Featured Farms
Fort Hill Farms
“Preserving farmland for future generations to come is of utmost importance. Knowing that we will have the land resources to grow top quality feed needed for our herd in both the near- and long-term offers peace of mind and aligns with our sustainability initiatives.”
– Kies Orr-LaVack, owner and operator
Advancing dairy sustainability through conservation
Dairy farming for 70 years and across five generations requires commitment and innovation. Fort Hill Farm in Thompson exemplifies how agricultural easements can protect decades of work and continue the legacy of land stewardship by dedicated farmers.
Multiple revenue sources
The Orrs partnered with both Connecticut Farmland Trust and the CT Department of Agriculture to protect their large farm with multiple easements. Fort Hill remains an impressive dairy operation with 450 dairy cows. Agritourism has become a significant part of the business, with intricate corn mazes, lavender fields, gardens, and a nature walk. Pick-your-own pumpkins from September to October provides fall family fun on the farm.
Innovative, climate-smart farming and diversification are also key to success
Kies Orr-LaVack has built on the vision of her parents Kristin and Peter, for a diversified farm with a dedication to sustainability. In 2021, an anaerobic digester was built to recycle cow manure and food waste. It was the first anaerobic digester in CT to produce electricity and recycles up to 15,000 gallons of food waste from local institutions every day.
Fort Hill also implements best practices for soil health, such as conservation tillage, cover crops, and recycling manure as fertilizer. Kies is passionate about educating the public about local agriculture and was named CT’s Outstanding Young Farmer in 2022 along with her husband, Jared. Agricultural easements can protect land while allowing for the innovations needed for successful farming in the 21st century.
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