What is Agritourism to a Fiber Farm?


Agritourism on a Fiber Farm: Exploring the Beauty of Sustainable Fiber Production

As Spring approaches, farms like Clover Brooke Farm are gearing up to welcome visitors to immerse themselves in the wonders of new life on the farm. This vibrant season is filled with activities such as shearing animals to harvest their fiber, offering guests hands-on experiences. It's a time of growth, renewal, and connection, where visitors can witness the farm in its full bloom and learn about the intricate art of fiber production up close. 

Fiber farms bring a unique and thrilling dimension to agritourism, providing guests with insights into the process of creating natural fibers like wool, alpaca fleece, and mohair. These farms offer a hands-on journey for visitors to observe the shearing, cleaning, spinning, and dyeing of fibers, showcasing the skill and creativity involved in crafting textiles. Read about our areas Chronograms Post Pandemic HV Tourism Boom article by Anne Pyburn Craig.

Vote for us in Best of Hudson Valley- Vote Here until 3/31/2024 under the following catagories:

1.Fun& Leisure/Place to take Out of Towners/Visitors - Clover Brooke Farm Hyde Park NY

2. Kids/Family Farm - Clover Brooke Farm, Hyde Park NY

Located in the picturesque Hudson Valley, Clover Brooke Farm has been a pioneer in the fiber farm agritourism movement, emphasizing sustainable fiber production and education. Over the past 8 years, the farm has experienced remarkable growth, drawing visitors from near and far to partake in their farm experience. Visitors to Clover Brooke Farm can witness shearing demonstrations, participate in fiber processing workshops, and even try their hand at spinning or knitting with the farm's own fibers. The farm's dedication to transparency and education has cultivated a loyal following of customers who appreciate the quality and sustainability of their products. Many farmers in the Hudson Valley are economizing and production more efficiently and effectively on small scale farms, including Clover Brooke Farm HV Magazine article on small scale farming in the Hudson Valley

Through agritourism, Clover Brooke Farm has not only boosted its revenue but also raised awareness about supporting local fiber producers and preserving traditional fiber arts. By inviting visitors to engage with the animals, learn about fiber production, and purchase locally sourced yarns and textiles, the farm has created an immersive experience that resonates with consumers seeking authentic connections to the land and products they use. The growth of Clover Brooke Farm is a testament to the impact of agritourism in promoting fiber farms and sustainable agriculture. By offering a glimpse into the world of fiber production and showcasing the beauty and versatility of natural fibers, farms like Clover Brooke Farm are shaping a more sustainable and connected future for agriculture and textile arts in the Hudson Valley and beyond. 

Heres a great example of Agritourism in action -Join us for a hike filmed by Backyard Green Films - Clover Brooke Farm Llama/Alpaca Hike Video

Agritourism acts as a vital link between farmers and consumers, providing numerous benefits for both parties involved. Here are some reasons why agritourism is crucial for farms of all kinds, including fiber farms like Clover Brooke Farm: 

1. **Diversification of Income**: Agritourism offers farmers an additional revenue stream beyond traditional farming methods, allowing them to reduce reliance on fluctuating commodity markets by providing tours, workshops, and farm stays. Agritourism is one of the fastest growth markets at 11% per year Agritourism Market Trends Report

 2. **Direct Marketing**: By engaging in agritourism, farmers can directly market their products to consumers, fostering a personal connection and building brand loyalty without intermediaries.

 3. **Education and Awareness**: Agritourism serves as a platform for farmers to educate the public on farming practices, sustainability, and the significance of supporting local agriculture, fostering appreciation and respect for the farming community. 

4. **Preservation of Agricultural Heritage**: Through firsthand experiences of farm life, agritourism helps preserve agricultural traditions and rural landscapes, ensuring the transfer of skills like those involved in fiber production to future generations. 

5. **Promotion of Sustainable Practices**: Agritourism allows farmers to showcase their commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship, raising awareness about practices such as organic farming and animal welfare. 

