Hawthorne Valley Farm
Challenge – Storage
Solution – Hercules Truss Arch Buildings
Size – 65′ wide x 67′ long, 65′ wide x 100′ long
Application – Hay storage and youngstock housing
When it comes to agricultural diversity and philanthropy, the tireless efforts of Hawthorne Valley Farm to serve the greater good are second to none. Since 1972, the 440-plus acre biodynamic farm in Columbia County, N.Y. has provided a self-sustained operation that consists of a dairy and beef herd, home grown forage, grains and vegetables. Milk from the 60-head dairy herd is processed at the farm’s creamery into organic cheeses and yogurts and distributed throughout the Northeast via a 300-member Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and natural food stores in the region.
Over the years, maintaining a sustainable environment for their forage supply and youngstock, however, was becoming more of a challenge. As a result, Steffen Schneider, director of farm operations, contacted ClearSpan Fabric Structures to learn more about its design-build options. “Our round bales of hay were stored outside, and the animals were housed insufficiently in pole barns and stanchion barns,” explained Schneider. “We first learned about ClearSpan through various industry publications. We ultimately chose ClearSpan due to their reputation, customer service and competitive pricing.”
Staying in line with the philosophy of the farm, in particular the provision of nutritious foods and sensitive land stewardship, made ClearSpan’s Hercules Truss Arch Buildings the right choice. With minimal foundation requirements and several “green” qualities, Schneider purchased a 65′ wide by 67′ long for hay storage and a 65′ wide by 100′ long for housing their livestock, and experienced instant gratification. “The natural [daytime] lighting and air quality has been great,” stated Schneider. “Since our buildings have open ends, the circulation is also very good.”
The advantages of a ClearSpan building, especially in the farming and agricultural industries, provide a multitude of benefits to farmers. At Hawthorne Valley Farm, hay bales are dry and retaining valuable nutrients needed for the growth and well-being of their livestock. The animals in turn are eating healthier, which allows the eastern New York farm to deliver on their mission to connect children and adults to the land that nourishes them with the highest quality of agricultural products.
Since 2010, ClearSpan has played an important role in the continued success of Hawthorne Valley Farm. “We are extremely happy with these buildings, and they have proved to be even more helpful than we anticipated,” said Schneider. “I would highly recommend them.”
