Fire ravages Kemmerer Farm

STANFORDVILLE — A fire destroyed two hay barns and all the farming equipment at Kemmerer Farm in Stanfordville Thursday, July 18.

Fire companies from Stanfordville, Millbrook and neighboring towns fought to contain the fire, but they couldn’t stop it from devastating the property. Investigators have not released the cause.

John Kemmerer and his family have lived in the area for decades. John owns the 100-year-old farm which comprises more than 100 acres. The farm is foundational to the area’s agricultural history and setting, and was named one of two Century Farms at the New York State Agricultural Society’s annual meeting on Jan. 12, 2023.

Emily Hay, John’s daughter, formed the Centennial Farm Foundation. “The goal of CFF is to help support centennial farm workers through debt fulfillment grants along with business planning for the future and property tax aid assistance.”

A GoFundMe has been set up to benefit the Kemmerers as they begin to rebuild their farm. Wendy Burton, supervisor of the Town of Stanford, calls upon the community for support for the Kemmerers during this challenging time. In a message to the community she wrote: “Now is the moment we can come together as a community and give back to this remarkable family. Together we can ease the burden of this terrible event for the Kemmerers.”