The Century Farm Award is given to a farm that has been in family operation for more than 100 years, and has outstanding potential to be successful business for another 100 years. The recipient is selected annually by the Connecticut Agricultural Information Council.
2019 Century Farm Award Recipient: Hastings Farm, LLC, Suffield
Susan and Larry Hastings of Hastings Farm, LLC, with Dr. Ted Andreadis
Hastings Farm is currently farmed by owners Lawrence and Susan Hastings, and their daughters Megan and Lauren, with help from extended family and several long time employees that are like extended family. The original 59 acres of the farm was acquired by Lawrence’s grandfather Howard Hastings in 1916, a time when farms were quite diversified. There were sheep, pigs, tobacco, milking cows and a small orchard that comprised the farming activities. Consequently, each generation has purchased adjoining farms through the years with the last purchase of 47 acres in 2014 so that the farm now totals 200 acres, with 138 acres of that being preserved farmland.
By the 1930’s the Hastings family had changed the focus of the farm to concentrate on milk and tobacco as the main crops, with the first milking machine and tractor on the farm, a Farmall F12, purchased in 1936. The old sheep barn was converted to a milking barn and an addition added to the barn in 1947 in order to increase the herd of milkers. In 1956, when Howard died and Richard Hastings (father of Lawrence) took over the farm the focus was changed again to only dairy production, and the old tobacco barns were converted to other uses such as cattle housing, a workshop and storage. Today only one of the sheds remains on the farm as a loafing barn for dry cows and heifers. The other 3 sheds on the farm were destroyed in the 1979 tornado that ripped through our area. The tornado was a blessing in disguise since it presented the opportunity to replace the old sheds with more efficient buildings better suited for their purposes. Also destroyed and rebuilt was a large section of the freestall barn that was built in 1972 when Richard and Lawrence were in business as partners.
In the 1990’s the farm passed from Richard and Lawrence to Lawrence and Susan, and then in 2010 an LLC was formed with the next generation involved in the ownership and operation of the farm to ensure its continuance. In 2011 the focus of our products shifted once again to include processing of our milk on the farm, and a farm store, to take advantage of the benefit of value added products. Today our Greek style yogurt and Cream-Line milk can be found in grocery stores and farm markets throughout the state. A small herd of beef cattle can also be found wandering on the farm to provide our farm store with home grown grass feed beef.
Hastings Farm has become a blend of the old and new with the original barn dating from circa 1830, and listed on CTBarns.org, to the newest barn addition in 2016 to house the Delaval VMS robotic milker, the first of its kind in the state. With innovation, hard work, and a strong family bond we hope to be here for another 100 years.
By the 1930’s the Hastings family had changed the focus of the farm to concentrate on milk and tobacco as the main crops, with the first milking machine and tractor on the farm, a Farmall F12, purchased in 1936. The old sheep barn was converted to a milking barn and an addition added to the barn in 1947 in order to increase the herd of milkers. In 1956, when Howard died and Richard Hastings (father of Lawrence) took over the farm the focus was changed again to only dairy production, and the old tobacco barns were converted to other uses such as cattle housing, a workshop and storage. Today only one of the sheds remains on the farm as a loafing barn for dry cows and heifers. The other 3 sheds on the farm were destroyed in the 1979 tornado that ripped through our area. The tornado was a blessing in disguise since it presented the opportunity to replace the old sheds with more efficient buildings better suited for their purposes. Also destroyed and rebuilt was a large section of the freestall barn that was built in 1972 when Richard and Lawrence were in business as partners.
In the 1990’s the farm passed from Richard and Lawrence to Lawrence and Susan, and then in 2010 an LLC was formed with the next generation involved in the ownership and operation of the farm to ensure its continuance. In 2011 the focus of our products shifted once again to include processing of our milk on the farm, and a farm store, to take advantage of the benefit of value added products. Today our Greek style yogurt and Cream-Line milk can be found in grocery stores and farm markets throughout the state. A small herd of beef cattle can also be found wandering on the farm to provide our farm store with home grown grass feed beef.
