A Launch Party by the Lake

In 2011, we were joined by 1,500 of our closest friends for a coming-out party on the shores of Lake Copake hosted by the Beekman Boys.

It was a two-day celebration of all things seed and soil.  We wanted to celebrate the food world’s real rockstars — the farmers who make everything possible.  These hard-working men and women are at the center of everything we do at FarmOn!.  We have considered it our privilege to honor their invaluable contributions each subsequent year.

Attendees browsed the goods on offer from local vendors while enjoying live music from Hudson Valley acts.  We were all treated to a farm-forward dinner prepared by guest chefs Mark Straussman (Fred’s at Barney’s New York) and Glenn Strickling (The Greens), sourced entirely from local providers.  And for the cheese course, our fabulous hosts contributed their own first-season BLAAK.

We were proud to announce our partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension in launching our very first program: Camp FarmOn!.  A summer camp for young entrepreneurs, this week-long program introduces kids to the business and practice of ethical agriculture.  Students spend time shadowing our resident farmers and learning the day-to-day basics of food production, then design and present their own business plan at the end of the week.

The first class of Camp FarmOn! numbered 18 students.  Thanks to the generosity of our guests, all 18 spots were fully-funded.

Festivities concluded with a bonfire and sundae bar provided by Ronnybrook Dairy.