Preserving Heritage: The Jackson Family, Shenandoah Farm Legacy

Shenandoah Farm

Twice a week, without fail, a white truck with its green logo pulls behind Zoe’s and delivers all the dairy products we need to make Zoe’s homemade ice cream. High-quality, local milk is one of the backbones of our success at Zoe's.  To make a superior product, you need superior ingredients.  This year, I want to take the time to introduce you to the farmers and the people who make the magic that is Hudson Valley Fresh Dairy Products. There is no significance to the order; they are all incredible farmers who meet the high industry standards that are Hudson Valley Fresh.  I started with Shenandoah Farm because I am very lucky to have two employees in Zoes who live at Shenandoah Farm.  When Aleasha Jackson isn’t milking cows or working at the farm, you can find her hard at work as our top chef and manager at Zoe's. You can find her mom, Nancy, smiling graciously at customers, helping them find the perfect sweet treat to brighten their day. In writing about each farm this year, I hope to give you a glimpse into what makes Hudson Valley Fresh special: the people.

Aleasha & Nancy Jackson

I had the honor of sitting with Tom Jackson, one of four sons who owns and operates the 131-year-old dairy farm. Together, they comprise the fourth generation of farmers within the Jackson family. In the heart of the Hudson Valley, nestled amidst the intersection of Interstate 84 & the Taconic State Parkway, lies Shenandoah Farm; steeped in tradition and rooted in a deep love for agriculture and community, this farmstead has been a beacon of agricultural excellence for generations.

I started by asking about his family history. It all began in 1892 when Tom's great-grandfather decided to purchase the farm from his aunt and put it in the Jackson's name. Tom's grandfather, a visionary ahead of his time, seized the reins of the farm in the 1940s. Transitioning from its humble beginnings as a homestead cultivating potatoes and nurturing apple orchards, he charted a bold new course, transforming it into a thriving dairy farm. Armed with knowledge gleaned from his studies at Morrisville College, he delved into the realms of genetics and artificial insemination, pioneering techniques that would revolutionize the industry. His foresight and innovation were the cornerstone of the farm's success, paving the way for future generations.

How many cows & what breed are you currently milking?

Shenandoah Farm has a 48-stanchion barn that milks primarily Holstein and a handful of Jersey cows.

Cow’s heading back out to the field after being milked.

How many generations of Jacksons have worked your farm?

Now in its fifth generation, with the sixth generation eagerly awaiting their turn, the farm continues to thrive under the watchful eye of family members, old and new. Of the eleven dedicated employees working on the farm, an astonishing ten bear the proud Jackson name, underscoring the deep-seated bond that unites them in their shared endeavor.

Aside from milking cows, in what other way has your farm diversified? 

Over the years, we have ventured into various forms of income generation beyond traditional farming practices. One significant avenue of diversification has been soil mining, which the farm pursued for an impressive three decades.

The farm expanded its operations significantly, growing from its original 300-acre footprint to encompass nine different properties that are now all actively farmed. This expansion not only increased the agricultural output but also allowed the farm to explore new markets and opportunities, including engaging in corn and hay sales, adding another dimension to the revenue sources, and tapping into the demand for these essential agricultural products.

In addition to their agricultural pursuits, the Jackson Family has found success in the entertainment industry, leasing their picturesque landscapes for use in a dozen movies and commercials. From iconic films like "Malcolm X" to music videos such as Alicia Keys's "Fallin'," the farm has served as a backdrop for multiple creative endeavors.

Nancy & Tom Jackson

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Anything chocolate.  

Do you have a favorite cow? If so, what is her name & how old is she?

That would undoubtedly be Pegasus, who hails from Dr. Sam Simon's herd, boasting improved genetics and a string of prestigious awards from the county fair.

The Jackson family is a rare example of one that works exceptionally well together. Each member has their own individual pursuits outside of the farm, engaging in various side hustles. Good communication is the key to their success. The Jackson family is deeply involved in their community, participating in roles such as firefighters, town politicians, and active church members. In essence, the Jackson family seamlessly blends their diverse personal endeavors with a shared commitment to each other and their community, creating a harmonious tapestry of collaboration and connection, especially with their land and their farm.

Shenandoah Farm Owners

Follow them on their Facebook & Instagram page- Shenandoah Farm!