Hastings Farm has become a blend of the old and new with the original barn dating from circa 1830, and listed on CTBarns.org, to the newest barn addition in 2016 to house the Delaval VMS robotic milker, the first of its kind in the state. With innovation, hard work, and a strong family bond we hope to be here for another 100 years.
2018 Century Farm Award Recipient: Zentek Farms, Cheshire
Zentek Farms can be traced back to 1914 when Pawel and Aneila Zentek, Polish immigrants, put down their roots in Cheshire, Connecticut. They purchased property on Higgins Road to establish a dairy farm and soon began a family that resulted in ten children: Annie, Stella, Michael, Joseph, Stanley, Frank, Helen, Mary, Paul, and Louise. The children had various chores on the farm and they experienced long, hard hours of work. Eventually, Pawel and Aneila decided to shift from dairy to agricultural farming.
As Pawel and Aniela's children grew into adulthood and got married, most of them explored different avenues to make a living. Two of their children, Joseph and Stanley, remained bachelors and resided on the farm to continue in the business.
Paul Walter Zentek, named after his grandfather Pawel, began helping his uncles, Joe and Stanley, on the farm. Paul's interest in farming continued to expand as he grew older. He worked side by side with his uncles and incorporated many new ideas. He continued to farm the land with vegetables, however he also saw the benefits of raising bedding plants and Easter bulbs. Over the years, greenhouses were constructed on the farm. Presently, the greenhouses cover five acres of farmland. Although raising bedding plants has been a primary focus, Paul continues to farm fifty acres of vegetables each year.
In 1987, an eight-by-ten square foot vegetable stand was built. His wife, Donna Strollo Zentek, worked the stand while raising their boys, Joseph and Benjamin. In 2004, a larger vegetable and flower stand was built to accommodate their growing business. The Zentek Farms stand is best known for its sweet corn.
Today, Paul works the farm with his sons, Benjamin and Joseph, and his brother, Michael. Paul and Donna Zentek hope that their fourth-generation sons will continue in the footsteps of their great-grandparents, Pawel and Aniela.
As Pawel and Aniela's children grew into adulthood and got married, most of them explored different avenues to make a living. Two of their children, Joseph and Stanley, remained bachelors and resided on the farm to continue in the business.
Paul Walter Zentek, named after his grandfather Pawel, began helping his uncles, Joe and Stanley, on the farm. Paul's interest in farming continued to expand as he grew older. He worked side by side with his uncles and incorporated many new ideas. He continued to farm the land with vegetables, however he also saw the benefits of raising bedding plants and Easter bulbs. Over the years, greenhouses were constructed on the farm. Presently, the greenhouses cover five acres of farmland. Although raising bedding plants has been a primary focus, Paul continues to farm fifty acres of vegetables each year.
In 1987, an eight-by-ten square foot vegetable stand was built. His wife, Donna Strollo Zentek, worked the stand while raising their boys, Joseph and Benjamin. In 2004, a larger vegetable and flower stand was built to accommodate their growing business. The Zentek Farms stand is best known for its sweet corn.
Today, Paul works the farm with his sons, Benjamin and Joseph, and his brother, Michael. Paul and Donna Zentek hope that their fourth-generation sons will continue in the footsteps of their great-grandparents, Pawel and Aniela.
L-R: Connecticut Department of Agriculture Commissioner, Steven K. Reviczky, Ed and Susan Kasheta of Kasheta Farms, and Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Director, Dr. Theodore Andreadis.
2017 Century Farm Award Recipient:
Kasheta Farms, South Windsor
Kasheta Farms was started in 1905 when Peter and Mary Kasheta purchased a parcel of land, a long, narrow strip that went from the Connecticut River to the Town Center in South Windsor. The main crop at that time was broadleaf tobacco, but it was a total family farm selling milk, cheese, butter, eggs and fresh grown fruits and vegetables.
Walter Kasheta then took over the farm along with his son, Edward W. Kasheta, Sr. In 1955, the tobacco industry took a real hit from the invention of a process to produce sheet tobacco for use as binders and wrappers of cigars. The federal government funded the Conn-Mass Tobacco Co-Op to purchase all the unsold tobacco in the CT/MA valley so farmers could live. Kasheta Farms started growing 150 acres of potatoes until that market fell into decline in the 1960’s. Kasheta Farms also went into growing market vegetables (tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers, squash, etc.) all while still growing tobacco.
