Hill Top Farm
Hill Top Farm is a family-run farm that manages over 700 acres in Pownal. Protected by the Vermont land trust, the lands of Hill Top Farm are protected as farmland in perpetuity. Though it was established in 1982 as a veal farm by the Gardner family, it has since transitioned to dairy and beef. One of the last operational farms left in Pownal, Hill Top produces organic Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (VTNOFA) certified dairy products, as of 2002, and USDA certified beef, as of 2011. The Farm is currently operated by the Gardener’s, with Marilyn running the dairy operation and Crystal managing the beef business. The family’s wood-fired maple syrup (using wood from timber stand improvements on the farm and in the area), organic beef, natural pork, whole chicken, and eggs are sold at a shop on the farm.
Check out their website: https://hilltopfarmvt.com
A Family Farm
The Farm is far more than a commercial operation but a family business created on the lands that the Gardeners grew up on. Marilyn and Marc Sr raised two of their sons, Matt and Marc on these lands, and later Marc married Crystal who joined the family business. Though the business is very successful and Hill Top is proud to sell organic products, the Farm faces several hardships around retaining their organic certifications. Another challenge that the Farm faces is lack of access to labor for maintenance like hay chopping in the summer.
Local Products sold at Hill Top Farm
Photographs of the original barn
