Our Philosophy

We believe a farm must be able to sustain the farmers to survive. Our focus is on our farm and CSA. Our CSA has grown from 20 members in 2007 to nearly 200 members in 2009 and expect another 200 member year in 2010 and an increase of our wholesale production.

We believe in honest hard work and strive to be the best stewards of the land on which we grow our crops. We are proud to be members of Deep Root Organic Co-Op. They market and ship our crops from Maine to Florida.

We strive to build a better community. We have donated over 50,000 lbs of produce to local food shelves and Salvation Farms.

We love to share our farm, so please stop in. Experience the fresh taste of organic while enjoying the view.

The Farmers:
    Joe, Anne, Jay, Jon, Ashley, and Becky Tisbert,
    Zippy & Bella the dogs.
The Crew:
    Tamara (Greenhouse Mgr), Geoff (Field Mgr), 
    Marta (Store Mgr), and Wendy (Book keeper)
 

A Little Tisbert Family History

On our first visit to the Trask farm in Pleasant Valley, we were awed by breathtaking views. We had found the farm of our dreams — hence the name "Valley Dream Farm".

We purchased the Farm in 1992 from Fred Trask and the American Farmland Trust. It was originally called "Sugar Bush Farm", but the 90 acres of maple sugar trees were separated from the main farm and sold to our neighbors before our purchase.

We began by milking 90 head of registered Holsteins, but falling milk prices forced us to sell the cows and find work off the farm. Working two or three jobs each, we played our own version of Survivor while trying to keep a family of six our first priority. Family medical problems compounded the struggle. Worst of all, a rare tumor initially robbed our 16-year-old son Jay of speech, sight and movement for months, and he remains in a wheelchair. But we persevered. When Jay's communication ability returned, he went to college to study horticulture with Mom at his side.

Our interest in organic farming started when we were offered several tons of chemicals to eradicate some serious weeds. We knew our water table and these harsh chemicals would eventually meet, so we declined the offer.

Anne's small scale business supplying vegetables to local restaurants rapidly expanded. The kids' Pumpkin Patch opened the door to our first wholesale shipment.

Jay graduated and he and Anne brought home all his knowledge of soils, plants, and greenhouses. Ashley has graduated and gone on for her masters in Business. Becky has graduated from high school and moved to Newton, Mass to study interior design. Jon continues in high school and cares for our 200 chickens. Joe retired from IBM and loves being back home to help the organic vegetable business continue to expand. Life on the farm rolls along.

Hard work turns dreams into reality and Valley Dream Farm is our proof!

SIGN UP NOW for Fresh organic vegetables for 24 weeks, pick up at the farm or many new locations.