We all know the intricacies of family, but working together is a certain kind of special like no other. Brothers Ryan and Jacob Veitch, along with their various aunts, uncles and even mother Patti Veitch and father Town Supervisor Kevin Veitch take the idea of an eighth generation farm very seriously.
“I’ll say that working with your family is equal parts interesting, challenging and rewarding,” said Ryan Veitch, the operations manager of the farm on Hyspot Road. Daily farm operation is managed by the brothers. The farm began in 1835 when Stephen Wilsey purchased his first property in Greenfield, which later became known as Wilsey Road. It was a small “gentlemen’s farm” that produced milk, eggs and vegetables for his family and neighbors. The most famous family member of all may have been Arthur William “Bill” Wilsey, the fifth generation, a World War II veteran who survived the Battle of the Bulge and passed away in 2012.
The property now has grown to more than 400 acres and the farm began producing maple syrup and products in 2020. Today, they produce more than 600 gallons a year and has 1,700 taps of sugarbush. Twin Leaf’s products include maple syrup, sugar, candy drops, popcorn and cotton candy. The boys are planning for a corn maze this fall and recently have begun marketing “The Barn at Twin Leaf Farms,” a beautiful rustic event venue further up the road on their property. The barn was purchased and moved from Hayner’s Dairy Farm in Clifton Park in 2019. Check it out at www.twinleaffarms.com.
Veitch began at the Greenfield Farmers Market this year and his biggest sellers are the bourbon-barrel aged maple syrup and maple cheddar popcorn, which you can often smell from afar.
“I love talking to the residents of this town and meeting all the different faces each week,” said Veitch. “I love to hear everyone’s stories; it is a great community event.”
Most family members are present each week sharing samples of the syrup and popcorn. Its eighth generation is the cutest. Little Waylon, age four and Magnolia, just nine-months old, are often present enjoying the treats from market vendors.
Stop and meet these hard-working Greenfield farm owners at the summer market on Thursdays, from 4-7 p.m. at Middle Grove Park.
