Welcome 2025, what a ride it has been. Sport Hill Farm is celebrating 25 years this season. No small feat for any local business lately, I fondly remember establishing our roots when we bought a 1740 fixer upper in April 1997. I was smitten at the first sight of this place and could see the beauty beyond the mess/chaos.
A passing idea in 1999 about beginning a farm started to become reality in 2000. Clearing a thickly wooded area to begin our farming journey, stumping and removing the Connecticut potatoes — aka rocks — from the field took many weeks. The labor turning property into farmable land in Connecticut is truly the biggest challenge. Thankful for the advice, guidance and years of knowledge from expert farmers Johan Van Achterberg and Sal Gilbertie.
The late Johan was owner of Hidden Meadow Farm (Silver Hill Road), provided our Thanksgiving turkey in our early years living in Easton. I remember standing in a long line waiting among neighbors to pick up the star of Thanksgiving Day, You could feel the holiday spirit waiting in line and all the love for our farming community. It was a yearly tradition.
He also started the Easton Farmers Market in the ’90s and before we started farming, I would go with my infant son to support local. It was held in the EMS parking lot. Johan also raised prized Dutch Barnevelder chickens and knew everything about this breed. They were beautiful birds. He also grew vegetables and was known for his garlic field, too.
Looking back at all the hurdles, challenges, successes and harvests we’ve endured, it’s mind blowing that 25 years have come and gone in a blink. So many things have changed in this sweet town but still remain the same. Thank you Easton for believing in a couple of kids who had a dream and passion. We worked hard and continue to provide our customers with a peaceful place filled with delicious seasonal Easton-grown produce in our onsite market. Can’t wail until April to celebrate and thank you all in person!
Sport Hill Farm is at 596 Sport Hill Road, info@sporthillfarm.com.
