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Bill & Janice
Bill & Janice
Richard "Bill" and Janice Tracy share their family stories of farming in Westhampton starting in 1937.
Bill & Janice’s story capture the changes in agriculture in Westhampton over 80 years, from dairy farming, to growing vegetables, and developing a CSA program, which has been running for over 23 years. Bill's father, a milk tester, bought the farm during the Depression. He later sold it to his son, Bill, who later sold it to his own son. Bill & Janice emphasize the importance of agriculture and community to a life well lived.
“I realized that producing food was an honorable occupation." - Bill
“We try to do things in the community like the Fall Festival. I have to take a little credit for that. It just helps the community so much when you can have those kind of events that brings people in and they realize who’s who and what’s what and how we can support each other.” - Janice
Bill talks about how "farming is an honorable occupation" because food is something all people need for sustenance. He talks about how "everyone was a farmer at one time," cultivating their own food, until people started moving to cities and buying their food.
Janice talks about her work starting the Westhampton Fall Festival and how important community spaces are for supporting each other.
Bill & Janice discuss the partnership it takes to run a farm, raise a family, and be part of a community. "It is truly a partnership, no question about it," Bill says, when discussing how he and Janice work together to make their life.
Check out some interview excerpts below:
Check out some interview excerpts below:
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