8 Hands Farm

Icelandic sheep were the inspiration for a new farmstead when Tom Geppel and Carol Festa acquired over 27 acres -- including a circa 1930s farmhouse and barns -- from the Peconic Land Trust in the fall of 2011 and expanded 8 Hands Farm.

"We are excited about the opportunity to deepen our roots on the North Fork with the purchase of this farm. Our decision to get involved in farming stems from our desire to help preserve the farming culture of the area while increasing awareness of the importance of eating locally grown produce," said Carol back in 2011 when the family bought the farm.

The Protection of Cox Lane Farmstead

The Trust purchased the Cox Lane farmstead that would become 8 Hands Farm, 27.53 acres, from Joe Macari, Sr., in the spring of 2007 -- and simultaneously sold the development rights on 25 acres to the Town of Southold. The Trust released a Request for Proposal for the resale of the land for farming purposes, and worked with Tom and Carol on the transfer of the land for the expansion of their farm. The family had been raising their flock of Icelandic sheep on leased land in the area.

"We plan to build a multi-faceted family-based farm that will supply the local market with high quality products," said Carol at the time of the transfer. "We also believe the farm business will provide our children with many learning experiences and the satisfaction of a productive existence. We're looking forward to our future endeavor on this great piece of property."

And they have! Today, 8 Hands Farm is a thriving family operation. Tom has led inspiring tours of the farm as part of the Trust's Connections programs.