To keep up with the land and upkeep on the farm, the
commission worked to find the perfect candidate for the
role. The right match was found in John McCaffrey, a Cornell
graduate with a degree in agriculture. An arrangement
was then developed where McCaffrey could live on
the land with his family as long as he was able to provide
$25,000 in equity each year – something he has done
each year. McCaffrey provides labor, utilities and planting
for the farm, while also running a landscaping business of
his own.
“It’s good for everybody,” Heymann said. “He has a
great farm to live on and we have somebody who is a real
pro – he’s a landscaper; the farm is side job for him. He
knows what he’s doing and is very helpful.”
A group of 20 to 30 volunteers also help to maintain
the farm to provide for their community. As an educational
farm too, it encourages children to be involved to
help them learn more about how plans are important,
said Heymann. The farm itself produces a wide variety of
herbs, such as parsley and basil, and vegetables, including
seven types of kale, broccoli, peppers, lettuce and tomatoes.
Everything produced is organic.
“If you can name the vegetable, we probably have it,”
Heymann said.
MacBain Farm Park has also added flowers for people to
pick, and they also hope to add a berry patch in the future.
The concept for MacBain Farm Park, in terms of giving
back to the community, is simple. Each family is allowed
a tub to fill with produce while the farm is open.
“There are pick-your-own farms, and farm cooperatives
elsewhere, but none are free,” Heymann said.
The farm also includes a section for those with mobility
problem. Additionally, some of the crops are given
to seniors in the area, as well as to the low-cost housing
areas to help those in need. The excess produce is also
donated to the local food pantry.