6. ** Efficient business management practices are crucial to your success. Listen to the following Youtube presentation I did for Cornell Cooperative Extension on Youtube Platforms to Facilitate Agritourism Experiences

Recent interviews on both Fiber Farming and Agritourism and how Clover Brooke Farm successfully blends them together can be heard in the links below:

Interview with Andrea Parent-Tibbetts of Clover Brooke Farm- Episode #209

In summary, agritourism plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable agriculture, preserving agricultural heritage, and fostering connections between farmers and consumers. Farms like Clover Brooke Farm exemplify the power of agritourism in creating unique and immersive experiences that educate, inspire, and enrich the lives of visitors while supporting the growth and sustainability of the farming community.

Spring Farm Tour- 4/20/24 10am-4pm

Did you know Clover Brooke Farm offers Summer Adventure Camp?

Follow the link for more information -https://cloverbrookefarm.com/summercamp

2023 Year End Round Up


Dear Friends of Clover Brooke Farm,

As we reflect on the end of another remarkable year, we wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support. Your belief in our mission and your continuous encouragement were the driving force behind our success, and we cannot thank you enough. 

2023 was a year filled with incredible achievements and milestones. Together, we made a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals and communities, and we are immensely proud of what we accomplished together. But as we bid farewell to this extraordinary year, we cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of excitement for what lay ahead in 2024. We had been diligently working behind the scenes to bring forth a wave of new initiatives, including setting up our newly renovated 1850 barn with two teaching classrooms, teaching kitchen and handicap accessible facilities, propelling our mission forward to be a farm for everyone.

In the coming year, we are thrilled to be expanding our reach and impact to even more corners of our community, continuing our job skill work program on the farm with Camp Ramapo and expanding to Heroic Foods, empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

You requested and we listen by expanding our educational program through our Learn on the Farm (https://cloverbrookefarm.com/learn-on-the-farm) including Needle Felting, Lavender Loofah, Ayurveda & Yoga, Microgreen & Soap Making and Home Beer Brewing classes, followed by Spring- Eco-Dying, Llamaste Yoga and Lavender Loofah, Tea Time with Llamas/Alpacas and Painting Glass and Ceramic Ware. Spaces are limited for each class, allowing as always, small group setting and personalize learning environment.

We have been awarded 2024 Diversified Agriculture and Agroforestry Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Fellowship (CAMF-https://www.adaptationfellows.net). This is a two year peer-to-peer learning program that builds climate resilience across farms, forests and communities. As we embrace the responsibility of stewarding our 45 acres, we are driven by a deep commitment to sustainability now more than ever for the benefit of our farm and our community.

We are immensely grateful to have had you by our side as we embarked on this incredible journey. As we reflect on the past year and eagerly anticipate the year ahead, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you. Your generosity, kindness, and unwavering support made all the difference, and we are truly grateful. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we cannot wait to embark on this new chapter together in 2024. Together, we will continue to make a lasting impact and create a better world for all. 

With deepest gratitude, 

Andrea and Mike Tibbetts and the Clover Brooke Farm Team!

2023 Clover Brooke Farm-Stats & In the News

3978 visitors to the farm (70%-Walk/Hikes-15% Small Animal Experiences-10% Classes/Summer Camps-5% Private Events)

Hudson Valley Style Magazine-https://hudsonvalleystylemagazine.com/small-scale-farming-in-the-hudson-valley-a-revitalization-powered-by-farm-tourism/

Secret NYC-https://secretnyc.co/llama-alpaca-hiking-ny/

Hudson Valley Magazine-https://hvmag.com/things-to-do/summer-wellness-events/

I Love NY-https://www.iloveny.com/blog/post/yoga-and-wellness-in-new-york-state/

Backyard Green Films-https://youtu.be/rwY6p-RFsb4?si=cO7Djnw6MZLI3ZUh

Mid Hudson News- Goats go to school-https://midhudsonnews.com/2023/11/25/oakwood-friends-school-welcomes-goats/

HV Textile Project- Common Threads (1st issue)- https://www.hvtextileproject.org/common-threads-publication

