About Our Farm

don_with_spelt2_1.jpgMission

“Our mission is to help build sustainable communities and support regional sustainable agriculture by producing food products made with the local, organic bounty of the Hudson Valley.”

Local Economy

One of the most important elements of Sustainable Agriculture is the support to the local economy of our community.

Wild Hive Farm does this in a variety of ways, not only by supporting local, organic farmers through grain and produce purchases, but also by providing a number of jobs to members of the community.

Many people contribute to the process of our production, and this means jobs for bakers, millers, salespeople, welders, metal smiths, drivers, local teens, and the afore-mentioned farmers. By promoting this regional food system, and raising attendance to local festivals, stores, and markets, Wild Hive Farm contributes to a flourishing local economy and sets a standard for future growth of the sustainability of the Hudson Valley.

Sustainable Farming

The best way to ensure a stable future for our local farmers is to support them financially. Wild Hive Farm does this reliably, as we buy our grains and produce exclusively from local and regional  farmers, and refuse to make any substitutions with commodity grown grains.

In this way, we hope to create a prosperous and lasting network of local farms, that will provide for, and be supported by the community that surrounds them. By buying bread that is made using grains and produce from local farms, you are closing the "circle of sustainable agriculture and in turn, supporting these farms by creating a demand for their production. This allows us to continue to rely on the growers for the highest quality regional grains and produce possible. Thank you for your support to us, to your community, and to local, sustainable farming.

                                                                           Don Lewis

 

Wild Hive Farm Timeline:

  • 1982- Wild Hive Farm is created as a venue for Don Lewis’ commercial beekeeping and pollination businesses.
  • 1984- Baking begins as a supplemental farm income, featuring Middle Eastern, honey-based recipes.
  • 1986- Bakery expands to include breads, and home-style baked products.
  • 1989- Commercial honey production comes to a halt, and a full scale bakery begins.
  • 1999- Local, organically grown, freshly milled flour begins to be incorporated into bakery products.
  • 2005
    • Flour begins to be milled on the premises.
    • Fletcher Coddington of Arrowsmith Forge is commissioned to begin the construction of a mobile, wood-fired hearth oven.
  • 2006
    • All products henceforth made with 100% local organic flour.
    • Organic grain harvest increases, and freshly milled flours and corn meals are packaged and made available to the public consumer.
  • 2007
    • Organic grain harvest increases to new levels, allowing Wild Hive Farm to expand its distribution services throughout Ulster County.
    • Increased levels also allow Wild Hive to donate freshly milled, organic flour to the Dutchess Outreach Food Pantry, to help ensure sustainable food security within the community.
    • Wild Hive’s mobile hearth oven takes its maiden voyage to the Family Farm Festival in High Falls, New York.