Chris and Judy DiBenedetto, founders of Crystal Valley Farm, bought their first cows in October of 1989 and began the farm in the Denver, NY. In June of 1993, Chris, Judy, their two young children, Elena and Greg, and their cows, moved to Halcott Center, NY. The farm, owned by family friends, Dr. John and Sally Fairbairn, had been vacant for many years and needed a great deal of TLC. Family and fr
iends came to help get the barn and house in working condition and soon, Crystal Valley Farm was running in the Halcott Valley. Through the years, the farm has seen many improvements and has grown to 85 milking cows from the original 15 cows. The cows are kept outside as much as possible. Each day, the cows get a fresh new piece of field to graze throughout the day. They are also given fresh grass at night. Heifers, which are young female cows, spend time on the main farm as young calves and are then moved to another farm once they are about a year old. At this farm, Lazy Crazy Acres, in Rider Hollow, NY, the heifers are given fresh grass, just like the mature milking cows are. They stay at this farm until they are about two years old, when they are ready to have their first calf and begin milking. At this time, we move them back to the main farm and prepare them for their adult life. There is also a flock of sheep, which are sold for meat, and chickens, which provide eggs. During the summer months, the DiBenedettos spend many hours making baleage (giant marshmallow look-a-likes) and dry hay to prepare for winter. Land from the main farm and three other nearby farms is used to help provide feed for this many animals. Any hay made at Lazy Crazy Acres stays at the farm to feed the heifers during the winter. Square bales are made by our neighbors, the Bouton family, and are used to feed the young calves. In recent news, a portion of Crystal Valley Farm milk is making it's presence known at many local farmers' markets and grocery stores. We are excited about future expansions and opportunities God has for us!
