Let us take you to a very special place, a place where you can reconnect with nature and rediscover the joy of food. A place of learning and innovation, where scientific research and artistic expression coexist, all rooted in a 900-acre (365 ha) biodynamic farm.
“How do you find these incredible farms?” It’s a question we’re often asked, and our journey to Hawthorne Valley Farm stands as a beautiful testament to life’s serendipitous moments.
Our introduction to Hawthorne Valley begins in Egypt at SEKEM, a biodynamic farm where fate had a surprise in store. One evening, as the desert air cooled and we made our way to dinner, we encountered a man whose presence radiated warmth and positivity. That unique encounter with Martin Ping, Hawthorne Valley’s Executive Director, would prove to be more significant than we could have imagined. As we talked, Martin’s eyes lit up describing Hawthorne Valley, his enthusiasm painting a vivid pictures in our minds of this special place in upstate New York. His invitation to visit felt like a dream – we were bound for East Africa then, and USA seemed a world away. But as they say, “dream carefully, because dreams come true.”
Months later, speaking with Martin from our temporary stop in Tanzania for his podcast, the universe began weaving its web of connections. When Aisha received news of her acceptance to a PhD program at MIT, suddenly Massachusetts – and Hawthorne Valley – didn’t seem so distant after all.
Martin and his friends and family welcomed us with open arms. Katherine Collins a good friend of Martin hosted a welcome dinner at her place in Boston. She also offered us a ride to Hawthorne Valley a week later. While our beloved bicycles were still in transit from State Bicycle to our house (stay tuned for an exciting update about our new wheels!),
The night of our visit, the Northern Lights made a rare appearance over the farm. “They’re welcoming you,” Martin remarked, but there was something magical in the timing. Stepping onto Hawthorne Valley’s grounds the next day, we were overwhelmed by the same warmth we’d felt that evening in Egypt. Different continent, different season, but the same spirit of connection.
So what does "Unconventional by nature" mean in practice?
“The best way to understand Hawthorne Valley is to walk its paths,” Martin told us, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide. For four decades, he has traced these same routes, watching seasons turn and projects flourish. On this crisp autumn day, the orange and yellow colours of the maple and oak trees blazed against an azure blue sky, while the gentle sun cast a golden glow across the landscape.
As we all three walked through the field we learned that Hawthorne Valley Farm was established in 1971, as a farm with Biodynamic principles. The farm’s careful land allocation tells a story of intentional stewardship: 60 acres of grain fields stretch across the landscape, with 15 acres dedicated to rye for their artisanal bakery, while another 45 acres nurture triticale, spelt, barley, and oats for livestock. The vegetable production area, though smaller at 16 acres, feeds an impressive community of over 350 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) members, offering them a seasonal yield of more than 40 vegetable varieties across a 22-week harvest season. Local fruit shares complement this offering, creating a complete cycle of seasonal eating and community connection through special farm events.
The dairy operation epitomizes Hawthorne Valley’s circular philosophy. As we strolled past the grazing herd, Martin shared the farm’s unofficial motto: “We primarily raise cows for compost, which nourishes our soil.” This 1,000-pound-per-day milk operation (approximately 42,442 gallons annually) isn’t just about dairy products. The cows’ “black gold” manure is the lifeblood of the farm, enriching the soil that sustains the entire ecosystem.
The farm’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond organic practices. As we walked, Martin pointed out areas for future geothermal heating installations and solar panel arrays – part of their ambitious goal to become fossil fuel-free by 2025. This forward-thinking approach coexists harmoniously with traditional farming methods, evidenced by the free-roaming chickens, contentedly grazing horses, and playful piglets we encountered along our way.
Near the market garden, where a line of CSA members gathered to collect their freshly harvested vegetables, we discovered one of the farm’s most innovative projects: the Milkweed Hedge Art installation. This creative initiative transcends simple conservation, weaving together ecological preservation with artistic expression. Students compose poetry about milkweed, monarchs, and migration, drawing powerful parallels between butterfly journeys and human migration stories. The project exemplifies Hawthorne Valley’s unique approach to agriculture – one where farming isn’t just about growing food, but about nurturing connections between land, learning, and community.
As we concluded our walk, it became clear that Hawthorne Valley isn’t merely a farm – it’s a living classroom, a sustainable food system, and a model for integrated community development. The seamless blend of farming practices, educational initiatives, and artistic expression sets the stage for our next exploration: the farm’s pioneering educational programs that are shaping the future of agricultural education.
