Chris speaks with Heather Backer of Backer Farm in Mendham, NJ. Backer Farm was founded in 1927 by Richard and Jessie Backer. Over time, it evolved from a dairy farm to a horse boarding facility. Today, the farm is under the guiding hands of the third generation in Derick and Heather Backer and they are adapting to today's culture. Backer Farm features a farm stand that is open 365 days a year, CSA (community supported agriculture), naturally grown produce, pork, eggs, bottled sauces and compost. They also offer a variety of after school and summer programs for kids. Since the fall, they offer a true farm-to-table experience in partnership with the local Mendham team of Chef and the Baker.
Year Established: 1927
Type of Business: Food and Beverage
Website: www.backerfarm.com
Location:
32 Ironia Road, Mendham, NJ 07945
Local Ties: We have partnered with local team Chef and The Baker for all of our culinary offerings. We are also partners with Yoga Essence Studios and they co host all of our yoga events when offered. They also come to camp and instruct the little farms in some farm themed yoga poses.
Community Causes: When able, we donate to local food pantries. One of our options for csa members is to donate their weekly share if they are unable to pick up one week. We also have local families that we make arrangements with privately to provide produce to. We choose a local charity to give back to when we host Karma Days. Every year we donate to local fundraisers for local schools and organizations such as the library and local preschools.
About Heather: NJ native, Rutgers grad, educator/therapist turned farm entrepreneur (who would have EVER guessed lol!!), mom to two amazing little humans and two rescue pups
Quirky Stat: Hens only lay one egg each per day.
Best moment as a business owner: seeing customers, especially former campers, around town and seeing their faces light up when they see us and hear how happy they are to have us as part of the community.
Favorite activity in NJ: going to the beach HANDS DOWN!! Walking the boardwalk, feet in the sand … anything beach related is my jam!!
Have you visited Backer Farm? Are you a part of the CSA? Post a comment.
