Wyda Farm
Hudson Valley, New York
Wyda Farm LLC is undertaking an innovative plan that will provide farmers with secure land access, connect the public to woodland walking trails, and act as a hub for local food enthusiasts. After three generations as a working farm, this town’s-edge farm was at risk from commercial and industrial development. The farmers and community members came together in Wyda Farm LLC, which purchased the property in September 2014.
“Our work with NEFA was absolutely critical to our success in securing Wyda Farm,” says Faith Gilbert, researcher for the Wyda project and one of its farmers. “The NEFA team worked with us to create a financial plan, plan of action, and distribution materials that laid the groundwork for a successful fundraising campaign. Throughout the process, we were grateful for their critical feedback and continual support from seasoned professionals.”
The Land
- 60 acres of fields and woodlands with 60+ acres available for lease next door
- six-bedroom farmhouse, one cottage, two barns, and large four-bay shop building
- 400+ acres of abutting conserved forest and walking trails (underway)
- 2-mile walk from downtown on major vehicle and bicycle route, with more than 8,500 people passing daily
The Letterbox Farm Collective
As farmers, we operate as Letterbox Farm Collective. We are young food producers already living on and working this land. We raise specialty vegetables, culinary herbs, pastured livestock, honey, and ginger. Letterbox specializes in niche products and has built a diversity of marketing outlets. We are practicing craftspeople who produce exceptional quality products through exceptional stewardship practices.
Our Project Team
- Faith Gilbert, Vegetable Manager at Letterbox Farm Collective, Researcher
- Lazlo Lazar, Grounds Manager for Wyda Farm LLC, Park Ranger
- Nichki Carangelo, Livestock Manager for Letterbox Farm Collective
- Audrey Gilbert, Beekeeper, Farm-based Educator
- Gregson Pullen, Property Manager for Wyda Farm LLC, Alternative Energy Businessman
Our Neighbors & Partners
- Scenic Hudson has identified this parcel as a gateway to a series of walking trails that will connect 400+ acres of conserved land, downtown Hudson, historic Olana, and the Basilica, a major event venue.
- Becraft Downs LLC is purchasing the neighboring 80-acre parcel to develop a cluster of farm-based affordable houses, pasture, and infrastructure for potential shared use.
- Northeast Farm Access, LLC, is providing technical assistance on farm-acquisition matters.
Our Financial Plan
After completing a feasibility analysis and developing a business plan, we have:
- Committed $175,000 of our own equity;
- Secured $200,000 from Scenic Hudson through sale of the property’s development rights;
- Identified $275,000 as the remaining equity investment needed to purchase the property in September, a goal that was accomplished on time, and the sale completed.
