Foxx Run Farm’s journey from a small hobby farm to a thriving agricultural enterprise is a testament to the power of family, community, and sustainable practices. Established in 2007 on 7 acres in Ossipee, NH, the farm began as a refuge from busy careers and a way to connect with nature.
The farm’s evolution mirrors the growth of its founding family. What started as a place for young relatives to experience farm life transformed into a full-time pursuit as the owners welcomed their own children. Foxx Run Farm now operates across two locations, offering diverse agricultural experiences and focusing on sustainable farming practices, biodiversity, and regenerative agriculture.
The expansion to Hiram, ME marks a significant milestone for Foxx Run Farm. This new location not only increases the farm’s capacity but also continues a family legacy, becoming the fifth generation of Scott’s family to manage the land. The farm’s growth reflects its commitment to community, education, and preserving traditional farming practices for future generations.
Foxx Run Farms History and Development
Foxx Run Farm’s journey from a small hobby farm to a multi-generational agricultural enterprise spans nearly two decades. The farm’s evolution reflects a commitment to sustainable practices, community engagement, and family values.
Establishment and Early Vision
Foxx Run Farm began in 2007 as a 7-acre hobby farm in Ossipee, New Hampshire. The founders sought to balance their busy careers with a love for nature and sustainable living.
Initially, the farm focused on cultivating vegetables, fruits, and raising small livestock. This approach allowed the owners to reconnect with their agricultural roots while maintaining their professional lives.
The early years were characterized by experimentation and learning, as the founders honed their farming skills and developed a vision for the future.
Family Involvement and Transition
As time passed, Foxx Run Farm became a hub for family experiences. The owners welcomed their nephew, niece, goddaughters, and cousins to participate in farm activities.
This emphasis on family engagement laid the groundwork for a more significant transition. The birth of the owners’ two sons prompted a reevaluation of priorities.
The family decided to fully embrace the farming lifestyle, moving away from their busy careers to focus on agricultural pursuits and community involvement.
Expansion and Mentorship
With guidance from experienced mentors, Foxx Run Farm began to expand its operations. The owners increased their livestock numbers and expanded their gardening space.
To offset costs, they introduced educational programs such as lessons and camp days. These initiatives not only provided financial support but also fostered strong community connections.
The farm’s growth led to the acquisition of a second location in Hiram, Maine. This expansion allowed Scott’s family farm to enter its fifth generation of management, solidifying Foxx Run Farm’s legacy in the region.
Farming Practices and Philosophy
Foxx Run Farm embraces sustainable and regenerative agriculture methods to nurture the land and produce high-quality food. The farm prioritizes biodiversity and ecosystem health in its operations.
Sustainable Farming Implementation
Foxx Run Farm employs various sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact. They utilize crop rotation to maintain soil health and reduce pest problems. The farm implements water conservation techniques, including drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting.
Organic fertilizers and natural pest control methods are favored over synthetic chemicals. Composting is a key practice, turning farm waste into valuable soil amendments.
Energy efficiency is prioritized through the use of solar panels and energy-efficient equipment. The farm also practices no-till farming where possible to preserve soil structure and reduce erosion.
Focus on Biodiversity
Biodiversity is central to Foxx Run Farms philosophy. They maintain diverse crop varieties, including heirloom and rare plant species. This approach enhances resilience against pests and diseases.
The farm creates habitat corridors for wildlife, including pollinator gardens and native plant areas. They also maintain wetland areas to support aquatic ecosystems.
Livestock diversity is emphasized, with multiple breeds of each animal species raised on the farm. This helps preserve genetic diversity and ensures adaptability to changing conditions.
Adopting Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative practices at Foxx Run Farm aim to improve soil health and sequester carbon. Cover cropping is used extensively to protect and enrich the soil between main crop cycles.
Intensive rotational grazing is implemented for livestock, mimicking natural grazing patterns and improving pasture health. This practice also helps build soil organic matter.
The farm integrates trees and shrubs into their agricultural systems through agroforestry techniques. This enhances biodiversity, provides windbreaks, and creates additional income streams.
Soil health is regularly monitored and improved through the addition of compost, biochar, and other organic amendments. These practices help increase the farm’s resilience to climate fluctuations.
Animal and Agricultural Activities
Foxx Run Farm engages in diverse animal husbandry, crop cultivation, and educational initiatives. These activities reflect their commitment to sustainable farming and community engagement.
