Flats Mentor Farm - a visit to a local Heifer project

The Flats Mentor Farm is located on 70 acres of land in Lancaster, Massachusetts. Beginning immigrant farmers have been farming at this location since the early 80's. In 2005, this group of farmers officially established themselves as the Flats Mentor Farm with the support of Heifer International and other organizations. During the 2009 season farmers have planned to sell their crops at 40 farmers markets in Massachusetts.

We started the day with a relaxing drive thru the countryside from Woodstock, CT to Overlook Farms in Rutland, MA. We met with Volunteer Coordinator Pat Keay and took a look at the global village and livestock. We learned that our idea of seeing a local Heifer project in person had grown to a presentation from Heifer Northeast United States project coordinator Aley Kent for over 40 participants. Aley discussed the importance of maintaining and supporting a local food system. She detailed many of the successes that Heifer is having in the Northeastern United States.




Following the presentation, the group caravanned to The Flats where we were met by Maria Moreira, landowner and project motivator. Maria reviewed the history and goal of the Flats Mentor Farm to assist immigrant farmers to create and sustain successful farming enterprises. Currently, 9 families (about 40 people) are commercially farming. These are the farmers participating in the Heifer projects and passing on the gift. Another 50 farmers are micro-farming.





Disaster stuck the farm 2 weeks before our visit. Floods covered the already planted fields with up to 3 feet of water. The destruction was evident throughout the farm. Dead and dying vegetation, recently plowed under crops and the complete destruction of the micro-farm plots were seen. Many of the remaining crops were maturing slowly and not ready for market. The perseverance of the farmers could be observed as they tried to save what remained. They have 40 farmers markets to supply in addition to a wholesale coop.

A farmer tends her field at The Flats

Song Vang Yang talked about her involvement in The Flats. She was one of the first Hmong immigrants to begin gardening on Maria Moreira’s land in the 1980’s. She transitioned from micro-farmer to commercial farmer five years ago.

With Heifer support, the farm added plastic and drip irrigation this year. Each commercial farmer has one row in the test area.

Song gave the group a tour of her farm.

Maria Moreira, landowner and project motivator


More photos and information can be found in the next post.