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Summer is in full swing here at Ortman Farms, and we're excited to share all the activity happening in our fields and around the farm as we gear up for another abundant season.
Our winter rye grain is looking fantastic in our fields at Brasher Center. It's thriving and soaking up this early summer sunshine. On June 5th, we planted our soybean crops on Route 37C and at Massena Center. By June 25th, our final soybean field for the 2025 growing season was in the ground.
Thanks to the recent heat wave and the rainstorms rolling through the Northeast, our crops are beginning to pop up beautifully. It's always a miracle to witness life springing from such simple seeds. We expect our fields to green up quickly, setting the stage for a strong growing season.
We're continuing to turn over select fields and plant winter rye as a cover crop while also prepping land for next year's corn and soybeans. We're proud to be shifting toward no-till planting methods, reducing soil disturbance to protect the microbial life that helps our crops thrive. As long as the field is smooth, there's no need to plow — just plant and grow!
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This season, we're planting 100 acres of sorghum and adding some Japanese millet for grazing. We also have a special treat planned for our cows this fall — stay tuned!
There's always something to fix or unstick on the farm! Our corn planter got stuck but is back in action. The sizzle plough hit a soft patch, but a little tug set her free. Our no-till drill met some serious rocks, but we worked through it. And yes — flat tractor tires are a recurring adventure!
Fencing is also a constant task; the cows and pigs always believe the grass is greener on the other side. (We can't blame them!)
We're busy round baling our pastures, preserving the rich nutrients and energy of summer grass to feed our cows through the tough North Country winters.
Visit Our Mobile Farmers Market
Find us at the Kinney Drugs parking lot in Massena, NY with: Ground Beef, Ribeyes, Pork Chops, Beef Sticks, Local Honey, and more! Home Delivery also available.
Support local. Eat fresh. Know your farmer!
From all of us at Ortman Farms, thank you for being part of our journey. We're deeply grateful for the land we work, the food we grow, and especially for people like you who support local farming and help keep our traditions alive.
As we celebrate this season of growth and freedom, we want to wish everyone a Happy Fourth of July and a joyful Independence Day!
If you're firing up the grill with family and friends, don't forget to stock up on delicious, pasture-raised beef and pork. Find us at our mobile farmers market, or visit us online at ortmanfarms.com to place your order.
Until next time—stay cool, stay safe, and stay connected to the land.
– The Ortman Farms Family