About "The Hub"
Established in 1860, the farm was originally owned by the Welch family, who were dear friends of the community. In 1945, the farm was purchased by the Brown family, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its storied history.
The Browns initially moved to nearby farm in 1931, relocating from Vestal. Agnes Brown took on the important role of caring for Billy Welch, continuing the farm’s tradition of close-knit community ties. By 1968, the Browns had relocated to Welch Road, where they transformed the farm into a thriving dairy operation.
They raised a diverse array of livestock, including Jersey and Guernsey cows, chickens, ducks, sheep, and a notably charismatic goat named "Cha-Cha", who was distinguished by his long white beard. Cha-Cha's distinctive look even inspired Hub Brown to grow his own beard in a similar style.
Agnes, Affectionately known as Ag, was deeply devoted to her favorite hens, never missing a chance to say goodnight to them. The Browns were committed to sustainable farming practices, growing hay for their animals and cultivating crops like corn, alfalfa, rye, and trefoil.
They employed crop rotation and year-round seeding for ground cover to maintain healthy soil, and Hub was known for his innovative approach to land management. He practiced grafting techniques that often resulted in plums growing on apple trees, demonstrating his passion for horticultural experimentation.
In 1997, Hub began sharing his experiences and insights through writing for Tioga Community Press, producing a series titled "Some Observations from the Hill," which chronicled life on the farm and the Browns' enduring connection to their land.
Today, the farm is lovingly maintained by Hub and Agnes's granddaughter, Norine, who continues the family legacy of dedication to both traditional farming practices and innovative approaches.
The farm remains a testament to the rich history and enduring spirit of the Welch and Brown families.
Our Roots run Deep.
The Browns initially moved to nearby farm in 1931, relocating from Vestal. Agnes Brown took on the important role of caring for Billy Welch, continuing the farm’s tradition of close-knit community ties. By 1968, the Browns had relocated to Welch Road, where they transformed the farm into a thriving dairy operation.
They raised a diverse array of livestock, including Jersey and Guernsey cows, chickens, ducks, sheep, and a notably charismatic goat named "Cha-Cha", who was distinguished by his long white beard. Cha-Cha's distinctive look even inspired Hub Brown to grow his own beard in a similar style.
Agnes, Affectionately known as Ag, was deeply devoted to her favorite hens, never missing a chance to say goodnight to them. The Browns were committed to sustainable farming practices, growing hay for their animals and cultivating crops like corn, alfalfa, rye, and trefoil.
They employed crop rotation and year-round seeding for ground cover to maintain healthy soil, and Hub was known for his innovative approach to land management. He practiced grafting techniques that often resulted in plums growing on apple trees, demonstrating his passion for horticultural experimentation.
In 1997, Hub began sharing his experiences and insights through writing for Tioga Community Press, producing a series titled "Some Observations from the Hill," which chronicled life on the farm and the Browns' enduring connection to their land.
Today, the farm is lovingly maintained by Hub and Agnes's granddaughter, Norine, who continues the family legacy of dedication to both traditional farming practices and innovative approaches.
The farm remains a testament to the rich history and enduring spirit of the Welch and Brown families.
Our Roots run Deep.
Our Story
The early 1800's our family arrived on The Hill, and are buried on this same hill. The Welch Homestead existed since the 1860’s. It started among friends and became a way of life for my grandparents, Hub and Agnes Brown.
The homestead was developed to sustain. The property has been quiet for several years. After over twenty years of praying for the opportunity, I am enormously grateful for the blessing to carry forward a meaningful journey.
Like my grandparents and mother, I cherish the memories and enjoy each day, from sunrise to sunset and under the stars in the pitch dark!
Unlike my grandparent, I was raised in suburbia and on the lake. I have lived in several places, raised four amazing daughters, embraced a career in technology and business processes, and have the love of so many including six grandchildren!
Why now? Well, I had to wait for God to make up his mind, not on my watch!
The Farm was divided by the Trust into 4 parcels. Unlike the rest of the family farm, I had to move quickly to ensure we keep the farm in the family, my mother has the home of her choice, and we could expedite the regenerative agriculture dream to enjoy in this lifetime!
