HVADC Client Spotlight: Domino Farm

When Katherine DeWitt returned to her family's Accord farm in September 2023 after a decade in New Zealand, she came back to a place both familiar and changed. Domino Farm, purchased by her grandparents in 1955, had transitioned away from its longtime identity as a dairy farm following the difficult decision to sell the cows during DeWitt’s time abroad. They shifted their focus to hay production and small grains and began exploring other agricultural ventures.

"It was very hard for everybody, because we were all deeply connected to the cows, and they were our family," DeWitt reflected. "But it had just gotten too hard."

Like many farms, change became inevitable. Now, DeWitt is helping steer Domino Farm into its next chapter with support from HVADC's one-on-one Business Technical Assistance (BTA), working to transform the 150-acre Ulster County property into a diversified operation that can thrive in today's agricultural landscape.

Cultivating a New Vision

The transition is both "daunting and exciting," according to DeWitt. The farm currently sells hay to fellow farmers and small grains — wheat, oats, and rye — to Arrowood Farms Brewery & Distillery. They're also selling eggs and vegetables at a self-service farm stand, and raising beef cattle, with plans to expand these offerings.

"Smaller farms are becoming more diversified, and that's definitely what we want to do," she explained. “We're still very much in the transition phase.”

This year marks another significant shift as the farm moves away from growing corn silage — a change prompted by the loss of a buyer but presenting new opportunities for reimagining the land's use.

Finding Expert Guidance

DeWitt discovered HVADC through a Google search for agricultural consultants. Through HVADC, DeWitt received one-on-one BTA from Rose Wilson and Sarah Flack. As part of the assistance, Flack visited the farm, where they walked the land together, assessed opportunities, and helped DeWitt envision a new future for the farm.

"The combination of the two of them is a really amazing one," DeWitt said, "because their areas of expertise complement each other and are key elements for anyone who wants to have a value-added pasture-based system."

Implementing Sustainable Practices

One of the most impactful results of that partnership is now growing in the fields: a 20-acre diverse pasture mix designed to promote soil health and serve as feed for their expanding beef herd. The mix, which includes a variety of plant families, supports soil aggregation and microbial life, foundational elements of regenerative agriculture.

"We planted the new mix last year and will be grazing it this year," DeWitt shared. "I'm very excited to put the cows onto it for the first time. I kind of wish I could eat that pasture mix."

Building on that success, Domino plans to re-seed one field per year with a similar mix, creating a larger rotation that can be grazed or harvested for hay.

This approach represents a shift from recreational grazing to the more intentional rotational grazing techniques she learned in New Zealand, where she earned a master's degree in management of agricultural systems and worked for DairyNZ, an organization focused on research and education for dairy farmers.

Balancing Present Demands and Future Vision

Like many farmers, DeWitt struggles to balance day-to-day operations with strategic planning. She and her father, a diesel mechanic by trade who handles the farm's crops and equipment maintenance, work off-farm jobs to support themselves.

"The challenge I'm finding is balancing managing current farm operations and having time to brainstorm and think towards the future," DeWitt explained.

Despite these challenges, DeWitt remains optimistic about the farm's future, which includes developing more direct-to-consumer products and potentially working full-time on the farm within five years.

Beyond the technical work, DeWitt deeply values the culture of mutual aid that defines rural life. "One of my favorite elements about farming is the sense of community. We have many dear friends in the area who are also farming, or neighbors who are interested in ag. Some days, it feels like you never know who's going to turn up on the farm, either to lend a helping hand or ask for a favor. Everyone helps each other out and it’s a nice reminder that you’re not in it alone."

Looking Forward

The family is committed to land stewardship, placing the property under easement with the Open Space Institute in 2009 to ensure it remains farmland forever. DeWitt and her father are exploring new soil health practices together, moving beyond the conventional methods previously used on the farm.

Local partnerships have played a vital role in the farm’s resilience. Before transitioning out of dairy, Domino Farm was a member of Hudson Valley Fresh, a cooperative dedicated to producing premium dairy products, preserving farmland, and ensuring farmers earn a living wage. Domino also leases 15 acres to a local cannabis grower.

“Without these partnerships, we wouldn’t have been able to keep going,” DeWitt said. “We hope to continue building relationships with our local community and local businesses.”

DeWitt encouraged farmers to connect with HVADC. "Go for it. They offer amazing programs and the ability to make connections with leaders in different agricultural fields." She added, "I grew up farming my whole life, but coming back and stepping into a new role has still been a major learning curve. Don't be afraid to ask questions."

To learn more about HVADC’s BTA programs, visit https://www.hvadc.org/business-technical-assistance.