About Us
Our family-friendly farm, located overlooking the beautiful Catskill Mountains, provides a beautiful setting for producing the freshest produce and growing U-Pick apples, peaches and flowers. In addition, we raise free-range chickens for eggs, pasture-raised pigs and chickens for meat and grass-fed beef. We are constantly evolving, with new vegetable and fruit varieties. Our farm features a two-story barn store where you can take home the fruits of our labor, from salad mix, cucumbers and tomatoes in Summer, to pumpkins, apples and squash in the Fall. Check our Instagram page for updates about what’s in season, U-pick hours and upcoming events.
Sustainable & Natural Approach
East Durham Farms follows organic practices with all vegetables that we grow. We use OMRI-approved fungicides and insecticides and organic poultry manure as our fertilizer. The end result is a more sustainable soil, a healthier ecosystem and better food.
The pigs, chickens, turkeys and cows are pasture raised and all the animals with the exception of the cows are fed local grain.
“I have found that you have to build your soil naturally, and if you are close to a good balance, things will grow,” says proprietor Chris Brannigan. “We incorporate a lot of manure into our soil and use only organic fertilizers and spray programs.”
Visit the Farm.
Hours & Location
175 Brown Rd
East Durham, NY 12423
Monday 10 AM–6 PM
Friday 10–6 PM
Saturday 10 AM–6 PM
Sunday 10 AM–6 PM
Farm Store
The cozy, two-story barn store is set up to present East Durham Farms products in the most attractive, user-friendly way. As the farm develops and seasons change, you will find items such as free-range eggs, broiler chickens, frozen pork, beef, honey and produce. Cheese, specialty foods, sauerkraut, maple syrup, drinks and snacks from regional producers are also featured.
If you have a particular item in mind, feel free to call ahead to guarantee availability.
The second floor of the store offers “non-perishables” and is something like a treasure hunt, with finds ranging from candles and books to handcrafted toys, puzzles and other unique gifts.
The Barn
The modern but traditional-looking red barn at East Durham Farms serves as the focal point of all activity on the property. The store is located in the barn and there are Adirondack chairs to take a rest and enjoy the scenery.
Free-Range Eggs
U-Pick
Join us at East Durham Farms for a fun u-pick experience! Check out our Instagram for the latest schedule and availability of fruits and vegetables ready for picking.
-
Flowers
Flowers and Blueberries begin in July!
-
Blueberries
There are a few different varieties of Blueberries to ensure ripe berries are available from early July through mid-August.
-
Apples
Half a dozen varieties of Apples are grown in the Orchard, including Macintosh, Empire, Liberty, Honeycrisp and Pristine.
Farm History
“From our meticulous restoration efforts, I can certainly attest that certain types of nails and cuts would date the barn from around 1800, if not earlier.”
Though official records have been hard to come by, it is believed that the original barn at East Durham Farms was built in the late 1700s. “I have heard from people whose families have been here since the valley and town of Durham, NY, was first settled that the barn was built by soldiers returning from the Revolutionary War,” says proprietor Chris Brannigan.
During restoration, framing was uncovered that seemed to indicate a bell tower had been attached to the front section of the barn’s roof. The current wash and pack could have once been used as a schoolhouse or, judging by the proximity of a small cemetery right next door, perhaps a church.
Our Journey
“What brought me to this beautiful location in the Northern Catskills was my love of growing and nurturing plants and trees from Mother Earth. I can recall growing up in Newburgh, NY, and my parents having a small garden. I don’t really remember much about what we harvested, but I remember putting up the fence and tilling the soil, and it interested me”
Some people are born into farming. Others, such as Chris Brannigan, are called to it.
Over the years, Chris has let his fascination with farming grow gradually and naturally. Organically, you might say.
The passion grew as Chris began caring for his own vegetable and flower gardens, keeping detailed records of each plant’s progress. He had a knack for nurturing nature, and within him blossomed a desire to share the fruits – and vegetables – of his labor with others.
Late 2008 brought Chris’s move to East Durham, where he immediately set to work restoring a historic barn on the property. He also began tending to the fields. First came Christmas trees, flowers and a large vegetable garden. More recently, the farm has expanded to include about an acre of apple trees, a field of blueberries and even more vegetables located in two unheated high tunnels.
With each step in the journey to breathe new life into East Durham Farms, Chris has stayed true to an organic approach, respecting Mother Earth and creating the healthiest possible products.
Contact Us
We’re most likely out working on the farm, but will respond to your message as soon as we can. For a quicker response, feel free to stop by the farm!
