As Sport Hill Farm celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, founders Al and Patti Popp reflect not only on how far their small farm has come but also on the people who helped them grow every inch of it.
Being located on a stretch of road that’s home to six other farms presents its own set of challenges.
“It’s really hard,” Patti said. “There are a lot of farms on this road, so you have to find what makes everybody individual.”
For Sport Hill Farm, that individuality comes from creating a welcoming space rooted in authenticity, connection and intentionality.
That deep connection to the community didn’t happen overnight. Patti’s journey began long before the farm became what it is today. She started small by selling vegetables she had grown at local flea markets, farmers markets and roadside stands.
“I’m blessed,” she said, reflecting on those early days. “I would go to all these markets and just try and make it.”
Over time, that hustle paid off. From those humble beginnings came what is now a thriving, beloved farm that supplies everything from fresh seasonal produce to homemade sauces and thrifted furniture. Sport Hill isn’t just about farming—it’s about building something that lasts, something that connects.
The farm is perhaps best known throughout the region for its sweet corn and sun-ripened tomatoes, which have earned something of a loyal following. Their homemade sauces, relishes, and preserves—made from the very produce grown on-site—are staples in many local kitchens.
“We grow everything ourselves and then send it to be processed locally,” she said.
The relationship with customers is more than transactional. It is also deeply personal. As one longtime visitor summed it up: “It’s not a good week without visiting the farm.”
That sentiment echoes through generations of Easton families who have come to see Sport Hill as more than just a place to shop. For many, it’s a place to escape and breathe.
She intentionally designed the farm to be a kind of sanctuary that provides a peaceful space break from the hectic rush of daily life. “I want people to come here and feel like they can take a deep breath,” Patti said. “I’m just trying to bring back that cozy feeling. The world is always ‘go, go, go’—we need spaces like this.”
Her creativity extends beyond the soil. A longtime thrifter, she also curates and resells vintage finds at the farm stand, giving new life to old items and adding an eclectic charm to the farm’s offerings.
“I love to thrift,” she said. “I think of it as part of being in sustainability. It’s important that we don’t always buy new stuff.”
After 25 years, Sport Hill Farm remains a place where the soil is rich, the shelves are full and the sense of community runs deep. Whether it’s a jar of tomato sauce, a perfectly ripened ear of corn or a quiet moment shared between neighbors, Sport Hill Farm continues to nourish more than just appetites. It feeds the heart and soul of Easton.
Though much has changed since the first crops were planted, the mission has stayed the same: to provide a space where people can feel grounded. And as the farm enters its next chapter, the Popps are more committed than ever to preserving that spirit.
To view upcoming events, seasonal hours and more, visit the farm’s website.
