Local Business Spotlight Series Hayes Farm Market By Aryan Jangle Interview Date: Dec 4th, 2025

Local Business Spotlight Series by ARYAN JANGLE, Sophomore at RHHS, Rocky Hill, CT

Local Business Interviewed: Hayes Farm, Rocky Hill, CT

Interview Date: Dec 4th 2025, Thursday

Synopsis by: Aryan Jangle

Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/BC4kYTn2h8A

Hayes Farm: A Legacy of Quality and Community in Rocky Hill, Connecticut

From Dairy Roots to Premium Black Angus – A Connecticut Legacy

Discover the story of Hayes Farm in Rocky Hill, CT—a fifth-generation family farm that

transitioned from dairy to Black Angus beef. Learn how they deliver farm-to-table quality, overcome challenges, and keep community at the heart of everything they do.

Hayes Farm:

Nestled in the heart of Rocky Hill, Connecticut, Hayes Farm is more than just a local business—it’s a living legacy. Established in 1868 by Irish immigrants, this family-owned farm has been passed down through five generations. Today, brothers Francis and John proudly carry forward the tradition, blending heritage with innovation to meet modern demands.

From Dairy to Black Angus: A Bold Transformation

For decades, Hayes Farm operated as a dairy farm. However, fluctuating milk prices and financial challenges pushed the family to rethink their approach. In 2015, they made a pivotal decision: transitioning from dairy to raising Black Angus cattle and selling premium meat directly to consumers. This shift allowed them to control pricing, ensure quality, and create a sustainable business model.

What Makes Hayes Farm Unique?

• Local and Transparent: Every animal is raised from birth to processing on the farm,

ensuring complete traceability.

• Natural Practices: No hormones or unnecessary antibiotics—only healthy, grass-fed

cattle nurtured on homegrown feed.

• Farm-to-Table Freshness: Customers enjoy meat and seasonal produce straight from

the source.

A Day in the Life at Hayes Farm

Operations start at 5 AM, with animal health checks, feeding chickens and ducks, and

managing the farm market. Seasonal tasks include planting, hay harvesting, and corn

chopping for winter feed. It’s a demanding schedule, but one that reflects the dedication behind every product sold.

Challenges and Resilience

Mother Nature remains the biggest challenge—cold winters, spring rains, summer droughts, and fall storms all impact crop and livestock health. Rising machinery costs and labor expenses add to the hurdles, but Hayes Farm adapts by maintaining equipment themselves and introducing new products like locally baked sourdough bread and pickles.

Community and Growth

Hayes Farm thrives on strong customer relationships, honest communication, and

community engagement. Marketing is primarily through Facebook, Instagram, and word-of-mouth, supported by appearances at local farmers’ markets. Looking ahead, the farm plans to expand its market space and continue growing meat sales.

Advice for Aspiring Farmers

Francis emphasizes customer engagement, quality service, and adaptability. “Talk to your customers, listen to their needs, and always deliver quality,” he says.

A Proud Family Tradition

Hayes Farm stands as a testament to perseverance, quality, and community spirit. As

Francis puts it, “We’re proud of what we do and thankful for the support from our town and surrounding areas.”