Beekman Farms
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You'll rarely hear adjectives like 'hot' and 'young' used to describe farmers. But Vanity Fair was spot on the money when it came to featuring Brent Ridge and his cohort Josh Kilmer-Purcell as "hot, young farmers." Brent and Josh have cleverly found ways to make homesteading hip through Beekman 1802, an upstate New York farm and integrated media company devoted to artisanal, hand-made and seasonal projects and goods. From their online shop touting gourmet cheeses, soaps and skin care products made from the milk of Beekman Farms' goats, to hand-woven textiles and heirloom vegetable seeds straight from their garden, to recipes, how-to tutorials and more--the farm has something for anyone wishing to live a charmed and stylish country kind of life. Even if you're living smack dab in a city.
We talked to Beekman's man-in-charge Brent Ridge directly to get the scoop on sexy, sustainable and seasonal living.
How did you get into this line of work?
We bought our farm, Beekman 1802, just over two years ago. Shortly after we moved in, a hand-written note was placed in our mailbox from a local farmer who had a small herd of goats that needed a home. Today that herd of goats is over 100 and the cornerstone of a global business. That farmer, John Hall, now manages Beekman Farm.
What was your "a-ha" moment?
I think we realized that we were creating quality products. We also knew that the story of our business was striking a chord when Vanity Fair tracked us down to a do a profile for their April 2009 issue.
Who is your green hero?
For us the green movement resonates the most deeply when it impacts the foods that go into our bodies. We greatly admire the chef Alice Waters for the way in which she uses her status as a world-class chef to influence how future generations think about food.
What is your ultimate green goal?
We would like Beekman Farm to become biodynamic, but we know this is a goal that will take us a while to achieve.
What is your motivation?
We are motivated to help local farmers and craftsmen in our community create their own sustainable businesses.
What is most important to you, ecologically speaking?
Having access to chemical free food.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
During the summer months when there is so much to do on the farm, we would say that keeping our website www.beekman1802.com updated is the most challenging.
What is the most rewarding?
When people tell us that they've been inspired by something we've done or written about on the website.
Of the people you have worked with, who impresses you most?
I go into any working situation assuming that I am the student. There's something to be learned from everyone. I've had many, many teachers. However, I would have to say that the person who impresses me the most is Martha Stewart. She has an incredible desire to learn, which is probably what has made her such a trusted teacher.
What green thing do you do everyday?
I eat something that was grown in my own backyard.
What do you wish you could do?
I wish the farm could be completely off the grid, using only solar, wind and geo-thermal power. That is something we dream about.
What is your biggest eco-sin?
I still haven't switched out all of the incandescent light bulbs. I think it is kind of wasteful to throw away a bulb that is still functioning.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
The culture of instant gratification.
What is your best green advice?
Don't get overwhelmed by all of the preaching. Do what you can and what you can commit to. Lots of people making small changes add up.
Change Makers is series of interviews with people famous and obscure who are creating a more sustainable world through their work. Meet more Change Makers here.
More on Farming:
How to Go Green: Gardening
Focus Earth: Organic Farming (Video)
Making the Most of Your Organic Farm Visit
Got a tip or a post idea for us to write about on Planet Green? Email pgtips (at) treehugger (dot) com.
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