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Ossining Farm Launches Crowdsourcing Campaign

OSSINING, N.Y. -- Tucked away on Route 134 near the Taconic State Parkway in Ossining is a working farm that's looking to expand.

Fable Farm raises free range chickens

Fable Farm raises free range chickens

Photo Credit: Contributed
Tom Deacon, owner of Fable Farm, with his fiancee Kristin.

Tom Deacon, owner of Fable Farm, with his fiancee Kristin.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Tom Deacon, who started Fable: From Farm To Table last year, has launched a crowdsourcing campaign at Barnraiser, with the goal of raising $15,000 to expand its vegetable field, build a larger chicken coop, construct beehives and power the hydroponic greenhouse through the winter. 

The farm, at 1311 Kitchawan Road, grows and sells produce at the TASH Market in Tarrytown, the farmer's market at NewYork Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital in Cortlandt Manor and at Turco's in Yorktown Heights. They have also sold food to local restaurants like Sweet Grass Grille in Tarrytown and Halstead Avenue Taqueria in Harrison.

Deacon, who grew up in Mohegan Lake, decided to start the farm when he realized there was a demand for local freshly grown produce. 

"It's been a challenge, but it's also been rewarding," Deacon said. "It's amazing to be able to get up at sunrise and enjoy the land and its beauty. When it comes to the weather, you're at Mother Nature's mercy."

The farm grows sweet basil, italian parsley, cilantro, red russian kale, and rainbow swiss chard.

Deacon had no previous experience in farming before he started Fable. He has been helped out by grower Anne Alleva, who has interned at Muscott Farm and Hilltop Hanover.

"She's done a phenomenal job," Deacon said. "We've grown over 500 lbs of squash, had 600 lbs of tomatoes and produced 1500 eggs." 

When he's not tending to his chickens or growing herbs, Deacon works as a film editor in Manhattan, helping to edit movie trailers and TV commercials. Deacon tends to his farm from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. before commuting to the city.

Deacon said Fable is committed to sustainable agriculture, does not use pesticides and raises free range chickens.

"Our chickens are not penned up indoors," Deacon said. "We have several thousand square feet allocated to them. They can graze, eat grass and bugs and get all their proper nutrients."

With the money, Deacon hopes to expand from 35 chickens to 300 chickens. He said he has enjoyed watching the chickens evolve.

"It's been fun," Deacon said. "It's amazing to see what kind of personality each one has. Some are friendly, while some are more scared. Since we've raised them since they were young, we've gotten to see the pecking order established."

And most importantly, Deacon said the eggs are phenomenal. 

To donate to the campagn, click here. For more information, visit http://fablefoods.com/

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