Join us in a unique haven, 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 sprawling 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. Something in his demeanor drew us in, and we found ourselves drawn into conversation. 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 America seemed a world away. But as they say, “dream carefully, for dreams have a way of taking root.”
Months later, speaking with Martin from our temporary home in Kenya 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 Downtown 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.
The Farm
“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 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 CSA members, offering them a seasonal bounty 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 marked 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
Another goal of our visit was to present the Cycle to Farms project to the Waldorf school students (https://school.hawthornevalley.org), aiming to inspire young minds to make bold choices in life. Usually, talking at schools can be tough, but these kids were amazing! They asked really smart questions about different farm ecosystems and even about carbon dioxide. It showed us how great Waldorf education can be. The school has 305 students, from little kids in kindergarten all the way up to high school. There’s one teacher for every eight students, which means everyone gets lots of attention. It’s a place where children can truly grow and mature into adulthood. The school’s mission is to provide a Waldorf education that honors childhood’s foundational experiences and engages the head, heart, and hands of students. This approach enables them to develop essential human capacities for clear thinking, creative collaboration, and meaningful work. The school also values and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion as integral to ethical learning and society. We couldn’t help but wish we had the chance to study at a school like this, where education is integrated with farm life. Every day when we went to the store, we’d see students from our talk working there. It’s neat how the school gets kids involved in the community.
Hawthorne Valley isn’t just for kids, though. They also have classes for grown-ups at called the Alkion Center (https://alkioncenter.hawthornevalley.org/). Here, adults can learn about Anthroposophy, Waldorf Teacher Education and even independent visual arts. There’s so much happening at Hawthorne Valley that it’s hard to remember it all or explain it in words. It’s a place where farming, learning, and community all come together in a really unique way.
Research
Another area where Hawthorne Valley truly stands out is its dedication to scientific and social research. During our walk with Martin and the Annual Fall Festival at HV, we got to learn about their ongoing projects in these fields.
Hawthorne Valley’s Farmscape Ecology Program (https://hvfarmscape.org) is a hands-on participatory research initiative focused on learning through observation. A great example of their recent work is a field guide titled From the Hudson to the Taconics: An Ecological and Cultural Field Guide to the Habitats of Columbia County, New York, which offers insights into the region’s unique habitats.
Founded in 2003, the Farmscape Ecology Program started as a small research and outreach initiative dedicated to fostering a deeper connection to the local landscape. The program’s approach involves exploring the relationship between human culture and the rural, semi-agricultural environment of Columbia County. The core team includes a botanist, social scientist, and wildlife ecologist, supported by technicians, interns, and volunteers. Together, they conduct participatory research on the county’s ecology, history, and culture, aiming to build a broader understanding of the area.
Another fascinating aspect of Hawthorne Valley’s work is their Center for Social Research (https://csr.hawthornevalley.org). We had the chance to meet Co-Director Gary Lamb, who shared insights about Steinerian Economics, the Threefold social order, and inner development work. Gary’s extensive experience at HV spans 36 years, during which he has also served as a farm manager and contributed to the development of the school.
The Center for Social Research serves as an educational and action-research institution—a “think and do” tank—dedicated to fostering social transformation based on principles of individual freedom, cultural diversity, democratic equality, and social responsibility in economic life.
These research programs show how Hawthorne Valley brings together science, education, and social change, creating a vibrant community committed to meaningful work.
Store
The store at Hawthorne Valley (https://store.hawthornevalley.org) is really special. We’ve talked about it a few times because it’s like the heart of the farm. It’s where everyone comes together – people who live and work at Hawthorne Valley, but also folks from nearby who come to shop. Serving as a visual and physical representation of the farm’s principles, the store is carefully curated with local, sustainable, organic, and biodynamic products.
Offering over 300 biodynamic products from Hawthorne Valley and other nearby farms, the store exemplifies a thoughtful approach to food. We saw many visitors drawn to the bakery section, enjoying the delicious baked goods—and we couldn’t resist trying some ourselves. The store serves over 235,000 customers, it’s clear that the Farm Store’s offerings resonate with the community.
Once you are in the shop you can clearly recognise that the product selection process is intentional and thoughtful. As the Farm Store team puts it: “We carefully select products for our Farm Store by prioritizing organic and biodynamic standards, local production, and alignment with our values. Our buyers thoroughly research each item to ensure quality and value.” To navigate this complex world of endless ingredients, products, certifications and terminologies is definitely not an easy task. So in this store you feel quite at easy, where you can sense that that task has been done for you before hand. We would like to see more stores like this across the country… As we reflect back on the stores we sometimes visited during our cycling tour, sometimes we would think that it is healthier not eating that buying things in stores.
Art and Community
The annual Fall Festival at Hawthorne Valley brought the community together for a lively celebration filled with farm tours, artisan vendors, delicious food, and unique activities like a puppet show and pie contest. People from all around came to enjoy the festivities, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
The puppet show, performed in the kindergarten, was a highlight, captivating hundreds of children and their parents. It was led by Janene Ping, an artist and puppeteer who happens to be Martin’s wife. With a collection of over 300 puppets, Janene skillfully integrates puppetry into early childhood education at Hawthorne Valley.
The performance told the story of the King of Togo Togo, exploring themes of keeping secrets, embracing different values, and recognizing skills beyond appearances or perceived limitations. The puppet show wasn’t just entertainment—it felt like a form of meditation, drawing us in with its magic and creating a peaceful pause amidst the festival’s energy.
The festival exemplified the spirit of Hawthorne Valley, where art, education, and community life come together in meaningful and enriching ways.
Thoughts and Reflections and challenges
During our Cycle to Farms journey, we’ve observed that farms often struggle to gain recognition for creating Natural and Social Capital. Visiting Hawthorne Valley provided a glimpse into how new economic principles can be applied, lived, and sustained within a farming community. It serves as an example and an inspirational hub for many.
However, like any farm, Hawthorne Valley faces its share of challenges. While building social capital, figuring out how to properly account for and fund these social initiatives remains a significant hurdle. The farm store serves as the main income generator, but it’s just one part of a larger ecosystem that also relies on less directly profitable activities. As Martin shared, ensuring that the farm’s 250 employees are paid regularly is a constant worry, and the weight of that responsibility is immense.
Admittedly, we may not have captured everything happening at Hawthorne Valley during our brief visit. We spent a few nights there, and each day we discovered new layers of activity, depth, and interconnectedness. There’s so much more to uncover, and we’re already looking forward to returning for another visit.
Our time at Hawthorne Valley serves as a powerful reminder that meaningful action can begin today. As William Arthur Ward beautifully put it:
“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.” — William Arthur Ward
Impact
Cycle to Farms story continues to travel!
- Lukas had the honour of presenting at the World Food Forum in Rome, hosted at the FAO headquarters, where he shared insights online.
- Lukas also participated in Impact Days in Estonia, presenting at the largest sustainability conference in the Nordics, again reaching an international audience online.
- On a lighter, but exciting note, we’re now equipped with new steel bicycles featuring thick tires, perfect for off-road exploration. We’ve even become brand ambassadors for State Bicycles. Wehoo! Get 10% discount using discount code: CYCLETOFARMS
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With gratitude,
Aisha & Lukas