Here begins the story of a special place, where amazing people came before us, we live out the inspiration for the generations after us.
One thing to know and remember, my Grandfather, Hub Brown was a storyteller.
We will share and carry on this tradition of staying present in our community and bringing the stories forward to be relevant and meaningful in the community. He was keenly aware of his surroundings and always seeking the beauty of the little moments and the joy he enjoyed from people and animals that he pondered about. It is my journey to keep this alive at “The Hub”.
The homestead was developed to sustain. The property has been quiet for several years. After over twenty years of praying for the opportunity, I am enormously grateful for the blessing to carry forward a meaningful journey.
Like my grandparents and mother, I cherish the memories and enjoy each day, from sunrise to sunset and under the stars in the pitch dark!
Unlike my grandparent, I was raised in suburbia and on the lake. I have lived in several places, raised four amazing daughters, embraced a career in technology and business processes, and have the love of so many including six grandchildren!
Why now? Well, I had to wait for God to make up his mind, not on my watch!
The Farm was divided by the Trust into 4 parcels. Unlike the rest of the family farm, I had to move quickly to ensure we keep the farm in the family, my mother has the home of her choice, and we could expedite the regenerative agriculture dream to enjoy in this lifetime!
- In June of 2023, I was able to purchase nearly 50 acres. Purchased nearly 50 acres that includes the house, barn, outbuildings, pond, creek, pastures, fields and woods.
- Created a business, Sustainable Farm Life LLC,
- In June of 2024, I purchased another 20 acres (thanks to my Aunt and Cousins!) to create a property of 70 Acres.
Here begins the story of a special place, where amazing people came before us, we live out the inspiration for the generations after us.
One thing to know and remember, my Grandfather, Hub Brown was a storyteller.
We will share and carry on this tradition of staying present in our community and bringing the stories forward to be relevant and meaningful in the community. He was keenly aware of his surroundings and always seeking the beauty of the little moments and the joy he enjoyed from people and animals that he pondered about. It is my journey to keep this alive at “The Hub”.
Historical Context of "The Hill"
The evolution of the Family Farm ~ Our People and Our History:
‘The Hill’ was settled by many people. Our story begins with rural roads in Owego, Tioga County, NY, in the Southern Tier, near the Susquehanna River.
The Town
Owego, named from the Iroquois word "Ahwaga" meaning "where the valley widens," was first settled around 1786, with the town officially formed in 1791, has a strong agricultural history, with many properties historically used for farming (e.g., dairy, crops, livestock). Rural roads like Welch, Lisle, and Wade Hollow often hosted small family farms in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Rural Landscape
The Rural landscape that developed as the town grew, particularly after the Susquehanna River and Owego Creek made it a hub for early settlers. The area is part of Tioga County, with Owego settled around 1786 and formed as a town in 1791. The early 1800’s through mid-20th century, the homestead farmers maintained a small farm, like many Owego families. Common activities included dairy, poultry, or vegetable gardens, especially pre-1970s when farming was more prevalent.
Our Family ~ The First Residence on Lisle Road
The house at 2560 Lisle Road stands as a typical example of late 19th-century rural architecture in Owego, reflecting the town’s growth from its settler roots into a stable community. This property was in relation to 2928 Lisle Road and the families related to us, Amy RIng, Ellen Maher (Mahar), rented by Herbert & Agnes Brown, and sold and changed hands until we now have wonderful neighbors.
The First Farm on Lisle Road
My mom's childhood home ~ 2560 Lisle Road is where my grandparents, Herbert & Agnes Brown, owned their homestead and raised their family. My Aunt, Patricia and later her husband Fritz Ruden ran the farm until they passed. My Mother sold it to my sister and unknown to anyone, she sold it rather than preserving the family property.
...So, here we are at The Hub, the best spot on the Hill!
