Sundae on the Farm
Last Sunday was Father’s Day and it’s getting harder and harder for us to find new and interesting ways to celebrate, especially with our kids getting older. So when I heard about Sundae on the Farm I thought what an unusual way to spend Father’s Day — visiting an actual dairy farm.
This was the 16th annual Sundae on the Farm, this year held at Clear Echo Farm in Northumberland. When we arrived at the farm we were loaded onto a tractor and taken across the farm field and given a brief tour of the farm’s operation. It was amazing how well these cows are treated. Water beds, tube ventilation, milked three times a day, barn cleaned three times a day. They must make some really good milk!!! The event is run by volunteers from other farms in Saratoga County, which take turns hosting the event.
Here are some facts we learned on the tour:
Saratoga County has 650 family-owned farms
There is 74,800 acres of farmland in Saratoga County
25% of Saratoga County’s farmland has been lost to development in the past 4 decades, the fastest rate in the Capital Region
Saratoga County farms contribute more than $100 million annually to Saratoga’s economy
Saratoga County farms produce products such as milk, eggs apples, flowers, wool and vegetables.
But Sundae on the Farm isn’t just about how many cows the farm has or what they eat. It’s also about teaching others about where your food comes from, how to prepare it and where to buy it locally to support farms here in Saratoga County.
There were demonstrations throughout the day of sheep shearing, goat milking, calf bottle feeding and even cooking demonstrations. There was a farmer’s market where fresh cheese, jams and other goods could be bought. And the reason for the name — Stewart’s ice cream sundaes scooped up by the dairy princess herself!
I think the best way to sum up the day is in photos.
Family Fun on the Farm in Photos
