When it comes to setting a stage, Squirrel Hall knows how to entertain.
Michael Poulin didn’t have to think twice. He was visiting a friend’s weekend house in Millbrook in the late 1990s, when he decided what he wanted for his 40th birthday.
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A visitor to Equinox Farm knows they’re in horse country long before the winding drive deposits them at the barn door. Fields with inviting cross-country jumps give way to large paddocks with horses contentedly grazing, and rows of ornamental maples screening the complex of buildings nestled at the base of a small hill.
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Tough Times For Dairy Farmers
By ML Ball
Photos by Ryan Lavine
“I grew up on a farm.” Six simple words, but when said by dairy farmers Barry, Rory, and Sarah Chase, Rick and Dan Osofsky, John Boadle, Lloyd Vaill, Sr., Lloyd Vaill, Jr., and Ben Prentice, they speak volumes.
The nine farmers all appear in the film, Our Farms, Our Farmers, shot in and around Pine Plains and produced by Little Nine Partners Historical Society. In the film, their passion for cows and for farming itself is unmistakable, but so are the pressures they face trying to make a living.
In recent conversations with David Chase of Chaseholm Farm and Rick Osofsky of Ronnybrook Farm, the struggle becomes clear.
“These are bad times right now for dairy farmers, in this area anyway,” says Chase.
Osofsky offers the following disheartening statistics: “In 1980, there were 650,000 family dairy farms. Today, there are 21,000. We’ve lost 629,000 farms, but the number of cows has remained the same. They’ve been absorbed by the big industrial farms.”
What caused the change? According to Chase and Osofsky, a whole host of factors, many dating back to the 1930s. “For one thing, the cost of everything went up,” Chase says. “The tractor I bought for 8,000 dollars is now 40,000. Soybeans are now sold to China so you have to pay that much more for your grain. Plus, high taxes. If the price of milk is high, that’s not so bad but when the price is low, you’re dead in the water.”
And therein lies the fundamental problem: the price farmers are paid for their milk.
“It’s the economics of supply and demand,” Chase says. “We produce too much milk in this country and it keeps prices low.”
Osofsky explains further: “Dairy is very unique. It’s the most complicated industry that exists in this country. Part of the problem is all the non-milk milks. During the Depression, a regulation got passed that is still on the books today that says you cannot legally call something milk if it does not come from the mammary glands of a lactating animal. But it’s not enforced, so things like soy milk, almond milk, and oat milk are allowed to use the word ‘milk,’ which directly hurts the dairy business.”
Also during the Depression, Osofsky says, the U.S. government wanted to make sure that there was always a surplus of milk because milk was considered essential to children’s health. “They created federal milk marketing orders which guaranteed farmers a minimum price for their milk, but farmers had no control over that price,” he says. “The government controlled the price and they still do. There’s not a thing we can do about it, for almost 100 years.”
It hasn’t helped matters that several years ago, whole milk was determined to be bad and low-fat milk to be good, particularly for overweight children, a theory that has been debunked, repeatedly. Then there was a real estate boom in the 1980s and several local farmers sold their farms, thereby decreasing land available for farming.
The good news is that all is not lost. There are solutions. Farmers can put their land in a land conservancy, as Chase has done. They can also alter their business model and sell directly to consumers, charging retail instead of wholesale prices. Osofsky’s Ronnybrook Farm has done this since 1991, and Chase’s daughter Sarah and son Rory sell their milk, meat, and cheese to retail outlets and in their farm shop.
So what can we as consumers do to help farmers who are working as hard as they can to bring us good, healthy food? For starters, we can buy it.
The Mary Riepma Ross Professor of Film at Vassar College. The author of two acclaimed books, Divas on Screen: Black Women in American Film and Black Rodeo: A History of the African American Western.
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Who’s to Say I Am Awake; Are You?
Who’s To Say I Am Awake; Are You? asks the question about the state of consciousness today. The works of these 19 artists explore the conscious and unconscious mind, sleeping and waking states, inner and outer worlds, things we see and don’t see, what we hide and what we show the world. Head over to Geary Contemporary Friday 28-Sunday 30 for the last weekend of this fascinating exhibit!
Millbrook Horse Trials
The Millbrook Horse Trials (MHT) is an important part of a long equestrian tradition in Dutchess County. Recognized among the region’s most prestigious annual sporting events, it attracts world-class competitors from throughout the United States and brings some 400 riders and their support staff into the local community each year. Event occurring July 27-30.
Meet the Cheesemaker
On Saturday July 29 at 4:00 PM, join us for a special wine and cheese pairing with local cheesemaker Mel Boscarino. During the pairing, you will learn why the Hudson Valley is one of the best places in the country for artisan cheeses and wineries alike. $40 per person and $35 per club member.