Ed Kasheta, Jr. then added growing grain corn marketed as a high moisture corn to K & L Feed Co. in North Franklin, CT for chicken feed until that mill closed. After purchasing a corn dryer, the grain can now be marketed elsewhere. Also, along the way, pumpkins, gourds and giant pumpkins were added to the list of products which were sold to local farm stands and retailers.
Through the years, Ed Sr.’s other sons also joined into the business. Donald T. Kasheta has been growing and delivering sod/turf and also oversees a commercial landscape maintenance service. David A. Kasheta runs the power equipment store sales, service and parts. All three brothers and Dad work together in all aspects to keep things running smoothly.
Kasheta Farms, Inc. is currently raising approximately 400 acres of grain corn, 100 acres of sod, 20 acres of broadleaf tobacco and 20 acres of pumpkins and gourds.
Kasheta Farms, South Windsor
Kasheta Farms was started in 1905 when Peter and Mary Kasheta purchased a parcel of land, a long, narrow strip that went from the Connecticut River to the Town Center in South Windsor. The main crop at that time was broadleaf tobacco, but it was a total family farm selling milk, cheese, butter, eggs and fresh grown fruits and vegetables.
Walter Kasheta then took over the farm along with his son, Edward W. Kasheta, Sr. In 1955, the tobacco industry took a real hit from the invention of a process to produce sheet tobacco for use as binders and wrappers of cigars. The federal government funded the Conn-Mass Tobacco Co-Op to purchase all the unsold tobacco in the CT/MA valley so farmers could live. Kasheta Farms started growing 150 acres of potatoes until that market fell into decline in the 1960’s. Kasheta Farms also went into growing market vegetables (tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers, squash, etc.) all while still growing tobacco.
Ed Kasheta, Jr. then added growing grain corn marketed as a high moisture corn to K & L Feed Co. in North Franklin, CT for chicken feed until that mill closed. After purchasing a corn dryer, the grain can now be marketed elsewhere. Also, along the way, pumpkins, gourds and giant pumpkins were added to the list of products which were sold to local farm stands and retailers.
Through the years, Ed Sr.’s other sons also joined into the business. Donald T. Kasheta has been growing and delivering sod/turf and also oversees a commercial landscape maintenance service. David A. Kasheta runs the power equipment store sales, service and parts. All three brothers and Dad work together in all aspects to keep things running smoothly.
Kasheta Farms, Inc. is currently raising approximately 400 acres of grain corn, 100 acres of sod, 20 acres of broadleaf tobacco and 20 acres of pumpkins and gourds.
2016 Century Farm Award Recipient: Norman Hill Farm, Thompson
Norman Hill Farm, located in Thompson, was founded in 1910 by Carl A. Norman, who emigrated from Sweden in 1900. Vegetables, eggs, and butter were produced and sold. He gradually increased the dairy herd and poultry flock, and built three greenhouses to increase vegetable production. One of Carl’s sons, Oscar Norman, bought the farm from his mother in 1943 after the death of his father, continuing with the same farm enterprises. Poultry was dropped in 1958 and the last commercial vegetable crop was greenhouse tomatoes in 1980. Carl and his wife Elizabeth were involved with many organizations including the Killingly Regional Vocational Agricultural Consulting Committee, The New England Vegetable Growers Association, The Connecticut Farm Bureau, 4-H, and the Woodstock Green Thumbs Garden Club. They also hosted young people from Costa Rica, India, Taiwan and Zambia as a part of the International Farm Youth Exchange Program.
Roy and Earl Norman, Oscar’s sons and the third generation on the farm, bought the farm in 1976. They each built homes on the farm and now operate strictly as a dairy farm. Currently, Roy and Earl have a 100 cow freestall barn for the milking herd and a 120 cow freestall barn for dry cows and 3 different age groups of heifers. They also produce grass and corn for hay and silage feed. Roy and Earl are members of The Connecticut Farm Bureau, and Earl is very involved with the Fellowship of Christian Farmers Association, the Thompson Agricultural Commission and the New England Dairy Promotion Board. The farm received the Albert R. Todd Conservation Award for improvements in conservation and pollution control practices. Members of the fourth generation of Normans continue to work on the farm and two members of the fifth generation recently joined the Happy Herdsmen 4-H Dairy Club, the same club that their grandfather earl belonged to over 50 years ago.