The Final Family Farm on Welch Road - Now Called “The Hub”
The Welch Family was our connection and is in relation to Wade Hollow Road, 2928 Lisle Road, 2560 Lisle Road and the favorite homestead on 926 Welch Road was purchased from Billy Welch in 1960’s for $1.00.
The house’s 1890 construction places it in a period when Owego was expanding as a small agricultural and trade community, likely built for a family tied to farming or local commerce.
We have parcels that have been pieced back together and will once again be a working farm in honor of my Grandparents.
‘The Hill’ was settled by many people. Our story begins with rural roads in Owego, Tioga County, NY, in the Southern Tier, near the Susquehanna River.
The Town
Owego, named from the Iroquois word "Ahwaga" meaning "where the valley widens," was first settled around 1786, with the town officially formed in 1791, has a strong agricultural history, with many properties historically used for farming (e.g., dairy, crops, livestock). Rural roads like Welch, Lisle, and Wade Hollow often hosted small family farms in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Rural Landscape
The Rural landscape that developed as the town grew, particularly after the Susquehanna River and Owego Creek made it a hub for early settlers. The area is part of Tioga County, with Owego settled around 1786 and formed as a town in 1791. The early 1800’s through mid-20th century, the homestead farmers maintained a small farm, like many Owego families. Common activities included dairy, poultry, or vegetable gardens, especially pre-1970s when farming was more prevalent.
Our Family ~ The First Residence on Lisle Road
The house at 2560 Lisle Road stands as a typical example of late 19th-century rural architecture in Owego, reflecting the town’s growth from its settler roots into a stable community. This property was in relation to 2928 Lisle Road and the families related to us, Amy RIng, Ellen Maher (Mahar), rented by Herbert & Agnes Brown, and sold and changed hands until we now have wonderful neighbors.
The First Farm on Lisle Road
My mom's childhood home ~ 2560 Lisle Road is where my grandparents, Herbert & Agnes Brown, owned their homestead and raised their family. My Aunt, Patricia and later her husband Fritz Ruden ran the farm until they passed. My Mother sold it to my sister and unknown to anyone, she sold it rather than preserving the family property.
...So, here we are at The Hub, the best spot on the Hill!
The Final Family Farm on Welch Road - Now Called “The Hub”
The Welch Family was our connection and is in relation to Wade Hollow Road, 2928 Lisle Road, 2560 Lisle Road and the favorite homestead on 926 Welch Road was purchased from Billy Welch in 1960’s for $1.00.
The house’s 1890 construction places it in a period when Owego was expanding as a small agricultural and trade community, likely built for a family tied to farming or local commerce.
We have parcels that have been pieced back together and will once again be a working farm in honor of my Grandparents.
Some Observations from the Hill
First few pages of the book!
Connect to Land, Family and Community
Be part of and learn more about sustainable farming practices.
Project Plan
Guiding Principles
The Hub - Regenerative Farm
- Transparency
- Relentless Curiosity
- Humble Character
- Respectful Open Communication
- Entrepreneurial Mindset
- Continuous Learning & Improvement
Mission, Purpose, Values, & Goals
The Why
- Simon Sinek
Mission
Regenerative Farming is the Mission for “Sustainable Farm Life LLC”.
Regeneration of a family farm is intentional:
This venture is about honoring all the Sustainable Living Principles that are required in Farming:
Regeneration of a family farm is intentional:
- The Where ~ May Our Farm protect from the soil to the sky. "Regenerative agriculture" aims to improve soil health and biodiversity through practices that promote regeneration of the land. This includes, soil, water, forests, fields, and meadows.
- The What ~ Grow & Raise our food. "Regenerative medicine" focuses on using the body's natural healing abilities to repair or replace damaged tissues or organs.
- The Who ~ Our generations of family and relationships in the community, and the wisdom of others provide us a way to share & serve well.
This venture is about honoring all the Sustainable Living Principles that are required in Farming:
- Faith
- Self
- Family
- Community
This venture was inspired by a story that began with relationships.
- Gratitude
- Authenticity
- Credibility
- Collaboration
This venture will succeed because of the prioritization Sustainable Agriculture:
- Honoring Historical relevance.