Hudson Valley Post-https://hudsonvalleypost.com/donkey-walk-at-hyde-park-new-york-clover-brooke-farm/

Growing Magazine -https://www.growingmagazine.com/?s=clover+Brooke+farm

Scenic Hudson/View Finder-https://www.scenichudson.org/viewfinder/what-valley-farmers-have-been-up-to-off-season/

Travellemming-https://travellemming.com/things-to-do-in-hudson-valley/

Lonely Planet -https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/postcard-from-hudson-valley-new-york-in-pics

Millbrook Magazine-https://millbrookmagazine.com/25-things-to-do-in-northern-dutchess-county-this-fall/

Rural Intelligence-https://ruralintelligence.com/road-trips/walk-and-roll-fly-and-float

Dominican Abroad-https://www.dominicanabroad.com/farms-in-upstate-new-york-farms/

For the love of fiber....farming

As a fiber farmer in the Hudson Valley, my journey has been one of passion, dedication, and a deep-rooted love for the land and its animals.

Over the years, I have witnessed a remarkable shift in the fashion industry, as designers have begun to recognize the importance of sustainability and ethical practices.

Small Farm Farming

My small farm has always been a labor of love, focusing on producing high-quality fibers while prioritizing the well-being of our animals. Hudson Valley Style Magazine- Revitalization of Small Scale Farming

We believe in treating our sheep, llamas, alpacas, pygora goats and other animals with care and respect, providing them with a nurturing environment to thrive in. Our land is not just a resource; it is a living entity that we strive to protect and preserve.

Hudson Valley Textile Project

We are members of The HV Textile Project, a community of farmers, dyers, millers, designers, makers, distributors, and retailers who have come together to share their knowledge and resources around fiber. Recently, they published their first magazine called Common Threads with a focus on sustainable sheep farming and fabric production in the Hudson Valley region. HV Textile Project- Fall Publication/Common Threads. We were excited to have one our yarns selected for an article, reflecting versatility and sustainability in product develop.

HV Textile Project sees the value in locally sourced materials and the stories they tell through their blogs and podcasts HV Textile Blogs & Podcasts highlighting the many aspects of the regional textile economy in the Hudson Valley..

Key elements of partnerships and collaborations

Through partnerships, we have witnessed the slow fashion movement gaining momentum. Designers have become advocates for conscious consumption, using ours and other small farms fibers to create garments that not only look beautiful but also have a positive impact on the planet.

Our fibers have become a symbol of sustainability, reminding people of the importance of supporting local farmers and choosing ethically sourced materials.

It fills my heart with joy to see the influence many of our small fiber farms provide far beyond the Hudson Valley. Designers from all corners of the world now seek out similar partnerships with local farmers, embracing the values of sustainability and ethical practices. Together, we are reshaping the fashion industry, one garment at a time.

Connecting and Learning

As a fiber farmer, I am proud to be a part of this movement. I am proud to contribute to a more sustainable future, where the well-being of animals and the environment are prioritized. Our farm is not just a place where fibers are grown; it is a place where dreams are woven, where creativity flourishes, and where the beauty of nature is celebrated.

As a first generation farmer, any spare moments are spent researching and learning for continue product advancement. Spectrum News- How New York female farmers connect and learn

Hope and Inspiration

The story of our fiber farm is one of hope and inspiration. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and the impact that small, conscious choices can have on the world. As we continue on this journey, we are filled with gratitude for the designers who have embraced our fibers and the consumers who have embraced the slow fashion movement. Together, we are creating a more sustainable and beautiful world.

Enjoy a recent interview with Backyard Green Film Interview- Clover Brooke Farm and myself (Andrea Parent-Tibbetts) regarding the challenge of sustainability and the importance of diversification.

Source: https://youtu.be/rwY6p-RFsb4?si=7WB_zNA4p-...

Farm to Table Camp

The farm-to-table camp at Clover Brooke Farm offers several benefits for children. Firstly, it provides them with hands-on experiences in agriculture and farming, allowing them to learn about where their food comes from and the importance of Regenerative Agriculture. This can foster a sense of appreciation for nature and a desire to protect the environment. What actually is Farm to Table?