Animal Husbandry and Rescue
Foxx Run Farm houses a variety of animals, including rescued creatures and livestock. The farm maintains several flocks and herds, focusing on humane care and sustainable practices.
Rescued animals receive specialized attention, with rehabilitation efforts tailored to each creature’s needs. The farm’s livestock contribute to local food production, with an emphasis on ethical raising methods.
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper nutrition ensure the animals’ health and well-being. Farm staff monitor animal behavior and adjust care routines as needed.
Gardening and Crop Production
The farm’s gardening spaces have expanded significantly since its inception. Vegetable plots, fruit orchards, and herb gardens contribute to a diverse crop yield.
Sustainable farming techniques, such as crop rotation and natural pest control, are employed to maintain soil health and biodiversity. The farm produces a range of seasonal fruits and vegetables for local consumption.
Irrigation systems and soil management practices help optimize crop growth while conserving resources. The farm also experiments with new crop varieties suited to the local climate.
Educational Outreach Programs
Foxx Run Farm offers various educational activities to engage the community in agricultural experiences. Lessons and camp days provide hands-on learning opportunities for visitors of all ages.
Programs cover topics such as animal care, sustainable farming practices, and the importance of biodiversity. Participants gain practical skills in gardening, animal husbandry, and environmental stewardship.
The farm collaborates with local schools and organizations to develop tailored educational experiences. These initiatives aim to foster a deeper understanding of agriculture and its role in community life.
Community Engagement and Contributions
Foxx Run Farm has become deeply integrated into the local community, offering unique agricultural experiences and fostering meaningful connections. The farm’s commitment to engagement extends beyond its gates, creating a supportive network of friends and neighbors.
Building the Foxx Run Farm Family
Foxx Run Farm has cultivated a strong sense of community through its open and welcoming approach. Visitors often become part of the extended farm family, forming lasting friendships with the owners and staff. The farm hosts regular events that bring people together, such as seasonal festivals and educational workshops.
These gatherings allow community members to connect with nature and each other. Children’s programs introduce young ones to farm life, while adult volunteers contribute their skills to various projects. This collaborative spirit has created a tight-knit group of supporters who actively participate in the farm’s growth and success.
Agricultural and Community Experiences
Foxx Run Farm offers a diverse range of agricultural experiences that engage the community. Visitors can participate in hands-on activities like:
- Gardening workshops
- Animal care sessions
- Sustainable farming demonstrations
The farm also provides community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, allowing locals to receive fresh, seasonal produce directly from the farm. This strengthens the connection between consumers and their food sources.
Educational tours for schools and community groups showcase sustainable farming practices and biodiversity efforts. The farm’s commitment to regenerative agriculture serves as a model for others in the region, inspiring wider adoption of eco-friendly farming methods. Finally, in the fall, you can order a fresh Thanksgiving turkey at Foxx Run Farms.
Growth and Current Operations
Foxx Run Farm has expanded significantly since its humble beginnings. The operation now spans two locations and continues the family’s agricultural legacy into its fifth generation.
Dual Location Strategy
Foxx Run Farm operates across two sites – the original 7-acre property in Ossipee, New Hampshire and a newer location in Hiram, Maine. This dual-location approach allows for increased production capacity and diversification of offerings. The Ossipee farm focuses on small-scale hobby farming, educational programs, and animal rescue efforts.
Meanwhile, the Hiram property enables larger-scale agricultural operations. The expanded acreage supports more extensive crop cultivation and livestock rearing. This strategic growth has positioned Foxx Run Farm to better serve its community through increased food production and expanded agricultural experiences.
Fifth Generation Family Farming
The acquisition of the Hiram, Maine property marks a significant milestone for Foxx Run Farm. This expansion has brought Scott’s family farm into its fifth generation of management. The continuation of this agricultural heritage demonstrates the family’s deep-rooted commitment to farming.
Carrying forward traditional farming knowledge, the current generation integrates modern sustainable practices. They focus on:
- Biodiversity preservation
- Regenerative agriculture techniques
- Community engagement
This blend of time-honored wisdom and contemporary methods ensures the farm’s longevity and relevance in today’s agricultural landscape.
Farm AirBnb
You can book an overnight, vacation stay at the Foxx Run Farm. As part of these farm stays, which is basically an AirBnB on the farm, you are welcome to participate in the daily barnyard chores and seasonal farming activities on this active working farm.
You’ll stay in a loft space that can accommodate 7 guests. There are two bedrooms, with five beds and one bathroom.