Lansing, New York
Shepherd Ridge Farm is a 38-acre family-owned silvopasture farm dedicated to regenerative agriculture for soil health and carbon sequestration. We do not use any chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides. At the heart of our farm is a small herd of Ayrshire cattle, which is managed to improve the soil through manure and composted manure application and rotational grazing. The cattle provide the fertilizer for our diverse orchard. Our young orchard currently consists of (starting with highest number of trees): Hazelnut (American, European and Hybrid), Chestnut (American, Chinese, and Hybrid), Cherry (sweet and tart), Pecan (Northern), Apple, English Walnut, and Peach. We also have a significant number of mature black walnut and shagbark hickory trees in our woods and hedgerows.
At Shepherd Ridge Farm, wild spaces are intentionally allowed for wildlife habitat, particularly pollinators such as native bees and butterflies. Ecological diversity is not only encouraged, but recreated in areas that were monocropped and overfarmed in the past. Exotic invasive plant species that harm tree crops are mechanically removed. Microponds are created throughout the property for water retention and to provide habitat for amphibians and birds.
Hazelnuts
Our commercial focus is hazelnuts. We are a member of the New York Tree Crops Alliance (NYTCA) and currently maintain superior hazelnut genetics appropriate for commercial hazelnut cultivation in the Northeast. Seedlings for sale from our farm will come from cultivars with kernel weights above 1 g and are pollinated by trees proven to be blight resistant and able to fruit in our climate.
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