Farm life is cyclical, full of challenges, joys, and accomplishments. 2024 was a year of growth, innovation, and connection. As we prepare for 2025, we’re grateful for the opportunities to share the farm’s beauty and bounty with our visitors while growing healthy food for families. From winter’s quiet planning to fall’s vibrant harvest, every season brings new reasons to celebrate.

 This year, we reflect on our blessings and milestones, including our Top Five Days in 2024:

Top Five Days in 2024

1. Cut Your Own Christmas Trees
   The launch of our cut-your-own Christmas tree experience brought festive cheer to the farm. This new tradition, cultivated over seven years of careful planning and tree growth, was enthusiastically received by families creating holiday memories.
2. Welcome to the Neighborhood: Ironbound Hard Cider
   We introduced Ironbound Hard Cider to our farm, offering locally crafted beverages that paired perfectly with experiences like Harvest Moon Nights and Pick-Your-Own weekends.
3. CSA Expansion
   Our Community Supported Agriculture program expanded to an impressive 34-week full season, ensuring members enjoyed a bounty of fresh, seasonal produce longer than ever.
4. Parties, Hospitality & Entertainment
   This year saw an elevated guest experience with expanded in-house catering and farm-fresh menu options. Live music offerings also grew to include a diverse range of genres and more prominent acts, making every visit a memorable one.
5. Family Farm Succession Plan Activation
   Rebekah Alstede Modery, Sarah Alstede, and Mary Thompson-Alstede joined Kurt W. Alstede as co-owners, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to the farm management structure. This milestone marks Alstede Farms as a majority female-owned family business and sets the stage for continued growth and innovation.

Seasons on the Farm

Winter
Winter is a time for rest and preparation. We mulch cover crops, care for livestock, manage snow, and maintain equipment. Overwintering vegetables ensures an early spring harvest and protects the soil. Farmers also attend trade shows and conferences, gathering insights for the coming season.

Spring
Spring symbolizes growth and renewal. It’s a time to nurture seedlings, expand high tunnel growing practices, and harvest early crops like greens and herbs. Late spring brings planting and hardening off transplants, setting the stage for summer.

Summer
Summer is bustling with activity—longer days mean time spent outdoors planting, harvesting, and caring for livestock. Warm-weather crops like tomatoes, peppers, and melons thrive. Guests enjoy pick-your-own fields and summer field trips, while we prepare for fall by perfecting seasonal ice cream flavors like pumpkin milkshake and Maple Creemee.

Fall
Fall is the season of gratitude and harvest. We celebrate by pressing cider, planting in high tunnels, and preparing fields for winter with mulching, composting, and cover crops. The changing leaves and cooler days make this season a farm favorite as we welcome visitors to enjoy the fall pick-your-own experiences. 

 

Farm Recap

2024 was a year of milestones, growth, and joy. From launching new traditions like cut-your-own Christmas trees to expanding our CSA program and welcoming Rebekah and Sarah into leadership roles, we’ve embraced the challenges and successes of farm life. Each season brought unique tasks and rewards, reminding us of the cyclical beauty of farming.

We look forward to continuing our journey in 2025, creating cherished memories for our visitors, growing healthy fruits and vegetables and sustaining the land for future generations.

Thank you for being part of our story. Best wishes for a Merry Holiday season and Happy and Healthy New Year.