Secondly, the camp enables children to develop important life skills such as teamwork, responsibility, and problem-solving. By engaging in farm-related activities like planting, harvesting, and caring for animals, they learn the value of hard work and develop a sense of accomplishment.

Teaching healthy eating habits are for life

Furthermore, the farm-to-table camp promotes healthy eating habits by teaching children about nutritious food options and encouraging them to explore a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole foods. This can have a long-lasting impact on their well-being and help prevent lifestyle-related diseases.

Lastly, the camp offers a unique and immersive environment where children can connect with the natural world and understand the lifecycle of animals and farming.. This can be therapeutic and provide a break from the digitally- dominated world, allowing them to develop a deeper understanding and respect for all living beings.

Overall, the farm-to-table camp at Clover Brooke Farm Summer Camp is important because it educates children about sustainable practices, cultivates essential life skills, promotes healthy eating habits, and nurtures a connection between children and the natural world.

Instilling the joy of growing your own food

Another key aspect of the farm-to-table camp at Clover Brooke Farm is teaching children about gardening and the joy of growing their own food. Through hands-on activities, children have the opportunity to learn about planting seeds, nurturing plants, and harvesting their own produce. 

By engaging in gardening tasks, children acquire valuable knowledge about the entire growing process, understanding the importance of soil health, sunlight, and water in nurturing plants. They also learn about the significance of organic farming practices, avoiding harmful pesticides, and ensuring the consumption of chemical-free produce.

Moreover, children get to evaluate and appreciate the taste, texture, and quality of the fresh produce they cultivate themselves. They can compare it to store-bought produce, understanding the benefits of growing their own food in terms of flavor and overall nutritional value. Mom approved -Mom Approved !

Growing their own food also provides children with a sense of autonomy and pride. They get to enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of their own labor, witnessing the direct impact of their hard work. This experience instills a deeper appreciation for the effort and resources that go into food production, helping children become more mindful consumers.

Inspiring lifelong passion for gardening and healthy eating

Additionally, learning to garden and enjoying the creations from their own garden can inspire a lifelong passion for gardening and healthy eating. It empowers children to make informed choices about the food they consume and opens doors for exploring creative recipes and cooking with the produce they cultivate.

In summary, the farm-to-table camp at Clover Brooke Farm Summer Camp offers children the opportunity to learn gardening skills, evaluate healthy produce, and experience the unique benefits of growing their own food. It teaches them the importance of organic farming practices, fosters a deep appreciation for nutritious and flavorful food, and ignites a lifelong passion for gardening and culinary creativity.

What Is Farm Camp? Learn More

With summer just around the corner, it may be time to start looking for summer activities when the kids are out of school. But finding summer camps in New York can be challenging. You want to ensure your child has fun while receiving lessons about adulthood, responsibility, and commitment, all of which are excellent skills to possess later in life.

But what activities combine life lessons and necessary skills for the future? Summer should be about having fun, right? So how can you connect life lessons with summer fun?

Clover Brooke farm camp is where children can learn valuable life skills and lessons about caring for animals, the relationship between humans and nature, and the importance of farmwork, before finishing off with arts, crafts, hikes, and more.

Farm Fun For Kids: What is Farm Camp?

Farm summer camps for kids are a summer camp experience that helps children learn valuable lessons about farming, animal-human relationships, ethical regenerative agriculture, and more. Farm camp involves a hands-on practice that benefits a farm, community, and environment packed into a fun kid's summer camp.

The Farm Life

Like most summer camps for kids, a farm camp focuses daily on something new about farm life and animal husbandry through curiosity and exploration while maintaining the importance of being a regenerative farmer.

Fun and Formative

Farm summer camps for kids can help teach children about the relationship between farmers, animals, nature, and their communities. Children can learn where their produce comes from, the challenges farmers face, how to safely handle and humanely treat animals of various sizes, and have the chance to run wild through a fantastic countryside filled with goats, bunnies, llamas, alpacas, and more.

