We can all help keep farming alive in the Hudson Valley.

At one time or another, you have seen, heard or read the news about big companies taking over smaller companies, it happens each and every day and most times we are OK with it until it affects something close to home like this.

Jason & Kristin Touw contacted us to share their story about the possibility of them losing their farm to the highest bidder and we thought we should share the story, as well to try everything we can to keep local farming alive here in the Hudson Valley.

The Touw's have been running and farming the Wagon Wheel Farm on the Kozareski lands in Goshen and Hamptonburgh for many years and have taken serious steps over the last few years to purchase the lands from owner Joan Kozareski.

So serious, that back in November of 2018 they received approval of financing to purchase the properties from Joan Kozareski but unfortunately just days after they received financing, Ms. Kozareski suddenly passed away according to the online petition to save the farm.

The petition also says that Ms. Kozareski, upon her passing donated the farmland to these five charities, St. John's Catholic Church of Goshen, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer's Association and the Hamptonburgh Cemetery Association.

After the donation of the land and a large amount of money to the five charities, the charities have listed the land for sale and Jason and Kristin Touw are now trying to buy the land and most importantly preserve the farm, but have not heard anything back from the charities.

The charities will now decide the fate of the Wagon Wheel Farm and it looks like the are trying to sell the land to the highest bidder, most likely a developer or individual that will not be farming the property themselves according to the Touw's.

The Touws also told us, "Our family farm and community farm stand may be doomed. Tears are flooding our home almost every day. The charities want top bidder and we don't know how we can compete with developers."

Here is how you can help, first sign the online petition that they have started to show that the farm needs to stay local.

Second, you can join them for there first ever SAVE THE FARM FAMILY FALL FESTIVAL and open house fundraiser on October 5, 2019 with hayrides, pumpkin picking, food and entertainment from 1pm-6pm. The festival will take place at the Wagon Wheel Farm, 363 Sarah Wells Trail in Goshen.

Let's spread the word and save this farm!

Listen to the Wakin' Up With CJ and Jess Show weekday mornings from 6AM to 10AM on The Wolf. Stream us live through the website, Alexa-enabled device, Google Home or The Wolf mobile app.

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