Jeanette and Mark Fellows in Warwick, Massachusetts (www.chasehillfarm.com) have been living off their land for 10 years. They sell organic farmstead cheese, real milk, grass fed beef, pork and veal at their farm, a few local stores and the farmer’s market in Amherst. By working hard and living simply, they have managed to raise two children who are now in college.
Jeanette makes the cheese, takes it to the farmer’s market once a week and even works a half day as the clerk of the town hall in Warwick! Yet, she found the time to show me around and answer my questions . . .
In 2007, Jeanette’s Italian Grace won second place in the Italian Cheeses category at the American Cheese Society’s Annual Competition. That was the third and last year she entered, because of the cost involved. (Note: We are strong supporters of the ACS, but we believe they should encourage the small cheesemakers by lowering their costs to become members, send in their cheeses and to attend the conferences. Ricki has spoken up about this issue many times at conferences through the years.)
Chase Hill Farm cheese is only available locally. In our area, you can purchase it at the farm, the farmer’s market in Amherst on Saturdays and at several stores and food co-ops in the area.
In January and February, they participate in two one-day winter farmer’s markets in Greenfield and Northampton.