Sisters Hill Farm up for sale, CSA operation faces uncertainty

STANFORDVILLE — Sisters Hill Farm, a Stanfordville property owned by Sisters of Charity of New York, is up for sale.
“We have made the difficult decision to offer our entire property, including Sisters Hill Farm, for sale,” a Sisters of Charity representative said in an email.

The announcement did not include details about the asking price or a public listing.

Sisters Hill Farm is located just east of Route 82. The property, known as Hill Crest Farm in the early twentieth century, was willed to the sisters in 1917. They hired David Hambleton in 1999 to manage the farm. The farm’s community-supported agriculture (CSA) program has grown from 40 members to over 400 under Hambleton’s leadership.

Shares in the CSA entitle members to part of a weekly vegetable harvest — anywhere from 4 to 20 pounds per week — from late May to early November. Payment works on an income-dependent sliding scale, and 10% of the harvest goes to families in need.

For the Sisters of Charity, the farm’s sale is part of a plan to “bring the congregation to completion.” In 2023, a lack of new members forced the Sisters of Charity of New York to announce plans to wind down the congregation. The Sisters Hill news comes as harvest season is picking up steam. Earlier this month, CSA members took part in the annual July 4 garlic harvest.

“We fully intend to complete the current farming season,” the organization said over email. “The farm will continue to operate as planned throughout this season.”

“We are grateful for the many individuals, families, volunteers, and supporters who have contributed to the success of Sisters Hill Farm over the years,” the statement continued, “and we remain optimistic that its mission of stewardship and service will endure.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Farmer Dave for his many years of faithful and dedicated service.”

Hambleton declined to comment on the proposed sale, but he did add a note at the end of Sisters Hill’s press release that made the announcement.

“I’m sure you have many questions, and I do as well,” Hambleton wrote. “I’m still processing this.”

“Our mission is to grow healthy food,” he added, “but it’s also about bringing people together.

“It’s about getting people to eat in-season, understanding climate change and the effects it has on our ability to feed ourselves. Members of this farm really get to know what seasonal produce is all about. They get to know their neighbors and community members and make new friends.”

When the Sisters of Charity of New York close their doors, it will mark the end of more than 200 years of service to the poor. The New York chapter began in 1817 as an orphanage, but its early focus on caring for orphans and educating children quickly expanded.

In the time since, the order expanded into advocacy for the homeless, civil rights, immigrants, and senior citizens; education at all levels; pastoral ministry; and peace.