Farming Over Summer: What Will Kids Get to Do?

So, what can you expect from a kid's summer camp experience in a farm camp? Unlike traditional summer camps in New York, farm camp is about education and fun. As mentioned, children should be able to combine the two by interacting with nurtured animals, guided by educators, and learning why farming and husbandry are essential to everyday comfort.

But what are the specific details? Why is a farm one of the best summer camps for kids?

You Get to Play with Animals

The most compelling reason for many kids is the chance to play and interact with animals, some of which you cannot have as pets or see at the park. Many summer camps for kids don't have alpacas, llamas, bunnies, sheep, goats, barn cats, and more hanging out alongside campers and teaching them valuable lessons about animal husbandry, respect, and behavior.

Many children do not understand how to raise animals properly. Most do not regularly interact with other livestock. Seeing and learning how these animals are taken care of can open their minds to new experiences and expand their knowledge so they can apply those lessons later in life. It will also give them a deeper appreciation for farmers and their many daily responsibilities.

But we mentioned respect and behavior, didn't we? By attending a farm summer camp for kids, children will learn about animal behavior and how to care for the softer animals on the farm. Bunnies and barn cats are smaller than goats, alpacas and llamas and require different handling skills. Children will learn to notice when an animal is sick, when it needs space, how to feed it properly, and more.

Every day will be a new adventure and experience while working with animals since every camper gets their own set of daily chores around the farm.

Teaches Life Skills

Alongside animal husbandry, children will also learn how to identify healthy soil and understand the interdependency of farmers, animals, and nature alongside their local communities. Children learn patience, compromise, and how to be gentle by working with animals. Some animals are tiny and delicate, so children will learn to properly care for them without causing harm.

As children grow older, these lessons translate into a stronger, more open mind. Lessons learned about compromise, compassion, and the inner workings of one of society's oldest professions can help answer and inspire new thought-provoking questions in young adults.

Combines Education with Fun

Finally, children who come to farm camps will learn more than just animal husbandry and farm chores. They will learn about animal waterways, soil health, and the interdependency between farmers, nature, and animals. They will combine these lessons with fun activities such as hiking, crafts, and more.

These simple interactions educate children in several ways. Campers understand the importance of supporting locally-grown food and produce by learning about the interdependency of farmers, animals, and their communities. By working alongside animals, feeding, brushing, and walking them, they understand why it is essential to care for animals and support the humane treatment of our most important partners.

Best of all, the end of the camp will involve children creating their farms to show their parents how farms operate. As a result, it culminates the amazing fun of farm camp and helps share the incredible knowledge children gathered over the summer.

Out to Pasture: Is Farm Camp Right for Your Children?

Absolutely! Summer camps for kids should be fun, informative, and something they are excited to attend. There is no short supply of summer camps in New York, but the one that will provide children with the most fun and engagement is our farm camp at Clover Brooke Farms.

Clover Brooke Farm has provided children and adults with weeks of quality, well-managed activities that are still raved about long after they have ended. We are excited to offer fun, interactive, and educational farm experiences utilizing the FFC: Fearless Farmers Curriculum.

Scheduling Farm Camp

Contact us to secure your child's spot in our farm summer camps for kids. Children must be between the ages of seven and twelve to register. Our farm camp is almost thirty-eight hours of unforgettable experiences for the future farmer or lover of all things fuzzy and sweet. Meet our passionate educators and let your children enjoy an experience they will never forget.

5 Fun Day Activities For Your Children

To the surprise of no parent, children have a lot of energy. Often too much. It is stunning how much energy their small bodies can produce; every once in a while, that energy needs to be released.

This need for energy expenditure is exactly why fun activities for kids are essential. They get to release all of that pent-up energy while enjoying every minute of it. Many family-friendly activities can create stronger memories and bonds through shared enjoyment.

However, children can get tired of the same old activities. So what can you do if you need new family-friendly activities? Why not combine education and fun activities for kids by bringing them to Clover Brooke Farm?

