2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Dear Friends, 

Stone Barns was founded in May of 2004 with the goal of creating a working farm and hub for learning, creativity, and experimentation. Today, our organization manages over three hundred acres of state park land and welcomes nearly 300,000 visitors per year. 

In 2023, our dedicated team of farmers, chefs, and educators generated new interdisciplinary research projects and public programs––all in pursuit of our mission to catalyze an ecological food culture. Some highlights include:

OPEN HOUSE

In May 2023, Stone Barns held our very first Open House. Blue Hill transformed its Main Dining Room into a Research Showcase where farmers and chefs shared their latest work with the public. The event drew hundreds of new visitors to campus to taste and provide direct feedback on our research projects. 

RETIRED DAIRY COWS

In the past 20 years, New York state has lost over 60% of its dairies. Stone Barns purchased 10 retired dairy cows and studied the optimal grazing period and breed to produce high quality meat. Our pilot year brought us a step closer to creating a market for grass-fed “dairy beef” and delivering a new revenue stream to the dairies of the Northeast. 

SORGHUM

Cane sorghum is a low-input, drought-tolerant crop with exciting culinary applications. We planted 25 different varieties and asked Blue Hill cooks to evaluate their flavor. Open House attendees and dining room guests also had the opportunity to participate, while the restaurant explored the applications across the kitchen, bakery, and bar.

ECOLOGICAL MONITORING

We began reintroducing native warm-season grasses into our pastures as climate-adaptive forage for our livestock that simultaneously restores habitat for native wildlife and pollinators. Our Ecological Monitoring program, launched in 2019, has measured improvements in plant and bird biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and overall soil health across our campus. 

LEAF

1 in every 5 Bronx residents faces food insecurity––the highest rate in New York City. We partnered with grassroot organizations to launch Leading an Ecological and Accessible Food System (LEAF) with the goal of improving food access and increasing food system engagement. LEAF directly distributes fresh food and equips families with the tools to grow their own in local community gardens. In its first year, LEAF served 100 families, laying the groundwork for the launch of a new branch in Westchester County in 2024. 

As an organization, we significantly expanded the scope of our food and farming projects in 2023. I am honored to reflect on the accomplishments of this organization and the supportive community it has cultivated. Thank you for supporting our growth. We hope you continue to be engaged with our work for years to come. 

With warm regards, 

Peggy Dulany
Chair, Board of Directors

Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture