With more than 400 acres, The Lands At Hillside Farms is the last remaining processing dairy farm in Luzerne County, according to the new land owners. Thursday all the financial pieces fell into place to keep that milk flowing into the future.
The Lands At Hillside Farms announced its non-profit corporation will purchase and maintain the dairy farm in Shavertown.
"I think it's poetic to see this place which was in private hands forever, is now being turned over to the public. It's wonderful," said Dr. Doug Ayers of Hillside Farms.
The price tag on the farm is over $4 million. That money was raised through private donations, loans and a $1 million grant from the state.
"Well this place is just so remarkable and I've just been so impressed with the vision of what they're trying to do here," said State Representative Phyllis Mundy, who was on hand for the check ceremony.
With the funding now in place, buildings, like the old farm house on site, won't face the threat of being torn down like so many other buildings on farm lands across the area. Instead it will now become the new retail shop for the lands. Hillside is looking to make the farm a tourist destination, with guided tours and a planned bed and breakfast among the highlights.
"It's a sink or swim scenario. If the people want to have this blossom into a world-class facility which it should, and it will. The speed at which that happens will be determined by them," said Dr. Ayers.
Hillside Farms also hopes to provide an educational experience for younger generations.
"Kids are coming from projects and it's all concrete around them. Now all of the sudden they're getting dirty and they're having fun and learning should be fun because that's the only way to really keep people interested in it," said Andy Loughney, an employee at the farm.
The budget to run the farm is expected to be about $3 million annually, and they are accepting donations from the public. The ownership of the farm officially changes hands on November 27.
The Lands At Hillside Farms announced its non-profit corporation will purchase and maintain the dairy farm in Shavertown.
"I think it's poetic to see this place which was in private hands forever, is now being turned over to the public. It's wonderful," said Dr. Doug Ayers of Hillside Farms.
The price tag on the farm is over $4 million. That money was raised through private donations, loans and a $1 million grant from the state.
"Well this place is just so remarkable and I've just been so impressed with the vision of what they're trying to do here," said State Representative Phyllis Mundy, who was on hand for the check ceremony.
With the funding now in place, buildings, like the old farm house on site, won't face the threat of being torn down like so many other buildings on farm lands across the area. Instead it will now become the new retail shop for the lands. Hillside is looking to make the farm a tourist destination, with guided tours and a planned bed and breakfast among the highlights.
"It's a sink or swim scenario. If the people want to have this blossom into a world-class facility which it should, and it will. The speed at which that happens will be determined by them," said Dr. Ayers.
Hillside Farms also hopes to provide an educational experience for younger generations.
"Kids are coming from projects and it's all concrete around them. Now all of the sudden they're getting dirty and they're having fun and learning should be fun because that's the only way to really keep people interested in it," said Andy Loughney, an employee at the farm.
The budget to run the farm is expected to be about $3 million annually, and they are accepting donations from the public. The ownership of the farm officially changes hands on November 27.
