Meet a Central New York Farmer – Edge of a Dream Dairy

Big Frog, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County and Wagner Farms want you to meet the hard working families keeping us fed and clothed. This week we salute The Edge of a Dream Dairy.

Most often our weekly salute to a Central New York farm features a second or even a third generation family operation and quite frequently it dates back to a family member who immigrated to the U.S. This week we salute a couple, Alyssa Grocott and Dylan Hapeman, who are just starting their own operation, Edge of a Dream Farm.

Alyssa and Dylan aren't new to farming by any means, both grew up on family dairy farms, Alyssa in Edmeston and Dylan in Little Falls. They grew up with 4-H as a big part of their lives showing cows at fairs, and continue to help the youth of today.

They're also not new to the perseverance it takes to succeed in the industry. Unfortunately, both Alyssa and Dylan have experienced the tragedy that comes with barn fires, as they experienced two at the family farms in 2017. The cows decimated their herd and they were left to start all over.

It took 3 years of hard work and dedication to get the dream back on track, as the couple began milking their own herd again on July 30 of this year.

Alyssa and Dylan, thank you for never wavering in the desire to do what you love and for keeping CNY fed and clothed.

Know a farmer we should add to our list? Here's the nomination form, or send info on our Facebook page, our mobile app, or email polly@bigfrog104.com. Meet a Farmer is also made possible by New York Farm Net, a program of Cornell, Harbor Point Minerals, White's Farm Supply, and the US Army.

Want to take your support of Central New York farmers to the next level? The Save Our Farms, Save Our Food campaign with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County is offering a custom designed T-Shirt supporting farmers with any $25 donation. Get more info and order yours at CCEOneida.com

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