WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Green River Farms, on Green River Road just past Five Corners, has embarked on a multifaceted approach to its 300 acres of pasture and cropland in the river valley. 

 

The land was for many years a dairy farm operated by the late Fritz Langer. New owner Harry Patten has launched an orchestrated operation combining a store that sells produce and garden-related items — plus a meat counter — an assortment of crops on 100 acres, and attractions designed to appeal to tourists.

 

The latter includes a barn full of animals, including an assortment of baby animals, for petting, and pony rides for children. 

 

The entrance is marked by a shiny-apple red 1928 Model A Ford truck. Right by the door to the barn are wooden figures with cut-out faces, one of them depicting a couple of tractor drivers and all of them photo ops. 

 

Lisa Shoreman, longtime chef at Williams College, was recently named manager of the 1,200-square-foot store, which features Mazzeo's Meats — all-natural, with no antibiotics or hormones — Jersey milk from High Lawn Farm in Lee, and produce, mostly grown on the farm. 

 

"Guido's [in Pittsfield near the Lenox line] will buy a great deal of produce from us," said John Bryan, administrative vice president of Inland Management, Patten's company. Guido's was also a consultant in the planning for the store.

 

"The produce we grow here ranges from 30,000 tomato plants, 30,000 peppers, summer squash, zucchini, corn, potatoes, eggplants, to strawberries, blueberries and eventually apples. And we have a cider press," Bryan said. "This is one of the few full-service farms around," he said. "I looked at a map of the area from about 125 years ago, and there were all these little farms with orchards growing apples and peaches, plots of vegetables, and pastures of cattle."

 

The 300 acres are the foreground of one of Williamstown's most cherished views, the Hopper from Route 7. Making the land an income-generating proposition ensures that vista's continuance and the Patten approach is that of diversified farming and agri-tourism, an approach increasingly recommended as a way for farmers to make a go of it as generally unprofitable dairy farms dwindle. 

 

"It's saving a working farm," Bryan said. "It's a wonderful, wonderful opportunity for South Williamstown and the town."

 

The farm store is decorated with baskets along its exposed beams. Along with produce and other food, it stocks an array of garden ornaments such as fountains, wind chimes, an appealing green metal frog and decorative plaques. The porch also displays garden implements and ornamental pots. Plans are underway for an ice cream store.

 

While Shoreman manages the store, Sean Bixby is the farm manager. The farm employs between 20 and 25. A sign at the petting barn asks for a $2 donation to benefit the Berkshire Humane Society. 

 

Patti Galusha, who manages the barn, introduced Peter Pan, a tiny miniature foal, and his mother, Tinker Belle, who share the barn with two calves, three sheep, three rabbits, a miniature donkey named Cricket, ducks and ducklings, a fluffy guinea pig and three pygmy goats including 5-week-old Madeline. Ten ponies are available for pony rides. 

 

Green River Farms is open seven days a week: Monday through Friday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The telephone number is 413-458-2470.