Cushman Farm
Building on his roots
The Cushmans have been farming in Connecticut for six generations. Nate Cushman’s father took over the family farm in 1936 and Nate grew up working on the farm, milking cows before he headed off to school in the morning. He went on to study agricultural economics and earn both a bachelor’s and master’s of science at the University of Connecticut. Nate combined his deeply felt roots in dairy with his education to help grow the family operation to support the dreams of future generations of both Cushmans and their business partners, the Smith family.
Protection of land and livelihood
Jim Smith also grew up working on the Cushman Farm and, today, he and his brother, Donald, manage the multi-location agricultural enterprise. Together, the Cushmans and Smiths have protected over 1,000 acres of land through Connecticut’s Farmland Preservation Program. The funds received for the development rights were reinvested back into the farm to upgrade their barns and milking system for the best possible comfort and productivity of their 700-cow milking herd and about 20 employees. The farm also proudly hosts a popular walk for the Quinebaug–Shetucket Heritage Corridor’s Walking Weekends through their property.
Doing it for themselves
In addition to being members of Cabot Creamery Cooperative, the Cushman Farm is a member of The Farmer’s Cow, a cooperative of six Connecticut family-owned dairy farms. Thanks to public support of local agriculture, they have been successfully marketing their milk, creams and other local products including eggs, apple cider, and ice cream for well over a decade. Their products can be found in stores and restaurants across the state and during special events like summertime ice cream socials at the farm itself!
Find out about special on-farm events, like ice cream socials, and where to buy Farmer’s Cow milk, cream, ice cream and seasonal eggnog here.
