Terra Ridge is a family-owned farm that prioritizes connecting with the land and each other.
For Terra Ridge Farm owners Megan and Ryan Wiley, their New Paltz farm represents an opportunity to grow nutritious food and livestock and promote a connection between the land and the local community.
While the farm is a relatively newer endeavor for the couple, who founded it in 2022, it’s not something they went into blind. Megan Wiley’s family has a farming background, and she spend her childhood surrounded by fruits and vegetables, her parents’ garden, and laying hens. She grew accustomed to being on her father’s family’s dairy and apple farm, and saw firsthand how her parents grew produce for fresh meals and winter storage at home.
Photo courtesy of Terra Ridge Farm
Megan later went on to study environmental science, as she valued the knowledge behind how things were grown and operated. Farming was a natural next step as it “felt like the right path for the land we have and the values we care about,” she explains.
Creating Terra Ridge
In 2022, Megan and Ryan founded Terra Ridge. They chose the name to reflect both their values and the landscape. Terra means “earth,” while Ridge is a nod to where they are settled, along a ridge looking over the Wallkill River. Observant individuals can even spot some of the property’s topography in the Terra Ridge logo.
Photo courtesy of Terra Ridge Farm
The Wileys dug into establishing their farm with a core value in mind: “We care deeply about where our food comes from and how it affects our health, environment, and community,” they share. For them, being able to grow nutrient-filled foods and share them with the community is a major motivating factor in their daily lives.
Unexpectedly, the land they chose carried a surprise as Megan “recently discovered that my great-great-grandfather’s large fruit, vegetable, and chicken farm included a portion of our current property.” Being able to tap into and carry on that family legacy — in more than one way — has only added to the sense of fulfillment they get from the farm.
Photo courtesy of Terra Ridge Farm
Running Terra Ridge
Terra Ridge practices regenerative agriculture, which, according to the Wileys, “prioritizes the health of our soil and takes a holistic approach to farming.” This is a naturalized way of farming, since it allows the animals — currently chicken, pigs, and laying hens — to do work for the farm as they root in the ground and fertilize it with manure. It creates a balanced ecosystem by allowing the animals to help build healthy soil to grow crops.
Farm operations tend to be busiest in the warm seasons, namely spring through fall. This time of year has similar tasks that need to be completed on a daily basis, such as conducting upkeep on animal feeders and waterers and checking on the animals themselves. Megan and Ryan both work with animals, with Megan primarily heading the farm store, The Ridgehouse, and events.
Photo courtesy of Terra Ridge Farm
Following with Megan’s childhood farm experience, the Wileys use their homegrown produce and hen eggs for fresh meals. It’s truly a family farm operation, as Megan and Ryan feel that “including sons in the farm chores is a special experience, giving them a hands-on connection to the land and animals.”
Fostering Community Connections
Terra Ridge is known for The Ridgehouse, which serves as a setting for outdoor dining, pop-ups, and private events at the farm. Megan explains that “the idea grew out of our desire to share our love of farming and great food with the community.” For dining events and series, Terra Ridge is committed to offering products from the farm and Hudson Valley area suppliers in an effort to keep things as local as possible.
Photo courtesy of Terra Ridge Farm
The Ridgehouse can be booked for private events, including weddings, birthday celebrations, and company events. It has a capacity of 75 people, with some flexibility depending on outdoor spaces. Terra Ridge hosts events from May through October and is currently booking for 2026.
Photo courtesy of Terra Ridge Farm
Shopping the Farm
Terra Ridge specializes in pasture-raised, non-GMO pork and poultry, eggs, cured meats, and charcuterie. Products are available until they are sold out, even in colder seasons. Some items, like charcuterie, may depend on orders, so calling ahead is recommended.
Photo courtesy of Terra Ridge Farm
Onsite, Terra Ridge has a self-serve farm store that is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The farm also has a presence at the Beacon Farmers Market and the Hudson Valley Open Market in New Paltz.
Terra Ridge Farm
302 Libertyville Road, New Paltz
Website
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