Education and Hands-On Learning
In addition to our engaging presentation for the students, we were struck by the breadth of educational opportunities available at Hawthorne Valley. Beyond the impressive Waldorf school, the community is also home to the Alkion Center, which offers classes for adults on topics like Anthroposophy and Waldorf teacher training, as well as independent visual arts.
The more we learned, the clearer it became that Hawthorne Valley is not simply a school, but an entire ecosystem where farming, learning, and community converge in a truly remarkable way. It’s a place where the foundations of childhood education seamlessly integrate with lifelong learning for people of all ages.
The 305 students at the Waldorf school, ranging from kindergarten through high school, benefit from an exceptional 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio. This ensures each young mind receives the individual attention and support needed to grow and mature. The school’s Waldorf-inspired curriculum engages students’ heads, hearts, and hands, cultivating essential capacities like clear thinking, creative collaboration, and meaningful work.
Beyond the school’s walls, the Alkion Center provides adults with opportunities to delve into Anthroposophy, hone their Waldorf teaching skills, and explore the visual arts. This interweaving of farming, education, and community involvement creates a unique learning environment that we couldn’t help but wish we had experienced ourselves.
At every turn, we were struck by the seamless integration of academics with real-world application. Whether encountering students at the local store or observing the hands-on learning taking place on the school’s farm, it was clear that Hawthorne Valley is a place where education extends far beyond the classroom.
Hawthorne Valley's Dedication to Research and Social Impact
Our visit to Hawthorne Valley revealed an institution committed not just to education, but to advancing scientific and social research in service of the greater good. Beyond the impressive Waldorf school and adult learning programs, the community is home to several cutting-edge research initiatives that exemplify their holistic approach.
The Farmscape Ecology Program (https://hvfarmscape.org) is a prime example of Hawthorne Valley’s dedication to hands-on, participatory research. Founded in 2003, this initiative explores the intricate relationship between human culture and the semi-agricultural environment of Columbia County, New York. The program’s recent publication, From the Hudson to the Taconics: An Ecological and Cultural Field Guide to the Habitats of Columbia County, New York, offers rich insights into the region’s unique ecosystems.
Led by a diverse team of botanists, social scientists, and wildlife ecologists, the Farmscape Ecology Program embodies Hawthorne Valley’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. By involving technicians, interns, and volunteers, the program also reflects the community’s emphasis on fostering broader engagement and understanding of the local landscape.
Equally fascinating is Hawthorne Valley’s Center for Social Research (https://csr.hawthornevalley.org), which serves as an educational and action-research institution dedicated to social transformation. During our visit, we had the opportunity to meet Co-Director Gary Lamb, who shared his extensive 36-year history with the organization, including roles as a farm manager and contributor to the school’s development.
The Center for Social Research operates as a “think and do” tank, exploring principles of individual freedom, cultural diversity, democratic equality, and social responsibility in economic life. Drawing on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, the center’s work encompasses Steinerian Economics and the Threefold social order, with the ultimate goal of fostering positive change.
Whether through the Farmscape Ecology Program’s detailed exploration of the local environment or the Center for Social Research’s visionary approach to economic and societal transformation, Hawthorne Valley demonstrates a profound commitment to using research, education, and community engagement as tools for meaningful impact. It is a place where scientific inquiry, social consciousness, and a dedication to the greater good converge in a truly inspiring way.
The Heart of Hawthorne Valley: The Farm Store
One of the most striking aspects of our visit to Hawthorne Valley was the Farm Store (https://store.hawthornevalley.org), which serves as a physical and visual representation of the community’s core principles. As the central gathering place for both residents and visitors, the store exemplifies the farm’s thoughtful and intentional approach to food, products, and community engagement.
Offering over 300 biodynamic products from Hawthorne Valley and other nearby farms, the store is a treasure of local, sustainable, organic, and biodynamic goods. The carefully curated selection reflects the Farm Store team’s commitment to quality and alignment with the community’s values. As they eloquently state:
“We carefully select products for our Farm Store by prioritizing organic and biodynamic standards, local production, and alignment with our values. Our team thoroughly research each item to ensure quality and value.”