As Governor, I am pleased to join The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and the Connecticut Agricultural Information Council in presenting this Century Farm Award to Anderson Farms, who is most deserving of this honor.
Norman Hill Farm, located in Thompson, was founded in 1910 by Carl A. Norman, who emigrated from Sweden in 1900. Vegetables, eggs, and butter were produced and sold. He gradually increased the dairy herd and poultry flock, and built three greenhouses to increase vegetable production. One of Carl’s sons, Oscar Norman, bought the farm from his mother in 1943 after the death of his father, continuing with the same farm enterprises. Poultry was dropped in 1958 and the last commercial vegetable crop was greenhouse tomatoes in 1980. Carl and his wife Elizabeth were involved with many organizations including the Killingly Regional Vocational Agricultural Consulting Committee, The New England Vegetable Growers Association, The Connecticut Farm Bureau, 4-H, and the Woodstock Green Thumbs Garden Club. They also hosted young people from Costa Rica, India, Taiwan and Zambia as a part of the International Farm Youth Exchange Program.
Roy and Earl Norman, Oscar’s sons and the third generation on the farm, bought the farm in 1976. They each built homes on the farm and now operate strictly as a dairy farm. Currently, Roy and Earl have a 100 cow freestall barn for the milking herd and a 120 cow freestall barn for dry cows and 3 different age groups of heifers. They also produce grass and corn for hay and silage feed. Roy and Earl are members of The Connecticut Farm Bureau, and Earl is very involved with the Fellowship of Christian Farmers Association, the Thompson Agricultural Commission and the New England Dairy Promotion Board. The farm received the Albert R. Todd Conservation Award for improvements in conservation and pollution control practices. Members of the fourth generation of Normans continue to work on the farm and two members of the fifth generation recently joined the Happy Herdsmen 4-H Dairy Club, the same club that their grandfather earl belonged to over 50 years ago.
As Governor, I am pleased to join The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and the Connecticut Agricultural Information Council in presenting this Century Farm Award to Anderson Farms, who is most deserving of this honor.
2015 Century Farm Award Recipient: Anderson Farms, Wethersfield
Anderson Farms, located in Wethersfield, was founded in 1854 by James R. Anderson who emigrated to Connecticut from Scotland. Red onions, tobacco and dairy were the principle commodities first produced on the farm. As the farm grew and prospered, James built a large Victorian style home that still graces the Broad Street Green in Old Wethersfield. In 1908, James Welles Anderson took over the farm from his father. A tuberculosis outbreak in 1931 brought an end to the dairy business and a fire that destroyed the tobacco shed ended tobacco production on the farm. James W. concentrated on market gardening, supplying the wholesale produce market and the Connecticut State Prison cannery in Wethersfield. In 1960, James Welles Anderson Sr. turned management of the farm over to his son David Clark Anderson, who became owner after his father’s death and continues to operate the farm to the present. David’s brother Jim assisted on the farm until his passing in 2009 and Jim’s sons Craig and Christopher continue to work on the farm.
Currently, Anderson Farms sells a wide variety of vegetables and produce wholesale at the Hartford Regional Market, in direct sales to other farm stands and through retail sales at the farm. The farm has grown to over 140 acres producing various traditional New England vegetables. Most notable is the fresh spinach and sweet corn. Strawberries have been added as well as a greenhouse expansion for production of bedding plants and early tomatoes. A new building was constructed for washing, preparation and packaging produce for market and a walk-in cooler was also added. Anderson Farms was one of the first to use Integrated Pest Management, and works with the Great Meadows Conservation Trust and the Wethersfield Fish & Game Club. David maintains active memberships in the Hartford County and Connecticut Farm Bureaus, the Greater Hartford Farmers Market, Inc., and the Connecticut Vegetable Growers Association. David is also a member of the Board of Governors and a 50+ year member of Company #1, Wethersfield’s Volunteer Fire Department, the oldest fire company in continuous existence in New England, founded in 1803.
