Blue Star Farm
Susan and Mark have been involved with organic farming for many years, which requires hard work, commitment, and, of course, a love for farming. Their reward is harvesting a variety of fresh, organic produce that customers love.
Vegetables and herbs from Blue Star Farm are certified naturally grown, and therefore, all produce is exclusively organic. The crops are herbicide and pesticide-free. Blue Star Farm uses compost, natural rock minerals, and mulches to fortify the soils, along with crop rotation and green manures. Blue Star Farm’s practices and produce are evaluated by specialists from Cornell Cooperative Extension, and Blue Star Farm participates in peer-to-peer reviews in which local farmers evaluate each other’s practices in growing organic produce.
An Interview with Susan Decker:
“To own and run a farm, you have to love farming,” states Blue Star Farm owner Susan Decker. Susan and her husband Mark began the search for farm property over 3 years ago. They looked at several locations but when they found property in Stuyvesant, they knew they had found the perfect property, and thus Blue Star Farm was created. They continue to love the business of producing organic, fresh vegetables, herbs, and cut flowers. They have 2 locations – one in Stuyvesant, their homestead, and one in Kinderhook. Blue Star Farm has 7 acres in production.
When asked about the number of different variety of produce, Susan chuckled as Blue Star Farm produces 130 different varieties of vegetables, herbs, and cut flowers. Her favorite variety includes seasonal produce with tomatoes being at the top of the list. However, Susan explained that she has many favorites and she loves to experiment with different varieties. It can be challenging but she states, “It’s worth it to grow a variety of produce.” This year, Blue Star Farm is growing ginger, and Susan is looking forward to the finished product.
Blue Star Farm sells to 2 different farmer’s markets. They participate in the Hudson Farmer’s Market, held on Saturday’s from 9 am – 1 pm. They also participate in the Red Barn Roadside Market in Ghent which is held on Friday evenings from 4pm – 7pm. Susan loves the immediate feedback she receives from the customers–people are so appreciative of the farmers bringing the produce to these markets. She has regular customers at the markets, who she enjoys talking with about the produce and the upcoming greens and vegetables.
Blue Star Farm does not participate in a CSA. However, it does have a number of wholesale customers including Field Goods, Inc., and the Kripalu Center in Lee, Massachusetts. Blue Star Farm also sells produce to area restaurants and caterers.
To learn more about blue Star Farm, visit the website at BlueStarFarmny.com. Blue Star Farm is located in Stuyvesant, NY.
