When we talk about what strengthens a community—what really holds people together in tough times and keeps us nourished in body and spirit—there are few examples as powerful as West End Farm.
Tucked into the rhythm of the growing season, where each day is guided by sun and soil, the Hayes family has built more than a farm—they’ve built a legacy of service, integrity, and heart.
A Family Growing More Than Food
Sarah and Richard Hayes, the couple behind West End Farm, didn’t set out to become full-time farmers. What began as a home garden and a roadside stand during the early days of the pandemic turned into something much more. “We had flowers, food, and it felt right,” Sarah recalls. “I was tired of working in a corporation, so we decided as a family to go all in.”
Their decision planted deep roots—not just in the soil, but in the community.
At the heart of West End Farm’s daily operations is a mix of flexibility and family coordination. “As the season starts, nothing gets moving until the coffee is made—unless the greenhouse needs to be opened up,” Sarah laughs. Days are shaped by weather, plant growth, and a constant stream of communication to avoid “farm catastrophes.”
And their team is truly multigenerational. Four-year-old Veleria, the farm’s self-appointed quality control expert, is almost always by Grandpa’s side—unless the job involves prickly vines. She even knows how to run the credit card machine (with a little help). Her presence on the farm marks three generations working together, a living illustration of continuity and care.
From Suburbs to Soil
Richard brings a childhood shaped by cattle ranching in Nebraska and hours in the vegetable garden with his grandparents. Sarah, raised in the suburbs, grew up with flower pots and marigold blooms, but learning the ropes of full-scale farming was a steep curve. “There were early frustrations, and many, many things died,” she admits. But Richard’s knowledge and their perseverance together turned that learning into a lasting foundation.
They raised their children—Gabriel, Daniel, Jedediah, Mattias, Canaan, and Zechariah—with that same blend of grit and grace. While not all of them live on the farm now, the family shows up when things get tough. If the tractor breaks down, they know who to call.
A Farm that Feeds—and Heals
Farming has deeply influenced the way the Hayes family eats, gathers, and shares. “We definitely eat healthier,” says Sarah. “We grow a few extra plants of our favorite varieties… especially zucchini that we allow to grow a little larger than what goes to market, so the cut rounds are a perfect fit under a burger.”
Sundays are sacred at the farm. “We’re a family that cooks pretty much every Sunday. If we get the chance, we’re cooking out with close friends and family. Our door is open between 3–5, and if you don’t show up on time, you know where the leftovers are.”
That open-door approach isn’t limited to their kitchen. It extends into their work with the Veggie Van project, a mobile market initiative that brings fresh food to underserved communities across Herkimer County. West End Farm didn’t just participate, they recalibrated their entire workflow to meet the challenge.
“Working on the Veggie Van project has been fun and challenging,” says Sarah. “We get to meet all sorts of different people in different areas. It’s surprising how a couple miles of difference can change the kinds of people you meet.”
Their flexibility and attention to detail have made them a crucial partner in the effort to reduce food insecurity. The data-driven approach to the Veggie Van program helped bridge the gap between program management and the boots on the ground.
Their most lasting impact, however, might be the trust they’ve cultivated. When a woman came by without enough FMNP checks to cover her purchase, West End Farm started an IOU program. “If you need food and don’t have the money right now, we’re okay with that. The woman came back later in the season and expressed her gratitude. That stuck with us. We will feed you.”
More Than Farmers: Public Health Champions
West End Farm’s work sits squarely at the intersection of agriculture and public health. Their role in the Veggie Van model highlights how farmers are vital stakeholders in building healthy communities. It’s not just about calories or commerce—it’s about relationships, systems, and sustaining economies that nourish people in every way.
Their story helps local leaders, health professionals, and policymakers understand: supporting local agriculture is supporting community well-being.
A Quiet Honor
Back in 2024, West End Farm was honored with the Cultivate Herkimer Award, a recognition that celebrates exceptional advocacy in local food systems and sustainable agriculture.
“It hits a soft spot,” Sarah said at the time. “We aren’t used to being in the spotlight. We do things because we want to help people, quietly… but it also feels nice to be recognized and appreciated for what we do.”
Now, looking back, that recognition feels even more fitting. Not because of a plaque or a photo op, but because of the ongoing, quiet leadership West End Farm brings to our region. Whether it’s through the rows they plant, the meals they share, or the kindness they extend to strangers, they are a reminder that growing food is also growing community.
Article written by Cameron Burke
Article published June 9, 2025.