As Governor, I am pleased to join The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and the Connecticut Agricultural Information Council in presenting this Century Farm Award to Anderson Farms, who is most deserving of this honor.
Anderson Farms, located in Wethersfield, was founded in 1854 by James R. Anderson who emigrated to Connecticut from Scotland. Red onions, tobacco and dairy were the principle commodities first produced on the farm. As the farm grew and prospered, James built a large Victorian style home that still graces the Broad Street Green in Old Wethersfield. In 1908, James Welles Anderson took over the farm from his father. A tuberculosis outbreak in 1931 brought an end to the dairy business and a fire that destroyed the tobacco shed ended tobacco production on the farm. James W. concentrated on market gardening, supplying the wholesale produce market and the Connecticut State Prison cannery in Wethersfield. In 1960, James Welles Anderson Sr. turned management of the farm over to his son David Clark Anderson, who became owner after his father’s death and continues to operate the farm to the present. David’s brother Jim assisted on the farm until his passing in 2009 and Jim’s sons Craig and Christopher continue to work on the farm.
Currently, Anderson Farms sells a wide variety of vegetables and produce wholesale at the Hartford Regional Market, in direct sales to other farm stands and through retail sales at the farm. The farm has grown to over 140 acres producing various traditional New England vegetables. Most notable is the fresh spinach and sweet corn. Strawberries have been added as well as a greenhouse expansion for production of bedding plants and early tomatoes. A new building was constructed for washing, preparation and packaging produce for market and a walk-in cooler was also added. Anderson Farms was one of the first to use Integrated Pest Management, and works with the Great Meadows Conservation Trust and the Wethersfield Fish & Game Club. David maintains active memberships in the Hartford County and Connecticut Farm Bureaus, the Greater Hartford Farmers Market, Inc., and the Connecticut Vegetable Growers Association. David is also a member of the Board of Governors and a 50+ year member of Company #1, Wethersfield’s Volunteer Fire Department, the oldest fire company in continuous existence in New England, founded in 1803.
As Governor, I am pleased to join The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and the Connecticut Agricultural Information Council in presenting this Century Farm Award to Anderson Farms, who is most deserving of this honor.
2014 Century Farm Award Recipient: Holdridge Farm Nursery, Ledyard
The Century Farm Award is presented to a successful and innovative CT farm in continuous operation for 100 years or more. The recipient is selected by the CT Ag Information Council and the award is announced and presented at the CT Agricultural Experiment Station’s Plant Science Day at Lockwood Farm in Hamden on the first Wednesday in August.
The 2014 winner is Holdridge Farm Nursery.
Holdridge Farm Nursery, located in Ledyard, was started in 1912 by Judge Samuel Holdridge as a vegetable farm and mail order nursery for strawberry plants. His son, Paul Holdridge Sr. added bare-root fruit trees and eventually a full line of nursery stock. A small store was built at the home farm at Geer Hill in 1941. Paul Holdridge Jr. and Alden Holdridge, the third generation on the farm, each added their own initiatives. Paul Jr. expanded the retail sector and added hard goods. Alden took over management of the growing operations and shifted from field-grown to container-grown nursery production.
Currently, Holdridge Farm Nursery is the largest garden center and wholesale nursery in Southeastern Connecticut. It is run by Shari Hewes, daughter of Paul Jr. and fourth-generation of the family on the farm. Holdridge Farm Nursery grows vegetable plants, annuals, perennials, nursery stock and contract nursery stock on 60 acres of which 16 acres are under irrigation for container production and nearly 2 acres of greenhouses. The retail store in Ledyard Center is a landmark known for locally grown quality nursery stock and plants.
The Century Farm Award is presented to a successful and innovative CT farm in continuous operation for 100 years or more. The recipient is selected by the CT Ag Information Council and the award is announced and presented at the CT Agricultural Experiment Station’s Plant Science Day at Lockwood Farm in Hamden on the first Wednesday in August.
The 2014 winner is Holdridge Farm Nursery.
