Young Farmers of the Hudson Valley

We were recently contacted by Chronogram Magazine, a tremendous monthly publication circulated in and around the Hudson Valley based out of Kingston, NY. They asked that we photograph some young farmers local to the Hudson area for an article being written for their September issue. As this is our family’s first year as CSA members with Common Hands Farm, we are fully convinced it is the best way to get local veggies, etc… It was a true honor to be considered for this assignment, especially after meeting these amazing people who UNDERSTAND what it means to eat responsibly.

My first stop was just outside of the Hudson city limits to Letterbox Farm Collective where I met Faith & Amanda working hard in the warm sunshine and the early morning dew. I’ve passed this barn thousands of times coming in and out of Hudson and have always wanted to include it in photographs, and am so happy I was able to do so in this context.

Faith told me she had settled in Hudson, NY after searching for a long time because of the close proximity of a thriving urban city and tremendously fertile agricultural land. Hudson is pretty awesome that way!

Next I made my way to Lineage Farm near Philmont, NY where I met Jon & Jen. The vastly different soil and elemental exposure was immediately apparent. Despite these obstacles, like Amanda and Faith, both Jon & Jen showed a silent but deep satisfaction in what they were accomplishing.

Now this visit really surprised me. I made my way down to the Red Hook, NY area to meet with Anthony of Great Song Farm. A true connoisseur of farming, he works his leased land with these two tremendous animals.

I was so impressed with their power and level of eagerness to pull this heavy plow through the rocky soil. I felt like I had stepped back in time.

By all means, don’t take my word for it. Please read the extremely well written article by Jennifer Gutman online here or a physical copy if you’re fortunate enough to get your hands on one before they are all gone.

Thank you so much to Mr. Perry of  Chronogram Magazine for this opportunity! We very much look forward to contributing more imagery again in the near future.