transport the produce to its warehouse for distribution to member agencies.

The Food Bank saw the Farm as having great potential for a long-term source of food.  In 2006, the Regional Food Bank and the Patroon Land Farm became partners.  The Farm’s management became the responsibility of the Food Bank, under Farm Manager, Mark Weinheimer.  In addition to his responsibilities at the Farm, Mark educated the community, volunteers and schools about the misson and vision of the Food Bank and Farm,

During 2008, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program was initiated to generate revenue to underwrite farm expenses.  The program has been very successful and we thank the members for their support as we look forward to our third season in 2010.

The Farm has truly become a community project.  Numerous companies and individuals in the community have provided time and resources to improve the Farm and increase its ability to grow food.  Since 2006, the Farm has supplied the Food Bank with over 250,000 pounds of fresh produce to alleviate hunger in our community. 

Our goal in 2010 is to see a barn raised and to bring additional acreage into production.  The barn will provide a place to store and repair equipment.  Staff and volunteers will be able to wash, sort, pack and store produce while out of the elements of the weather.  In addition, the barn will become a classroom for volunteers and students as they visit or work at the Farm. 

We thank all of the staff, donors and volunteers who contribute their time, talent and treasure to make the Farm a success.