In August, Farm Aid traveled across New York, accompanied by a film crew, to meet farmers and hear their stories. In the videos below, they share their unique paths to farming, their visionary ideas for the future of agriculture and how farming fosters community and spreads joy.

These stories aired at Farm Aid 2024 during our press event, where artists and the farmers featured in these videos came together on stage to share their stories and their visions for agriculture. They were produced and directed by Susan Steiner.

Black Wind Farm

Berne, New York

Justin Butts shares the sense of security that comes from self-sufficiency and his inspiring vision to transform his farm into a learning space for others.

MK Dairy

Owego, New York

Madeline and Bruce Poole share the story of how they took over their family’s dairy farm shortly after getting married. They describe their hard work and joy of looking at what they’ve created for their family and their community.

Chester Agricultural Center

Chester, New York

Chester Agricultural Center is conserving prime farmland, making it available on long-term affordable leases and putting it to its best use: growing clean, local food using organic management practices. They work to build a stronger and more equitable regional food system, and a regenerative thriving local economy. Meet their executive director Sara Katz, and three of the farmers, Omowale and Nadia Adewale of Liberation Farm and Christina Chan of Choy Division, raising food for their communities on the fertile Black Dirt land of Chester, NY.

Onondaga Nation Farm

Onondaga Nation

Angela Ferguson of Onondaga Nation Farm shares the farm and food traditions of her community, talks about food sovereignty and explains that we all have a role to play in a strong and sustainable food system.

Denison Farm

Schaghticoke, New York

Justine and Brian Denison discuss the chemical contamination they discovered on their farm in Maine before starting a new organic farm in New York, where they were able to directly connect with their community. The Denisons also share their techniques for growing food despite increasing challenges presented by climate change.

Rock Steady Farm

Millerton, New York

Maggie Cheney, D Rooney and Camille Braswell of Rock Steady Farm in Millerton, NY, share their thoughts about agriculture and its power to build community, teach people about food and create joy.