Dairy farm in Connecticut receives protection

Apr 10, 2015

Property is located in Lebanon, CT

In an effort to help protect the state’s agricultural sector, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture decided that a prime-soiled, 22-acre goat dairy farm in Lebanon will remain available for producing ag-products – permanently.

“Beltane Farm is a prime example of a smaller enterprise whose value-added products make a strong contribution to the agricultural economy,” Agriculture Commissioner Steven K. Reviczky said. “Protecting these kind of working lands is exactly why the Community Farms Preservation Program was created.”

The Community Farms Preservation Program was created in 2011 as a way for smaller farms to receive some funding if they don’t qualify under the Farmland Preservation Program – a program that’s protected more than 300 farms, spanning nearly 40,000 acres.

A grant courtesy of the Farmland Restoration Program also helped clear out ten acres on Beltane Farm that had become overgrown.

Connecticut’s agriculture department contributed 75% of the $150,000 purchase price ($112,500). The remainder was paid for by the Connecticut’s Farmland Trust and the Town of Lebanon.

Owners Paul Trubey and Mark Pearsall have made the farm on Taylor Bridge Road a landmark for lovers of goat’s milk, goat cheese and other products. The farm also houses about 100 goats.

“Paul and Mark have worked hard to turn Beltane Farm into a productive goat dairy and Ag-Tourism destination,” said Lebanon First Selectman Joyce R. Okonuk. “The town supports their efforts and hopes that their success here will draw more new farmers into our community.”

Beltane is the second farm in the state to have this protection. The first was Kassman Farm in Columbia, a 53-acre farm where corn and hay are produced.

Join the conversation and tell us what you think of this dairy farm receiving the designation it did. Is there a farm in your community you think deserves the same kind of recognition?

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