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

Find Your Flow at Outdoor Yoga in the Hudson Valley

With Every Fiber: Breeders and Craft Artisans of the New York Sheep and Wool Festival

These Wellness Events Are Perfect for Summer in the Hudson Valley

Where to Launch the New Year Outdoors

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.