Mad Science “Spin, Pop, Boom…”
“Spin, Pop…Boom!” Are you ready for some fun science? Our Special Event, “Spin, Pop, Boom” is all about awesome experiments! Witness amazing feats of chemistry as we explore all sorts of spectacular reactions. Marvel at our demonstrations as we release genies from bottles and spew massive columns of foam with the use of our catalysts! Get ready to be amazed while you learn, because at Mad Science education is entertaining!
Cottage Courses: Paper Mache Workshop
This event will teach participants how to build and paper mache a car using cardboard, tape, glue and newspaper. Once this has dried, the vehicle will be custom painted to students’ specifications! All materials will be provided. If there’s a specific vehicle a student has in mind, they may feel free to bring reference materials. Upcycled materials will be used when possible. Children over 8 with their adults are welcome. Hot glue and box cutters will be used.
Rhythmic Revolution
Prepare to be captivated as renowned organist Nathan Avakian takes center stage, defying convention and turning a 100-year-old instrument on its head! An extraordinary fusion of tradition and innovation, propelling theatre organ music into the future by harnessing the power of virtual instrument technology.
“Beyond A Simple Folk Song”
“Beyond A Simple Folk Song” is a concert that challenges folk artists to go beyond what they normally do and stretch their art beyond their comfort zone. For this concert, please join our headline act, Betty and the Baby Boomers, for a trip down memory lane as they lead us through a musical journey, making periodic stops with signature tunes from a significant era. Event takes place Sunday July 30 at 2 PM.
Family Films Series at Starr Cinema
Starr Cinema is hosting a free four-film series of Hayao Miyazaki favorites. On July 30 at 1:00 PM, head over to the theater for a screening of Spirited Away, winner of an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Tickets are free but RSVP in advance!
Summer Suite for Guitar
Head over to The Centre for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck on July 30 at 3 PM for “A Summer Suite For Guitar” featuring classical guitarist David Temple. Purchase tickets online for $20.
Moth Night 2
Help the DLC and volunteer lepidopterist Matthew Rymkiewicz celebrate National Moth Week by joining us in a night of moth discovery.
Friday Night Flower Walk and Seek Training
On August 11 at 6:30 PM, join the Dutchess Land Conservancy and Audubon NY for an evening walk discovering local wildflowers!
Red Hook Free Summer Lawn Concert Series
This Friday come out to support Evil Genius Band at 6:30 for Red Hook’s Free Summer Lawn Concert. Pack a picnic, lay out on the grass, and enjoy the music!
Dinners at Foxtrot
On Friday August 11 at 7 PM, Foxtrot Farm and Flowers will be hosting Chef Daniel Meissner for a delicious and delightful dinner on the farm! Reserve your seat online for the chillest of feasts.
Opening of Katy Schimert and Ping Zheng Exhibition at Geary Contemporary
Geary Contemporary’s newest two-person exhibition opens on Saturday, August 12! In an enchanting blend of artistic expression, Ping Zheng’s vibrant oil stick landscapes complement the poetic sculptures and drawings of Niagara Falls by Katy Schimert.
Meteor Shower and Sunrise Viewing at Innisfree Garden
In many cultures, gardens are where the glories of nature as art are witnessed and celebrated. Join Innisfree Garden for such a glorious morning on August 12 starting at 4:00 AM to experience an unforgettable series of natural wonders and optional cultural and wellness programs.
Great Estates Garden and Landscape Weekend
This is a special guided tour of the Wilderstein historic site, focusing on the gardens and landscape, the exterior design of the mansion and outbuildings, and the lives of the Suckley family. August 12 at 10 AM.
Innisfree Curator’s Tour: Gardens for Peace
On August 12 at 10:30 AM join landscape curator, Kate Kerin, for a lively 1.5 hour tour exploring Innisfree, a powerful icon of mid-twentieth-century design now recognized as one of the world’s ten best gardens.
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery Jazz Concert Series
Join Millbrook Vineyards & Winery for their outdoor jazz concert series on Saturday August 12 from 5:30-7:30 PM! Performing is the Blue in Green Jazz Quartet, playing classic jazz!
A Family Film Series: Four Classics from Hayao Miyazaki
Starr Cinema is hosting a free four-film series of Hayao Miyazaki favorites. On August 13 at 1:00 PM, they will be screening the last of the four films, Castle in the Sky. Tickets are free but RSVP in advance!
On Farm Movie Night at Foxtrot Farm & Flowers
Purchase a ticket for Foxtrot Farm and Flowers’ first ever move night in the barn on August 13 at 7:30 PM! Screening Garlic is as Good as Ten Mothers by Les Blank and Pickle by Amy Nicholson.