Holdridge Farm Nursery, located in Ledyard, was started in 1912 by Judge Samuel Holdridge as a vegetable farm and mail order nursery for strawberry plants. His son, Paul Holdridge Sr. added bare-root fruit trees and eventually a full line of nursery stock. A small store was built at the home farm at Geer Hill in 1941. Paul Holdridge Jr. and Alden Holdridge, the third generation on the farm, each added their own initiatives. Paul Jr. expanded the retail sector and added hard goods. Alden took over management of the growing operations and shifted from field-grown to container-grown nursery production.
Currently, Holdridge Farm Nursery is the largest garden center and wholesale nursery in Southeastern Connecticut. It is run by Shari Hewes, daughter of Paul Jr. and fourth-generation of the family on the farm. Holdridge Farm Nursery grows vegetable plants, annuals, perennials, nursery stock and contract nursery stock on 60 acres of which 16 acres are under irrigation for container production and nearly 2 acres of greenhouses. The retail store in Ledyard Center is a landmark known for locally grown quality nursery stock and plants.
2013 Century Farm Award Recipient: Holmberg Orchards, LLC, Gales Ferry
Holmberg Orchards, located in Gales Ferry, was originally purchased in 1896 as a family farm by Adolph and Hulda Holmberg, who came to Connecticut from Sweden. Since that start, there have been four generations of Holmbergs and each has made his or her own mark on the farm. Initially, the farm produced high quality vegetable crops. Second-generation sons Harold and Henry planted apple, peach and pear trees starting in 1935 and also raised chickens as a source of income while the trees were maturing.
Harold’s son Richard and his wife Diane expanded the orchard into pick-your-own and retail enterprises, adding a bakery and greenhouse tomato production. The fourth generation on the farm, Amy and Russell, each added their own new direction- Amy further expanded the farm market, adding locally produced gourmet specialty foods. Russell planted wine grapes and produces hard cider, fruit wines, and wine.
For over a century, comprising four generations, Holmberg Orchards has maintained and expanded upon a reputation for quality in fruits and vegetables and a commitment to excellence and dedication to their customers.
As Governor, I am pleased to join The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and the Connecticut Agricultural Information Council in presenting this Century Farm Award to the Holmberg family, who is most deserving of this honor.
Holmberg Orchards, located in Gales Ferry, was originally purchased in 1896 as a family farm by Adolph and Hulda Holmberg, who came to Connecticut from Sweden. Since that start, there have been four generations of Holmbergs and each has made his or her own mark on the farm. Initially, the farm produced high quality vegetable crops. Second-generation sons Harold and Henry planted apple, peach and pear trees starting in 1935 and also raised chickens as a source of income while the trees were maturing.
Harold’s son Richard and his wife Diane expanded the orchard into pick-your-own and retail enterprises, adding a bakery and greenhouse tomato production. The fourth generation on the farm, Amy and Russell, each added their own new direction- Amy further expanded the farm market, adding locally produced gourmet specialty foods. Russell planted wine grapes and produces hard cider, fruit wines, and wine.
For over a century, comprising four generations, Holmberg Orchards has maintained and expanded upon a reputation for quality in fruits and vegetables and a commitment to excellence and dedication to their customers.
As Governor, I am pleased to join The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and the Connecticut Agricultural Information Council in presenting this Century Farm Award to the Holmberg family, who is most deserving of this honor.
2012 Century Farm Award Recipient: Futtner's Family Farm, LLC, East Hartford
Futtner’s Family Farm, LLC, located in East Hartford, Connecticut, began in 1890. Now in its fourth generation, the farm is currently managed by James and Honora Futtner. Jim’s great-grandparents came to the United States from Italy in 1880 on their honeymoon. Ten years later, they purchased their first parcel of land (13.88 acres). There were numerous land transactions thereafter, including property that is now part of I-84. Crops are grown on about 25 acres, including land in South Windsor, Connecticut.
There is a long history of greenhouse and vegetable production. A variety of crops, including sweet corn, melons, squash, lettuce, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, have been sold in retail and wholesale markets. Today, the farm includes a popular Pick-Your-Own operation for tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. A roadside stand operates 7 months of the year. High quality annuals, perennials, herbs, hanging baskets, rose bushes, and patio pots are also sold.
