At Finding Home Farms, Dana Putnam blends his family’s maple-sugaring legacy with a deep love for agriculture to craft not just syrup, but a place that feels like home in Orange County.
The bounty of the Hudson Valley would be nothing without the farmers who cultivate it. That’s why we’re spotlighting their unique stories in our Meet the Farmer series. We encourage you to discover their histories, explore their products, and, as always, support local.
Dana Putnam’s maple farming roots run deep, dating back to his childhood on a large dairy and maple farm in New Hampshire. As a fourth-generation sugar maker, maple syrup was part of his upbringing, instilling in him a lifelong passion for agriculture. Putnam’s father built a small shed so both he and his brother could have their very own sugarhouse, which led them to tap approximately 80 trees before their teenage years. “From the maple side, it was always my favorite part of all the farming we did growing up,” Putnam reflects, “It’s just something I’ve always treasured.”
After moving to the Hudson Valley about 25 years ago, he began tapping maple trees simply for the joy of it, but what started as a family tradition soon turned into something much more meaningful.
Putting Down Roots in Orange County
In 2015, Putnam and his wife, Laura, decided to fully embrace their family legacy, officially founding Finding Home Farms in Middletown. Combining Putnam’s deep agricultural roots with Laura’s expertise in marketing and design, the farm quickly evolved from a simple home project into a beloved community spot.
Putnam checks on the tree tap lines
Their two daughters have also become part of the family business. Both work as full-time teachers but still find time to help out on weekends and during special events. For Putnam, it means a lot that they’re able to be involved in the farm, even with their own careers.
By 2017, the Putnams had outgrown their original sugarhouse, leading them to expand to a larger property nearby, where Finding Home Farms quickly became a vibrant Hudson Valley destination. Initially focused on wholesale distribution to local retailers, the farm soon expanded to include an onsite café and market, which opened its doors in March 2022. The café not only showcases their organic maple products but also serves as a welcoming community space, drawing visitors from throughout the region and even New York City.
Crafting Maple Syrup
At Finding Home Farms, Putnam’s maple syrup production beautifully blends traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. Maple syrup season at Finding Home Farms typically begins in late January and runs through late March, marking an eagerly anticipated period of time each year.
Putnam and his team set out into the crisp winter mornings, carefully tapping around 11,000 maple trees during the season. The fresh sap undergoes a meticulous process, beginning with reverse osmosis filtration to remove excess water. It then moves into traditional evaporators, where roughly 70 gallons of sap are boiled down to produce just one gallon of syrup. During an average year, the farm produces about 2,500 gallons of syrup.
Maple syrup
Putnam proudly emphasizes the syrup’s distinctive qualities unique to the Hudson Valley region — rich buttery undertones balanced by subtle hints of natural vanilla. Beyond its classic organic syrup, the farm offers specialty varieties like coffee-infused, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, pumpkin spice, and the award-winning rye barrel-aged syrup. This last variety, which is aged in whiskey barrels from the nearby Orange County Distillery, highlights Finding Home Farms’ commitment to local collaboration and diverse flavors.
From tapping trees to filling bottles, every step reflects Putnam’s passion for maintaining authenticity, ensuring each drop of syrup captures the essence of Hudson Valley agriculture.
Collaboration and Sustainability
At Finding Home Farms, maple syrup production is thoughtfully intertwined with Hudson Valley agriculture, relying entirely on ingredients and resources harvested locally. From tapping maple trees on their own property to partnering with nearby farms and businesses, the Putnams ensure that each bottle of syrup reflects the unique flavors of the region.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Finding Home Farms and a key priority for Putnam. He and Laura carefully manage their maple groves, prioritizing minimal environmental disruption, avoiding synthetic fertilizers, and using locally sourced, recycled cardboard for their packaging.
Their commitment extends far beyond responsible farming practices. Throughout the maple sugaring season, the farm welcomes local school classes, scout troops, and youth groups for hands-on visits. These experiences help children and families understand the maple production process firsthand, fostering a deeper connection to the land, agriculture, and vibrant Hudson Valley community.
Additionally, Finding Home Farms actively participates in local events that celebrate the Hudson Valley’s agricultural industry, such as the annual New York Maple Weekends. These weekends offer visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the maple sugaring process, from tapping trees to boiling sap, all while enjoying tastings, demonstrations, and farm tours. Finding Home Farms also hosts seasonal events like local makers markets to showcase talented artisans in the region and provide an immersive experience for guests.
Outside Finding Home Farms
Finding Home Farms thrives not only because of its syrup but also because of the family-oriented culture that the Putnams have created. Employees are treated as valued members of an extended family, with trust, flexibility, and support at the core of their approach. “We treat our employees like they’re part of the family because, to us, they truly are,” Putnam shares.
The café, thoughtfully curated by the Finding Home Farms team, embodies this welcoming atmosphere. Each menu item highlights the farm’s products, providing guests with both comfort and quality. Visitors leave not just with bottles of syrup, but with lasting memories of hospitality and authenticity.
“We really wanted to be where people could come, be comfortable, stay, and spend some time,” says Putnam.
A Hudson Valley Legacy
As Finding Home Farms continues to grow, Putnam envisions enhancing the guest experience further. Plans are underway to expand hiking trails through the property, offering visitors deeper connections with the surrounding nature. Additionally, the farm is actively seeking new partnerships with local retailers to strengthen community ties and broaden its reach within the Hudson Valley.
Above all, he dreams of establishing a lasting legacy — a place future generations can cherish and nurture. “You can come in and get a chance to experience a really good food experience, a really good coffee experience, a really good family experience, and then hopefully a really good agricultural experience,” Putnam notes. “That’s what we’re trying to get done here.”
Through thoughtful care, warm hospitality, and a strong passion for agriculture, Putnam invites visitors to slow down, reconnect, and experience the sweetness of home and, of course, maple syrup, now and for years to come at Finding Home Farms.
Finding Home Farms
140 Eatontown Rd, Middletown
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