On May 20th some 300 people celebrated the return of the Dutchess Land Conservancy’s annual Spring Barn Dance at John Merryman’s Merryfield Farm.
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I had the best steak in years the other night, but it wasn’t from some place in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge served by a waiter wearing a chef’s apron around his midriff.
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What do you imagine a watch repair shop to look like? And who’s behind the counter? Guarantee you do not conjure up the reality of the Millbrook Watch Shop.
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Photo credits towards @catskill_mountain_shakespeare (Featured Image: Abram Blau, Kathleen Salazar, Mark Mazzarella, Phil Mansfield – As You Like It 2023)
“The Prom” at the Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck
On Friday July 21 at 8:00 PM, The Rhinebeck Theater Society presents “The Prom,” an inclusive, boundary-challenging, thought-provoking, incredibly timely, contemporary musical comedy based on an original concept by Jack Viertel. This production, directed by Rena Gavigan with assistant direction by Lisa Delia, musical direction by Paul and JoAnne Schubert and choreography by Maria Coppola, runs from July 7–23 with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.
Daniel Greenwolf: Celtic Magic
Get ready to be dazzled by Daniel GreenWolf, an award-winning magician and “slightly mad Irishman” at The Stissing Center’s Summer Children’s Series on Saturday July 22, 9:00 AM. Voted as one of the top five solo variety acts in the US, Daniel combines visual magic, storytelling, Irish music, interactive comedy, and thrilling danger in his Celtic-themed show.
Innisfree Inspires + Upstate Art Weekend: Fine Art Embroidery Workshop with Richard Saja
On Saturday July 22 at 10:30 AM, join fine art embroiderer Richard Saja for an exclusive two-hour, hands-on workshop exploring his process and creating “embellished toile.” Richard embroiders over toile de Jouy, a traditional textile form of densely printed, typically monochrome landscape vignettes. Inspired by Innisfree, Richard has been planning a special series on this landscape for several years. Along with other necessary supplies they can keep, workshop participants will be given a section of this new Innisfree fabric (not available anywhere else) to embellish with guidance from Richard, making this landscape their own. There will be a few pairs of scissors available to borrow but participants are encouraged to bring their own. Advanced registration is strongly suggested.
Sidewalk Story Teller
On Saturday July 22 at 11:00 AM, head to the Millbrook library and become a sidewalk storyteller! They will supply chalk for you to create your own comic using a couple of panels of the sidewalk. Get creative and have your work on display for everyone to enjoy! For ages 12 – 17.
Open Studios
On Saturday July 22, Wassaic Project will be presenting their July residents’ studios in Luther barn! Head over from 3-5 PM to explore!
Art Exhibit: Gathering Growth
On Saturday July 22 at 4 PM, head over to Troutbeck to view photography by Brian Kelley from his project, Gathering Growth. Gathering Growth works to visually preserve the legacy of trees and forests, while creating awareness around the importance of preservation. Refreshments will be served and work available to view and purchase.
The Down Hill Strugglers
The Down Hill Strugglers is an old-time string band based out of Kentucky and New York. By carrying the music of the old, rural America forward, The Down Hill Strugglers are extending the legacy of the New Lost City Ramblers by bringing archaic sounds into the present and challenging audiences to reject a dystopian future animated by disco beats and their ilk. Join The Stissing Center on July 22 at 7:00 PM to hear The Down Hill Strugglers!
Upstate Art Weekend
A connective annual event, for locals and tourists alike, celebrating the cultural vibrancy of Upstate New York. The fourth edition of UPAW will take place July 21 – 24, 2023, adding an additional day to the self-guided event. UPAW launched in 2020 with 23 participants, expanding to over 145 in 2022. The participants are art organizations, galleries, museums, residencies and studios. UPAW compiles a program of events and a comprehensive google map, which in 2022 garnered more than 224,000 views.
Upstate Art Weekend Curator’s Tour
On Sunday July 23 from 10 AM to 11:30 AM, join landscape curator, Kate Kerin, for a lively tour exploring Innisfree, a powerful icon of mid-twentieth-century design now recognized as one of the world’s ten best gardens and listed at the highest level—exceptional national significance—on the National Register of Historic Places. In a story that reads like the Great American Novel, learn about the people and ideas that shaped this living landmark. Find inspiration for your own garden exploring Innisfree’s timeless design strategies and timely, nature-based maintenance practices that result in a truly memorable landscape experience maintained by a remarkably small staff. Advanced Registration is strongly suggested.
A Family Films Series at Starr Cinema: Four Classics from Hayao Miyazaki
Starr Cinema is hosting a free four-film series of Hayao Miyazaki favorites. On July 23 at 1:00 PM, head over to the theater for a screening of Howl’s Moving Castle, an oscar-nominated film. RSVP in advance!