- Respecting Family significance.
- Incorporating Sustainable Living Principles
- Providing economic benefits to local communities
- Building trust with all actors in the value chain
- Supporting collaborative efforts with the local community
Purpose
The purpose is to provide healthy soil, clean water, future forests, rich crops, and clean protein.
Vision
“The world is being reshaped faster than we have yet been able to reshape our institutions, our leadership, and ourselves. A future that includes dynamic capitalism, vibrant democracy, healthy communities, and free societies depends on the rise of moral leadership and values-based behavior and practices.”
- The HOW Institute
The Farm Model is based on a combination Sustainable, Organic, and Alternative Agricultural practices.
This is truly an opportunity to live out the generations of a vision to carry forward clean farming practices by establishing sustainable and shared relatable practices. Healthy soil, clean water and clean food.
As I have explored the definitions and principles of farms and homesteads, I have clarified the differences between farming methods:
As I have explored the definitions and principles of farms and homesteads, I have clarified the differences between farming methods:
- Traditional vs. modern farming
Traditional farming focuses on local sustainability, cultural heritage, and low environmental impact. I am interested in a limited amount of Modern farming technological advancements. Local Community driven. I am not prioritizing global market demands, and high productivity. - Precision Farming vs. Traditional Farming
Traditional farming uses visual assessments and knowledge to monitor crops, and limited precision farming using drone technologies. I will not be investing in technology such as sensors and satellite imagery to provide data on crop health. - Indoor vs. outdoor farming
Plants grown outdoors get their light from the sun. I will not be expanding to plants grown indoors that need artificial lighting. Indoor farms also need energy to power heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. -
Lessons Learned Agriculture
This is an opportunity to reflect on the property. This means accounting for the conditions of the soil, water, forest, and fields.-
Regenerative Agriculture is knowing how to recover and cure:
- Past Governmental Recommendations
- Past Environmental Practices
- Create Native Riparian Areas to stop erosion
- Focus on Water Sources and Pond Elevation for irrigation
- Focus on Soil Health
- Focus on Holistic Crop management
- Focus on Supporting Pollination
- Plan for Companion Planting
- Development of Composting Practices
- Encouraging Good insects
- Allowing Wildlife to return
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- Merging Lessons Learned with New agriculture technology
New agriculture technology uses technologies like biotechnology, automation, smart irrigation, and precision agriculture to increase efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. - Modern farming methods
Some popular modern farming methods include hydroponics, vertical farming, aquaponics, and precision farming. These will come in time as soil and water is the first step.
The Bible often compares the Christian life to running a race, highlighting the perseverance, discipline, and faith needed to reach the finish line. The scriptures offer wisdom and encouragement for believers striving to follow Christ wholeheartedly, even through life’s challenges. “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9
Values
- The development of fertile soil through no till, native planting and continuous composting.
- Reduce erosion and secure clean water by developing riparian areas and creating a series of pond and creek ecosystems from the springs that are present on the property.
- Expand the food sources in the forms of a Vegetable Victory Garden, Spiral Herb & Tea Gardens, Orchard & Guild Systems, Field no-till Row Crop Farming.
- Collaborate with Small Business to develop community shared expertise.
- Host Events to events to teach and tour Regenerative Farming Practices
- Host opportunities for RV’ers to pay to stay and experience the events, visit the farm and learn from the educational experiences.
- Continue to develop relationships with the people and farming community networks to ensure a sustainable knowledge base of ideas and proven concepts.
- Expand the farming practice to rotational grazing with Chickens, Pigs, and Cattle to create clean food systems and revenue from pasture raised, no pesticides, no pharmaceuticals, clean food sources.
- Lean operational model of shared farming practices and local labor.
Continuously improve the farm from the soil to the sky. Improving the soil, protecting from erosion, growing food, securing clean water, and removing invasives will improve the quality of native plants, native wildlife, and ultimately the ecosystem.
The How
"You don't know what the mistakes are in your plan, but you'll know them when you implement it. And then you can make a better plan next time". Nothing without God
Jordan Peterson