Lazy Crazy Acres

Crystal Valley Farm, located in Halcott Center, NY, is a grazing dairy farmed by Chris & Judy DiBenedetto and their two children Elena and Greg. The farm is home to 60-70 dairy cows and a bunch of young stock… not to mention a herd of sheep, a gazillion extremely free roaming hens, a passel of barn cats and two very awesome farm dogs named Bob and Corrie.

The cows at Crystal Valley are a mixed bunch – mostly Holsteins – with some Jersey, Brown Swiss and Milking Shorthorns thrown in there for variety! Several of the Jersey and cross-breed cows came from the herd at Lazy Crazy Acres when Jake and Karen sold their cows. The DiBenedetto’s rotationally graze their herd. This means they manage the pastures and move the cows around on new grass every day. They also make hay on the farm for feeding during the winter months.

On a side note, Crystal Valley is located on the farmstead where Jake grew up. Jake’s parents sold the farm to Chris & Judy after Chris had worked on the Fairbairn farm for several years. The DiBenedetto and Fairbairn families have been farming together for close to 25 years – sharing equipment, helping to raise heifers, relief milking, hay making, etc.