This level of curation and attention to detail is immediately visible and felt upon entering the store. We were drawn to the vast array of nutritious fruits and vegetables, the enticing bakery section, sampling the delicious baked goods, the fresh ready meals and other items that draw us in but also clearly resonates with the over 235,000 customers who visit the store annually. The store’s ability to serve as a hub for the local community was evident in the diverse array of visitors we encountered – from Hawthorne Valley residents and workers to nearby villagers coming to shop.
This store truly is a testament to the power of intentional curation, local sourcing, and a genuine dedication to making a positive impact on the world.
The Joyful Celebration of Hawthorne Valley's Fall Festival
One of the highlights of our visit to Hawthorne Valley was the opportunity to experience their annual Harvest/Fall Festival – a lively celebration that brought the entire community together in a vibrant display of farm life and artistry.
As we arrived at the festival, we enjoyed energy and welcoming atmosphere. People from all walks of life had gathered to enjoy the farm tours, check the artisan vendors, and indulge in the delicious local fare.
One of the festival’s standout moments was the captivating puppet show performed in the kindergarten by Janene Ping, Alfa Demmellash and others. Janene Ping, wife of Martin Ping, is a talented artist, kindergarten teacher, and puppeteer. She creates stunning silk marionettes, carefully dyeing them with natural plant dyes to achieve beautiful color palettes. When these puppets come to life on stage, they truly captivate audiences with their graceful movements and expressive performances. Janine has designed an impressive collection of over 300 puppets. During the festival, we were fortunate to see ‘The King of Togo Togo,’ an African folk tale that explores the joys and challenges of community life.
Far more than mere entertainment, the puppet show felt like a form of meditation, drawing the hundreds of children and parents in attendance into a peaceful pause amidst the festival’s vibrant energy. The performance was a testament to the way Hawthorne Valley integrates the arts into early childhood education, fostering creativity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world.
Throughout the festival, we were struck by the sense of community and shared purpose. Whether exploring the farm, browsing the artisan works, or participating in the playful pie-eating contest, it was clear that this was a space where people came together to celebrate.
Reflections: A Model for Sustainable, Values-Driven Farming
Our journey through the Cycle to Farms project has underscored the critical role that farms play in creating both natural and social connections. Yet, all too often, these vital contributions go unrecognized. The visit to Hawthorne Valley, however, provided a shining example of how new economic principles can be applied, lived, and sustained within a farming community.
Hawthorne Valley stands as an inspirational hub, demonstrating the profound impact that can be achieved when a community embraces holistic, values-driven approaches to agriculture, education, and social research. From the thoughtfully curated Farm Store to the Waldorf school and Farmscape Ecology Program, every aspect of the Hawthorne Valley ecosystem is infused with a deep commitment to sustainability, diversity, and positive social transformation.
Yet, as with any farm, Hawthorne Valley faces its own set of challenges. While the community has excelled at building social capital, the task of properly accounting for and funding these critical initiatives remains a significant hurdle. The Farm Store serves as the primary income generator, but it is just one part of a larger, interdependent system that also relies on less directly profitable activities. As Martin shared, ensuring the regular payment of the farm’s 250 employees is a constant source of worry and responsibility.
It is important to note that our brief visit may not have captured the full depth and complexity of all that is happening at Hawthorne Valley. Over the course of just a few days, we were struck by the seemingly endless layers of activity, interconnectedness, and potential for discovery. There is undoubtedly so much more to uncover, and we eagerly anticipate future opportunities to revisit and delve deeper into this remarkable community.
Ultimately, our time at Hawthorne Valley serves as a powerful reminder that meaningful action can begin today. As William Arthur Ward eloquently stated:
“Today is a most unusual day because we have never lived it before. We will never live it again; it is the only day we have.”
Impact
The Cycle to Farms story continues to grow:
- Lukas presented at the World Food Forum in Rome, hosted at the FAO headquarters, sharing insights with a global online audience
- Lukas also participated in Impact Days in Estonia, the largest sustainability conference in the Nordics, again reaching an international crowd online
- The team is now equipped with new steel bicycles from State Bicycles, featuring thick tires perfect for off-road exploration
- Cycle to Farms supporters can get a 10% discount using the code: CYCLETOFARMS https://www.statebicycle.com/
We hope you enjoyed reading it! Consider supporting our project by pressing “Support us” button.
With gratitude,
Aisha & Lukas