About the Fletcher Family
Fletcher Farm is a multi-generational diversified dairy farm located in Southampton, Massachusetts. The farm is protected under the Massachusetts Agricultural Preservation Program (APR) and was first rented by Robert and Cheryl Fletcher in 1989, and purchased in 1995. There, they raised three children, Nicole, Elizabeth, and Matthew.
Today, Nicole and Matthew work full-time on the farm alongside Robert. Cheryl runs the farm stand along with Elizabeth’s husband George. Both Elizabeth and Nicole’s husband Torrie work off the farm, but can often be found helping out on weekends and assisting with projects.
Fletcher Farm is a member of the Agri-Mark/Cabot Cooperative. The dairy herd consists of Registered Holstein and Jersey cattle. There are 85 cows in the milking herd and an additional 65 head of heifers. Currently, the Holstein herd has a rolling herd average of 24,284 lbs. and the Jersey rolling herd average is 17,867 lbs.
The family farms around 220 acres of land, with about 120 acres in hay, 90 acres in corn and 10 acres in pumpkins. Rented land includes town conservation land, something they feel strongly about maintaining and keeping in agriculture.
Over the past decade, the family has been focused on upgrading older barns and facilities and creating a farm that is more efficient, updated, and a destination for families.
In addition to the dairy, the Fletchers operate a farm stand that is now a year-round business. This year will be the 30th year of the pick-your-own pumpkin patch that focuses on inexpensive family fun, while also educating people about the dairy farm. The farm hosts field trips and open barn weekends throughout the fall.
In addition, Fletchers sell locally grown hanging baskets and bedding plants, their own compost, and delicious sweet corn, along with a wide selection of Cabot products, their own eggs and other local dairy. Fletcher Farm-raised beef is a very popular new item! The holidays bring locally grown Christmas trees, wreaths, greenery, and gift items.
A main focus for the family is dairy promotion and ag-tourism. Farming in a growing community presents many challenges, but the choice to educate the public and open their doors is one that has paid off for the business. Fletcher Farm works closely with New England Dairy Promotion and Cabot Creamery to host and participate in events throughout the year. The farm was the Discover Dairy Adopt-A-Cow host farm for Massachusetts in 2021, connecting with over 19,000 school children over the course of their academic year.
Fletcher Farm is also involved with various youth programs, most especially 4-H, leasing project animals for youth to exhibit at fairs and shows. The MA 4-H Dairy program has been an important part of the farm for many years.
The Fletcher Family hopes to continue to improve both the farm infrastructure and the productivity of their land in the future. It is very important to the entire family that the farm stay a viable agricultural dairy business for the current generations and those to come. The newest generation of the family was born in 2023, with Elizabeth and George welcoming twin girls, Sydney and Simone. The family is looking forward to watching them grow up the best way, on a farm!
Hear More in our Radio Interview on WRSI
Cheryl and Bob talk about raising kids and cows at the same time, the benefits and challenges of running a farm as a family, and the reasons they love having visitors on the farm. Listen to the interview.