With its stunning views of the rolling hills near Cambridge, NY, Hickory Wind Farm is as beautiful as it is bountiful.
Operated by the members of the Ross family, Hickory Wind Farm offers a diverse range of locally-made goods, from maple syrup and perennials to high-quality hay and heirloom heritage grains. By carefully working in tandem with their land, the Ross family is able to share their goods with customers throughout the Northeast.
Let’s learn all about Hickory Wind Farm’s agricultural operation, which involves heirloom grains, maple syrup, hay, perennials and more!
A Diversified Family Ag Operation
Initially from Ulster County, the Ross family moved to Washington County, New York in the 2000’s to allow their family room to grow their farming operation. At first, Hickory Wind Farm was solely a horse farm, but it quickly expanded. In fact, the family began haying their own fields in 2009, and then began to reclaim nearby fallow lands to expand their growing capability.
Later on, Randy Ross upgraded their backyard maple sugaring production to a dedicated maple sugar house, which now handles 2-300 taps each year. To share the fruits of their labor, Hickory Wind Farm became regular vendors at the Cambridge Valley Farmers Market in 2016, a tradition they continue each Sunday in-season. There, you’ll be able to purchase their seasonal products (such as perennials), as well as pure maple syrup and traditional art, metal- and woodwork.
Finally, a 10-acre expansion in 2020 allowed the Ross brothers (Kristoffer and Matthew) to begin growing a range of sustainable heritage grains, grown in-line with organic standards. Currently, they grow and process Turkey Red Winter Wheat and Hull-Less Oats, as well as Rye, Oats, Buckwheat and Wheat for livestock feeds, straw, forage and cover crops.
Hickory Wind Farm: Preserving, Growing and Processing Hay, Heritage Grains and Oats
Heritage grains, also known as heirloom grains, are staple products that have been grown in an area for a long period of time. Often, they form a tradition and history in their own right – think wheat, corn, and rye. And this was true locally, too – prior to the 1850’s, Washington County and Western NY were the “breadbaskets” of the state! Historically, this region was rich in both oats and wheat, for both humans and livestock.
Often, these grains are both more flavorful and nutritious than their modern hybridized counterparts – but they’re also more challenging to grow. Hickory Wind Farm has made it their mission to preserve these precious varieties and share them with visitors and their community alike.
While growing their crops, the Ross family likes to keep it both natural and traditional. First, they use only organic seed and compost, which is planted using a 1950’s-era grain drill from the 1950’s, still going strong. Fun fact: Hickory Wind plants about 150lbs of seed per acre, per year!
As the grains grow, Hickory Wind remains busy attending their fields, keeping them healthy while avoiding the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers. When the grain is fully grown, the Ross brothers harvest using a 1940’s combine, which collects the crops in large burlap sacks for storage and processing. Interestingly, the winter wheat grows long, lush stalks over winter, and actually enjoys a good blanket of snow!
After harvest, these bags are kept in a cool, clean facility until they’re needed. To replenish Hickory Wind’s stock, these grains are run through special machines, which separate the oat from the hull. “Whole grains” are not run through this process – they still posses all parts of the grain.
Growing Hay: The Backbone of Livestock Agriculture
Of course, a large portion of their business comes from growing hay. Managed as a perennial sod, Hickory Wind’s Hay uses no chemical sprays, with careful applications of lime, and timing of the harvest. In this way, Hickory Wind provides delicious and nutritious dry grass and alfalfa hay to customers in New York, Vermont and Massachusetts. With both round and square bales as well as a range of straw and forage options, the Ross family’s organically-grown hay remains in high demand.
Plus, to extend their growing season, Hickory Wind Farm also makes grass and clover baleage. Harvested in the autumn, this additional crop puts field into use that would not be harvestable for dry hay.
Purchasing Heritage Grain, Hay and More from Hickory Wind Farm
Whether you’re a foodie, baker or granola maker, you’ll be impressed by how Hickory Wind Farm’s all-natural grains and maple syrup elevate your dishes. So come immerse yourself in the world of heritage grains, savor the flavors of the past, and learn about the importance of sustainable agriculture when you connect with the Ross family online or at local farmers markets.
You can find Hickory Wind Farm on Sundays at the Cambridge Valley Farmers Market, and Saturdays at the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market. Either way, you’ll be able to browse their selection of whole grain flours, wheat berries, oat groats and rolled oats! In fact, their most popular product is actually the Hard Red Winter Wheat Flour, which is popular for making sourdough, yeast and whole wheat breads.
Want to taste the heritage grain difference – without baking yourself? Visit the Bernard Farm Store just off Rt. 22 near Cambridge, NY to find tasty fresh-baked goods from Covered Bridge Bread Company. Often, they use Hickory Wind Farm’s grains in their baking, so be sure to pick up some of their delicious sourdough or focaccia! It’s all local, through and through.
And once you’re home, you can also easily purchase Hickory Wind’s heritage grains from their website. Plus, if you love their grains, they offer bulk and wholesale pricing on direct local orders.
Want to discover more unique local businesses, attractions and accommodations?
Within Washington County, NY, wonders await around every corner. Whether you’re interested in unique museums, beautiful golf courses, family-friendly adventures or craft beverages, you’ll find some of New York’s finest right here.
In the Cambridge, NY area alone, you’ll find several of our historic covered bridges, a brewery in a converted train depot, a fun independent bookstore and the serene grounds of New Skete Monastery. Be sure to stop by their self-serve store for some simply divine cheesecake!
