Introduction
On the northern edge of Bard’s campus lies a 1.24-acre farm that harvests more than 20,0000 pounds of organic produce for the Bard community every year. And some of that produce is sold to local consumers at their farm stand on Thursdays throughout the summer and early fall. The stand is well worth a visit for anyone who relishes fresh local foods.
Who?
The farm team consists of Bard students under the direction of Bard Farm Coordinator and Educator Rebecca Yoshino. This gives them the opportunity to learn about local, sustainable foods and production practices as well as the complex issues concerning historic and contemporary food culture.
What?
Fresh greens, from bok choy to kale to salad greens, are on offer most of the season. Otherwise, the selection depends on the time of year. In midsummer, look for herbs, green beans, eggplant, peppers, cucumbers, turnips, oyster and shiitake mushrooms, or zucchini. Later in the summer, check out their fresh tomatoes. In addition, they grow cut flowers for bouquets and dye plants in collaboration with the Studio Arts Department. Sometimes these dried plants are available at the market.
Rebecca notes, “Our prices are great, the quality is fabulous, and our seasonal choices are sure to please. You can typically find a variety of herbs and vegetables, mushrooms, and flowers. We are hoping to bring back Triple A Angus again this year for local grass-fed meats as well.” If you are in the mood for a sweet treat, try the elderberry syrup, honey, or maple syrup. Students harvest maple sap annually for maple syrup production and have a small student bee club where they raise bees. Unfortunately, the limited space and heavy clay soils make it hard to produce certain crops because they take up too much space for what they produce (sweet corn and broccoli) or because they cannot handle all the clay (potatoes and carrots).
Rebecca sends out weekly emails during the growing season with updates on the farm and what can be expected at the market with the week’s prices. You can sign up for her newsletter here Bard Farm mailing list.
Where?
The stand will be located on Library Rd on the north end of the Kline Commons parking lot. You can see the tent as you drive up Annandale Rd.
When?
The stand will be open every Thursday starting June 8 through August from 1-5 pm and then from September 7 through the end of October from noon-5 pm.
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