The Futtner family is dedicated to its customers, agricultural industry, and community interests. Jim serves on the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission. Honora was a director for the first 3 years of the Connecticut Farmland Trust. A community supported agricultural program is active. Extra produce is donated to Foodshare in Hartford.
As Governor, I am pleased to join The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and the Connecticut Agricultural Information Council in presenting this Century Farm Award to the Futtner family, who is most deserving of this honor.
Futtner’s Family Farm, LLC, located in East Hartford, Connecticut, began in 1890. Now in its fourth generation, the farm is currently managed by James and Honora Futtner. Jim’s great-grandparents came to the United States from Italy in 1880 on their honeymoon. Ten years later, they purchased their first parcel of land (13.88 acres). There were numerous land transactions thereafter, including property that is now part of I-84. Crops are grown on about 25 acres, including land in South Windsor, Connecticut.
There is a long history of greenhouse and vegetable production. A variety of crops, including sweet corn, melons, squash, lettuce, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, have been sold in retail and wholesale markets. Today, the farm includes a popular Pick-Your-Own operation for tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. A roadside stand operates 7 months of the year. High quality annuals, perennials, herbs, hanging baskets, rose bushes, and patio pots are also sold.
The Futtner family is dedicated to its customers, agricultural industry, and community interests. Jim serves on the South Windsor Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Commission. Honora was a director for the first 3 years of the Connecticut Farmland Trust. A community supported agricultural program is active. Extra produce is donated to Foodshare in Hartford.
As Governor, I am pleased to join The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and the Connecticut Agricultural Information Council in presenting this Century Farm Award to the Futtner family, who is most deserving of this honor.
2011 Century Farm Award Recipient: Collins Powder Hill Farm, Enfield
Collins Powder Hill Farm, at 9 Powder Hill Road in Enfield, Connecticut, was established in 1868. During the late 1800’s, strawberries, blueberries, vegetables, and tobacco were the main crops. There were a few animals present for meat and milk, mostly for family needs. In the early 1900’s, an apple orchard became the new enterprise for the farm.
Like many Connecticut farms, diversification and adapting to changing times over the years are critical to the survival and sustainability of the farm. The Collins family developed a well-known chicken farm raising mostly breeding stock. Cows were then introduced and a dairy operation co-existed with egg and meat production.
Today, the principal family members (John and Ashley Collins and Jack and Mavis Collins) oversee a 180-acre farm with a dairy herd of about 170 cows, which includes an extensive breeding program of Holstein and Jersey stock, a composting business, and a creamery where premium ice cream is sold. Corn and alfalfa are important crops. The Collins family has about 158 acres in farmland preservation. Numerous family members and employees over several generations have contributed to the success of the farm.
As Governor, I am pleased to join with The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and the Connecticut Agricultural Information Council in presenting this Century Farm Award to the Collins family, who are most deserving of this honor.
Collins Powder Hill Farm, at 9 Powder Hill Road in Enfield, Connecticut, was established in 1868. During the late 1800’s, strawberries, blueberries, vegetables, and tobacco were the main crops. There were a few animals present for meat and milk, mostly for family needs. In the early 1900’s, an apple orchard became the new enterprise for the farm.
Like many Connecticut farms, diversification and adapting to changing times over the years are critical to the survival and sustainability of the farm. The Collins family developed a well-known chicken farm raising mostly breeding stock. Cows were then introduced and a dairy operation co-existed with egg and meat production.
Today, the principal family members (John and Ashley Collins and Jack and Mavis Collins) oversee a 180-acre farm with a dairy herd of about 170 cows, which includes an extensive breeding program of Holstein and Jersey stock, a composting business, and a creamery where premium ice cream is sold. Corn and alfalfa are important crops. The Collins family has about 158 acres in farmland preservation. Numerous family members and employees over several generations have contributed to the success of the farm.
As Governor, I am pleased to join with The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and the Connecticut Agricultural Information Council in presenting this Century Farm Award to the Collins family, who are most deserving of this honor.