Farm History
Our Farm History
Welcome to Stillman’s at the Turkey Farm. Situated in the picturesque town of Hardwick, the farm is owned and operated by Kate Stillman and is part of the larger Stillman’s Farm, family operation. Today, Stillman’s at the Turkey Farm is a diverse livestock operation. Located on two separate farmsteads, and comprised of over two hundred acres, the farm produces beef, lamb, pork, chicken, eggs and turkeys seasonally. The farm employs a comprehensive marketing plan to promote and sell farm products: attending over twenty farmers’ markets a week in the Boston area, offering shares in their Community Supported Agriculture program, as well as offering many other unique purchasing opportunities including delivery and custom shipping.
Stillman’s at the Turkey Farm is a dynamic farming enterprise- embodying the true small farm and local food spirit.
Kate Stillman: Farm Proprietor
Farming runs thick through Kate’s blood leading her to a long and detailed profile as a young female farmer and entrepreneur. Growing up “Green” in the family business, her intimate involvement in her parent’s produce farm inspired her into a career in agriculture. Kate spent much of her childhood equally, in her parents’ fields- growing and picking and standing at farmers’ market tables- selling and marketing. At the young age of 11, she honed her entrepreneurial spirits and started her own cut flower business, which continues today. The money and experience she gained, propelled her to attended the University of Massachusetts where she earned a dual degree in Agriculture and Business. After completing college, Kate renewed her interest and commitment to the family business, taking on an inspired role as one of the farm principles. Simultaneously, she began a personal search for a farm of her own to continue her commitments and passion.
After nearly five years of “farm hunting,” Kate purchased “The Turkey Farm” in the summer of 2006 with the intent to produce conscientiously raised meats and poultry. Taking advantage of a lifetime involvement in local agriculture and marketing, Kate quickly grew the business to its current form. In 2008 she was blessed with a baby boy, Trace Lee Davin, who has been and continues to be the pride of her farm. Just days after his birth (day four!), Trace joined Kate on the farm watching on as produce was washed, and market trucks loaded and packed! Trace has continued to grow up, like Kate, fully submerged in farm life and the business. Shortly after the birth of Trace, Kate was fortunate to be able to add to the farm once more, and purchased a second piece of property on the opposite side of Hardwick, located on Greenwich Rd. Complete with barn, a house and cleared fields, the property has become the base for the farm’s pork, lamb and poultry operations.
The Turkey Farm, the Roots of a Name:
Kate purchased “The Turkey Farm” with the intent to raise beef, pork and lamb for sale along with her family’s well established produce farm, “Stillman’s Farm. However, shortly after acquiring the property, and learning of the farm’s roots: Originally built in 1830, the farm, including barn and outbuildings were built for the purpose of free-ranging turkeys for local consumption in the Hardwick and surrounding areas, Kate quickly realized her plans to rename the farm would be historically unpopular. Thus, she decided to embraced the farm’s deep agricultural roots, kept the name and decided to raise a few turkeys!
“The opportunity to continue and add to our family’s rich farming tradition has been tremendous. As a young female farmer I am proud of my role in preserving open space and valuable agricultural lands in Massachusetts, believing that I am an important piece of the flourishing and dynamic local, sustainable food movement in the state. I am incredibly excited to offer the Stillman’s Farm community additional healthy, high quality, safe, and great tasting food options!”
~ Kate Stillman
Stillman’s at the Turkey Farm is a truly a Family Farm. The Stillman family also owns and operates these fine farms:
Stillman’s Farm: Greenhouses and Farm Stand
Stillife Farm
