"It's like a permanent Farmers' Market...and More!"

(9/23/09) The new Hager's Farm Market on Rt 2 in Shelburne near Colrain-Shelburne Road, which opened on June 27, 2009, is off to a fast start. Fruit, vegetables, beef, pork, milk, cheese, eggs, preserves, maple products, and home-baked goods are just some of the fresh, reasonably-priced items on sale at the Farm Market.
 

As well as products from their own farms, Sherry and Chip Hager say that they are drawing on products from twenty eight farms, all local to Western Massachusetts. Like the sign says: "Making the Local Farm Fresh Connection".

Ice cream and hot dogs can be enjoyed on the spot. Daily special hot, homemade dishes, like Chicken and Biscuits, may be eaten at the stand or packed for take-out. Two Hager daughters, Kim and Stacy, handle much of the daily work at the market.

Sherry Hager grew up here on the farm. It was dormant for a few years, and the Hager family has bought the former Mohawk Orchards from Sherry's father and uncle and begun to renovate it. They are restoring the apple orchard, and will be planting more varieties of apples, as well as peaches, blueberries, and raspberries. A resuscitated pick-your-own operation is planned. New vegetable plantings will be made, and they hope to put in a greenhouse and to keep some animals on the farm here in Shelburne.

The Hager Brothers' Farm in Colrain has 750 acres, with a Hereford beef herd. The Colrain farm also produces 2000-3000 gallons of maple syrup a year. All the maple products at Hagers' Farm Market are produced by the family. A methane digester is planned for the farm, with the prospect of recycling waste heat from the digester into a greenhouse. Kim Stevens, who helps manage the farm stand, is very excited about it: "That's MY baby," she says.

Other forward-looking ideas: the Hagers are considering growing vegetables hydroponically in their greenhouses. Fish-farming is also on the drawing board: Todd, a Hager son, is interested in aquaculture, and plans to grow tilapia.

The Farm Market is not just about seasonal fruit and vegetables; it will be open year-round. Plans are in the works for the coming holiday season: Christmas tree and gift boxes will be on sale, and the family plans Crafts' Clinics may be held. The Market aims to serve the ski trade, too. They plan to offer fresh, local food in take-out lunches that skiers can pick up on their way to the slopes - a LOT better than standing in line for a $10.00 hamburger at a ski resort.

Fall hours: Tuesday-Thursday from 10:00AM to 7:00PM, Friday-Monday 9:00AM-8:00PM.

Hager’s Farm Market, 1232 Mohawk Trail, Route 2, Shelburne
413-625-6323
www.hager-farm.com