To stay in business for more than 80 years, you have to be comfortable with change.
With robotic milking technology and a digester that turns cow manure and food waste into power, Fort Hill Farms in Thompson, Connecticut, looks a lot different today from when it was founded in 1943.
Recognized as Connecticut’s Outstanding Young Farmers in 2022, fourth-generation farmer Kies LaVack and her husband Jared LaVack say one thing that will never change is their connection to their community.
“It’s so rewarding when people come to the farm, see the cows, and learn about how their food is produced,” Kies says.
The LaVacks exemplify how tradition and progress can coexist in modern dairy farming. Fort Hill Farms spans more than 1,000 acres and manages about 200 milking cows and 200 young stock. The farm also operates an agritourism business, which includes a farm store and a seasonal corn maze.
In 2021, they made strides in renewable energy with the addition of an anaerobic digester.
“We were the first farm in Connecticut to have an anaerobic digester that could take in food waste and manure to make electricity,” Kies explains. “The anaerobic digester has helped the farm providing a steady source of income.”
Through its partnership with Ag-Grid Energy, the farm recycles 15,000 gallons of food waste per day along with cow manure generating 3.5 million kW hours of electricity per year. The digester not only powers the farm but also contributes clean energy to local communities.
In 2023, Fort Hill Farms took another major step forward with the completion of a new state-of-the-art freestall barn equipped with three Lely A5 robotic milkers. “The new barn and robotic milkers have been a game changer for us,” Kies said.
The adoption of robotic milking technology is part of a broader mission to make their farm more efficient and sustainable while also ensuring a high level of animal care.
Fed by Phoenix
Their drive to continuously improve their operation touches every part of the farm, including how they feed their animals.
Fort Hill Farms uses various Phoenix Feeds & Nutrition products tailored to different stages of development to promote cattle health, including milk replacer, calf pellets, grower mash, robot pellet, and lactating grain. Working alongside an independent nutritionist, they rely on Phoenix for consistent product quality and competitive pricing that will help their farm run as smoothly as possible.
“Their team is always proactive and makes sure we’re well-stocked, especially going into weekends and holidays,” Kies shared. “The quality of the products and service we receive has played an important role in helping us get to where we want to be. We see the results in milk quality and production.”
Kies says it’s helpful to have suppliers who feel like an extension of the farm team.
“I am just so appreciative of Phoenix’s customer service. It’s reassuring to know that if we need something or have a question, they’re just a call away. Everyone at Phoenix is incredibly reliable and great to work with.”
Engaging the community
Beyond their commitment to dairy farming, Fort Hill Farms places a strong emphasis on community engagement. Kies’ mother, Kristin Orr, manages the farm store, lavender business, and annual corn maze, which educates visitors about agriculture’s role in daily life.
Kies is also active in the local community serving on the Thompson Planning and Zoning Board, Thompson Ag Commission, and the Connecticut Milk Promotion Board. Jared grew up participating in 4-H and showing cows. Kies and Jared look forward to involving their daughter Adelaide who just turned two, in the local 4-H program once she’s older.
Carrying on a legacy
The farm continues to honor the legacy of Kies’ father, Peter Orr, who passed away in 2018. His vision for sustainability and innovation laid the groundwork for many of the farm’s advancements. The digester project was already in motion when Peter died, and Kies knew it was a passion project of her father’s.
“My motto is ‘farm on,’” she shares. “It’s my way of honoring my dad and his vision. We love being able to provide a product for the community to enjoy.” Raising their daughter on the farm brings Kies and Jared immense joy.
“It’s a rewarding experience to raise the fifth generation here. It motivates us to keep moving forward and build a future for her and the farm,” Kies said. “We’re excited for what’s to come and hope she carries on the love for farming that’s been passed down through generations.”
