New Year, New Growth: Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Ahead at Clover Brooke Farm
By Andrea Parent-Tibbetts
As we welcome 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the incredible year we’ve had at Clover Brooke Farm. From record-breaking attendance to exciting new collaborations, 2024 was a year of growth, learning, and connection.
A Record-Breaking Year
This past year, we were thrilled to welcome 4,400 visitors to the farm—a 14% increase compared to 2023. Our Animal Experiences remained a highlight, with 4,118 participants meeting, walking, and bonding with our beloved alpacas, llamas, donkeys, Pygora Goats, bunnies and the most important-Cricket and Rascal- Our Meeter’s and Greeter’s when you arrived to the farm.
Our Learn on the Farm workshops continued to grow, engaging 168 participants in hands-on activities like soap-making and fiber arts. We also took the magic of Clover Brooke Farm on the road with 10 off-site engagements, including charming Wedding Alpacas and festive Live Nativities.
Educational partnerships played a key role in our mission. We worked weekly with Camp Ramapo participants, teaching job skill-based farming tasks, and partnered with Hawk Meadow Montessori Middle School to provide students with hands-on experiential learning that connected them to the land and sustainable practices.
On the professional front, I was honored to present at the Greater Appalachian Llamas & Alpacas Association annual conference in Saratoga Springs, NY. My sessions, “Hosting Farmstays” and “Events on the Farm: Is It Really Worth It?”, offered valuable insights into agritourism, sparking meaningful conversations with fellow farmers.
Seasonal Preparations
Winter at Clover Brooke Farm is a time of planning, preparation, and thoughtful care for our animals and operations. Our llamas, alpacas, and pygora goats enjoy cozy shelters, warm bedding, and specially adjusted diets to keep them healthy and happy during colder months.
Behind the scenes, we’ve been hard at work processing the 350 pounds of fiber sheared in 2024. This included classing 120 lbs of Shetland wool, 93 lbs of alpaca/llama fiber, 31 lbs of alpaca thirds for felted sheets, and 11 lbs of mohair. These fibers are sent to the mill and returned as stunning worsted, DK, and custom blends, including alpaca/wool, alpaca/wool/mohair, and wool skeins. We’re particularly excited to see the mohair blends come to life!
Winter also brings dreams of warmer days as we plan an expansion of our Eco-Dyeing Garden, building on the success of growing indigo and other botanical plants for natural dyeing. It’s also a time to focus on indoor projects, from updating our website to planning new workshops and events for the year ahead.
Workshops and Events
We’re excited to announce an expanded schedule of winter and spring workshops! Returning favorites like Soap-Making, Loofah Crafting, and The Art of Beer Brewing will be joined by new fiber arts classes such as Wet Felting Bowls, Needle Felting, and Loofah Making.
Did you see us on News Channel 12?
This summer, we’re thrilled to launch our first-ever Botanical Dyeing Art Camp-‘Camp Chromatic’ where participants will explore the vibrant world of natural dyeing using plants grown in our garden. For fiber enthusiasts, we’ve started the community Fiber Group, a monthly gathering to share projects, learn new techniques, and celebrate all things fiber.
We continue to host the 4-H Spitters Club, where youth learn camelid animal husbandry and fiber arts, and we’re excited to bring back our cherished Mother’s Day Tea with Alpacas Fundraiser, a favorite event for families looking to create lasting springtime memories.
Sustainability Goals
At Clover Brooke Farm, sustainability remains at the heart of everything we do. In 2025, we aim to reduce waste, improve soil health, and expand our use of renewable energy. Enhancing our rotational grazing program is a priority, especially after facing challenges with Red Flag Warnings during a dry fall season.
We’re proud to join the Climate Beneficial Fiber Partnership, an initiative that helps farms improve soil health, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen local economies through sustainable fiber production.
Additionally, we participated in the Annual Winnakee Land Trust Historic Barn Tour, welcoming 150 visitors to learn about our regenerative farming practices and the role of fiber farming in sustainability. These opportunities help us share our mission while connecting with a broader community.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on an incredible 2024, we’re grateful for the support of our visitors, participants, and partners. Your enthusiasm and involvement fuel our passion for sustainability, education, and creativity.
With new workshops, expanded programming, and exciting partnerships on the horizon, 2025 promises to be another amazing chapter in Clover Brooke Farm’s story. Thank you for being part of our journey—here’s to a vibrant, sustainable, and inspiring new year!
**2024 In the News-Clover Brooke Farm
The Art of Beer Brewing-Channel 12 News
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