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Growing a New Generation of Farmers

July 25, 2016 By marketeditor

By Julia Howard

Hanley 1
Hanley 3
Hanley 4

Agriculture is vital to the health of rural communities such as the Saratoga region. Yet, for many years, the health of agriculture has been in doubt. The average age of those who farm full-time is over 60, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture continually reports that the number of young people who choose to farm for a living is on the decline.

However, there is a silver lining: According to the USDA’s most recent AgCensus data, a new generation of farmers is on the rise. That generation consists of individuals who are in their thirties through their early fifties. Charles Hanley are among that group.

Hanley FarmHanley is the owner and operator of Hanley Farm, one of the newest produce vendors at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market. He returned recently to New York with his wife Michael and two children to take up farming full-time, and currently are leasing land from the Otrembiak Farm, one of the longest running vendors at the Saratoga market.

“I started growing seeds in the greenhouse this just this past April,” Hanley said. “I’ve always been intrigued by the thought of farming, but never had a chance to start a farm until this year.”

The Hanley Farm stall can be found Saturdays at the farmers’ market pavilion at High Rock Park. It is located midway in the market, facing the street. The stall is small, but Hanley’s enthusiasm is reflected in his abundant array of produce: several varieties of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, summer and winter squash, eggplant, lettuce, cabbage, watermelon, corn, and herbs. In a few weeks, the stall also will feature Hanley’s favorite vegetable: potatoes.

“I have explored some different potato varieties in my past gardening and planted some of my favorite at our farm this year,” Hanley said. “I find that the difference in taste and texture of a home grown potato is far superior to that of a store bought potato.”

The Otrembiak Farm supports Hanley’s endeavors. “As long as we have the space and people are willing to work the land and learn, we are happy to help,” said Steve Otrembiak.

Hanley Farm also sells at farmers markets in Gansevoort and Queensbury, and at a farm stand at the Crossroads General Store in Chestertown. They can be reached at Hanley.farm1@gmail.com.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at High Rock Park.


 

Cucumber, Carrot, and Cabbage Slaw

Recipe adapted from David Tanis’s Ginger, Cucumber, Carrot, and Cabbage Slaw
Yield: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

* Ingredients found at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market

• 1 medium cucumber, peeled and julienned *
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and julienned *
• 2 cups shredded green cabbage *
• 2 cups shredded red cabbage *
• Salt
• Pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro *
• 1 teaspoon peeled and grated ginger
• Juice of 1 large lime

Preparation

Put the cucumber, carrot and cabbage in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss well. Add the ginger and lime juice, then toss again. Let the vegetables marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Note: Julienned means cut into short thin strips.

Filed Under: Featured Article, News Tagged With: Growing Vegetables, Saratoga Farmers' Market

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Produce from some of our amazing agriculture vendo Produce from some of our amazing agriculture vendors at today’s market!
Attention granola lovers!! Today is National Grano Attention granola lovers!! Today is National Granola Day. In honor of this, all sales with our friends from @toganola are 10% off this Saturday only! Their granola products are packaged in sustainable packaging and free of gluten, dairy & soy. 

Our winter market runs today from 9:3-1:30 in the Wilton Mall food court. Hope you can make it!

Photo of and provided by @toganola 

#saratogasprings #saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket #granola #toganola #thingstodoinupstateny #organic #shopsmall #shoplocal #nationalgranoladay
Our new 2023 Freshconnect $2 coupons arrived today Our new 2023 Freshconnect $2 coupons arrived today! For every $5 you spend using your SNAP/EBT card at our market, receive $2 in coupons. FreshConnect bucks can be used to buy: vegetables, meat, milk, eggs, honey, baked items, jams, plants that bear food, and prepared foods that are packed to eat at home. Plus, there’s no cap on issuance! Stop by our information stand to learn more. We’ll be open 9:30-1:30 tomorrow. ❄️🌾

#freshconnect #snap #ebt #nutrition #health #agriculture #shoplocal #shopssmall #farmtotable #saratogasprings #saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket #thingstodoinupstateny @wilton_mall_leasing
Interested in growing your business? Farmers’ ma Interested in growing your business? Farmers’ markets are a great way to start networking and finding your customer base. For 45 years, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market has provided a platform for local farmers, artisans, bakers and more build their businesses into what they are today. If you’d like to join our community, please submit your 2023 Summer Vendor application. The link can be found in our bio. Last day to apply is January 31st. DM us here or email me at sfma.manager@gmail.com with any questions!! 

#farmersmarket #startup #smallbusiness #shoplocal #entrepreneur #community #saratogasprings #thingstodoinupstateny #growyourbusiness

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