Comments on: Hudson River Valley Farms: Book Review

By: Donalyn

Donalyn — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:22:15 +0000

Interesting review Kathy – thanks for the insight – I’ll probably read it now. It’s a subject of interest to us as we are looking at a couple different agricultural enter[rises as retirement income. I like the concept of providing entertainment being a part of it – it is what our society is about to an increasing degree. But entertainment can inform, educate and bring deeper understanding at the same time and those usually bring a level of respect to the relationship that just stopping by to buy a couple pounds of tomatoes might not.
.-= Donalyn´s last blog ..Baking with my sister =-.

By: Myriam Bouchard

Myriam Bouchard — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:01:13 +0000

Thank you – we need more books like these that help understand how some of the locals live and earn a living.

By: Lynn

Lynn — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:47:08 +0000

I've seen this book and been curious. As much as the farm stay idea seemed strange to me at first (and really hard on the small farmer), I think there's a lot to Rich's point that it's bringing the public in contact with where their food comes from (the farm stay moreso than the maize maze), and may be helping gain local buyers' loyalty over time. I hope so. .-= Lynn´s last blog ..in Muir Woods =-.

By: Michelle Nowak

Michelle Nowak — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:45:29 +0000

From farmstays.blogspot.com:
“Kathy Purdy of the Cold Climate Gardening Blog recently wrote a book review of Hudson River Valley Farms: The People and the Pride behind the Produce, by Joanne Michaels. The book looks lovely, and seems like it provides some interesting commentary from farmers about agritourism. Take this quote, for instance, from Steve Osborne of Stoutridge Vineyard: “Agri-tourism is the last refuge of agriculture.” I hope to check out the book soon myself.”

By: Dee/reddirtramblings

Dee/reddirtramblings — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:19:45 +0000

This is a great review and illustrates the problems family farmers face in our country. I keep hoping this will change, and if we buy locally, maybe it will.~~Dee .-= Dee/reddirtramblings´s last blog ..Muse Day, December: Common Cold, by Ogden Nash =-.

By: Rich Pomerantz

Rich Pomerantz — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:08:58 +0000

Apropos of the reviewer’s observations about the farmers in the book, one of the farmers I met when photographing for the book said to me that he is no longer just in the farming business, but finds himself now in the entertainment business, due to the continued need to create attractions to bring people to the farm for family fun activities which he then uses as selling and educational opportunities. I repeated this sentiment to many of the farmers I met during this project and they all agreed whole-heartedly. From berry-picking to corn mazes to a weekend brunch to CSA programs, what I realized was that there is a necessary added dimension to local agriculture which most people would not necessarily recognize as required for farming. I see this as a positive thing, despite the extra burden it places on the farmers, because what it means is that in order to succeed the smaller, family run farm must maintain a focus on the relationship with their customers, where large agribusiness is just the opposite.

By: Robin Ripley

Robin Ripley — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:50:16 +0000

The problems with the farms you describe in New York are common to farms all over the US, including here in Maryland. One of the most important ways that people can support local farms is to buy and eat local food, but also to continue to ask retailers for local foods. The demand will drive the supply, helping the farmers and providing us with a more secure, diverse and economically and environmentally sustainable food supply.

(Stepping off my soap box now.)
Robin
.-= Robin Ripley´s last blog ..Horseradish Harvest: My New Condiment Garden =-.

By: Mr. McGregor's Daughter

Mr. McGregor's Daughter — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:44:47 +0000

I say we do whatever we can to support independent farmers. It's great that someone has written a book about the ones Hudson River Valley. Farming is a hard way to make a living, but oh so important. .-= Mr. McGregor's Daughter´s last blog ..When a Gardener Hosts a Party =-.