Suitable Fun Day Activities on the Farm

Children love animals, but finding animal places for kids outside of the zoo can be challenging. That is why a farm trip is an amazing opportunity to create fun activities for kids by introducing them to animals they may have never seen before, such as alpacas or llamas.

Farm activities for preschoolers (ages 5 and up) are also available. At Clover Brooke Farm, we have bunnypalooza, one of the best farm activities for preschoolers. This unique opportunity is for young children to meet our delightful bunnies and learn more about them. And yes, they will be allowed to pet them and hold them while our educators teach them about bunny behavior.

But most importantly, these fun activities for kids don't just stop at bunnies and alpacas. We have plenty more fun activities for kids of all ages.

5 Farm Activities That Channel Positive Energy

When you arrive at Clover Brooke Farm, we will give you a special tour that shows off our facilities, animals, and countryside. We want you to appreciate and love the fresh fields as much as we all do, two and four-legged combined!

Once you have had a chance to learn about and check out the farm, we can begin with five enjoyable activities for kids they will want to do every Sunday!


Painting Classes

Children sometimes want to be creative but don't want to do it at home. Painting while watching your favorite animal (who you will meet before the painting class begins) is an enjoyable activity for all ages. It combines the fun of painting with the beauty of an idyllic countryside farm. Animal places for kids are the perfect place to let their imagination go wild as they watch the animals freely roam around the farm going about their lives. Click here to learn more. 

Donkey Walks

Sometimes, you need to mull it over with a mule. Donkey walks are one of our most family-friendly activities, as they can be done in pairs! We assign you a donkey who will be your nearly hour-long traveling companion across the farm and who will use those big ol' ears to listen to all your troubles, guide you along the path, and give companionship as you enjoy the beauty of Clover Brooke Farms.

Besides being one of the many fun activities for kids, the best thing about donkey walks is the unique personalities of our handsome hoof friends. Some of our donkeys can be stubborn or slow, and this can teach children about patience and respect. It also makes our donkey walks a family-friendly activity that can teach children of any age a valuable lesson about compromise and patience, taught specifically by our helpful companions.

Alpaca and Llama Hikes

If you want the ultimate energy spender, then our alpaca and llama hikes are for you. Our animal hikes provide fun activities for kids to explore and adventure with one of our beloved alpacas or llamas. Rugged, sturdy, and delightfully friendly companions, our alpacas and llamas can help children embrace their call for adventure as they hike through the farm and breathe in the fresh air.

Alpaca and llama hikes are, by far, our most popular farm activity. While donkeys are our stalwart steeds, alpacas and llamas are the friends who want to show you the whole farm!

Warm and Fuzzy: Small Animal Experience

The small animal experience is one of our favorite farm activities for preschoolers, as the animals are small enough that they won't scare the children, and the perfect vessel for the children to learn about the animals, including what they like, don't like, and how they behave with others! Plus, they are a delight to pet and feed. The small animal experience is similar to a petting zoo, where children ages one and older can interact with our small, friendly animals and learn about their behavior.

Bunnypalooza!

Do you hear that? It's bunnypalooza! This fantastic experience is one of the most family-friendly activities available because everyone can enjoy time with our bunnies! As a celebration of all our friends who hop, bunnypalooza is the perfect activity to take your children to. Younger children will adore petting and feeding the rabbits, while older children will learn the importance of gentleness and body language. Our bunnies are very perceptive hoppers, so they will know if someone is having a rough time and try their best to make them feel as welcome.

Turn Sundays Into Fundays

Children love animals, and our animals love children of all ages. They want to share our farm with every child who wants to learn, interact, and play with them. Best of all, they want the whole family to get involved.

And why shouldn't they? Finding fun activities for kids can be a chore and a challenge, especially if you are the proud parent of several children. It would be best if you spent that energy engaging in family-friendly activities with us at Clover Brooke Farm.

Turn any day out into a fun day out that will delight your children and allow them to love our animals as much as we do. Feel free to contact us and set up a visit for the whole family!