Fort Hill Farms in Thompson, Connecticut is the 2025 New England Green Pastures award winner for Connecticut. Led by Kies (Orr) and Jared LaVack, Fort Hill Farms exemplifies innovation, sustainability, and dedication to dairy excellence. As fourth-generation farmers, Kies and Jared have continued the Orr family legacy with a forward-thinking approach that blends tradition with technology.
The farm has grown from 200 to 230 milking cows, primarily Holsteins with a few Jerseys—Jared’s personal touch. Their herd produces high-quality milk with impressive components: 4.2% butterfat and 3.25% protein, averaging 90 pounds of milk per cow daily. Cows are housed in two groups and milked using robotic milking systems, with each cow being milked three times daily. These robot boxes are equipped with heating systems to ensure cow comfort year-round.
Kies and Jared work closely with a nutritionist to optimize herd health and productivity. First calving occurs at 24 months, and breeding strategies include sexed semen for first service and beef breeding at the fourth service. Their commitment to animal care and efficiency is evident in every aspect of their operation.
The farm spans 600 acres—350 dedicated to corn and 250 to grass—all managed in-house. Corn is typically planted by mid-June, with high-moisture corn stored in bags. While exact yields vary, the farm’s nutrient management is precise, with recommendations based on measured values. Manure is separated into solids and liquids, with solids pulled and liquids stored in a 5.5-million-gallon pit.
Fort Hill Farms is also embracing sustainability through an anaerobic digester that processes food waste, primarily grease, into renewable energy. This initiative reflects their commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term viability.
Beyond dairy, Fort Hill Farms is a vibrant community hub. Kies, Jared, and Kies’ mother Kristin Orr operate a seasonal farm store, lavender business, and a popular corn maze with educational themes. Their farm stand, The Farmer’s Porch, offers products from The Farmer’s Cow and Cabot Creamery Cooperative, the farm’s two cooperatives, showcasing their role in local agriculture and direct-to-consumer marketing.
The barn, built in just three months, maintains a comfortable temperature range of 40–80°F and will soon be expanded with support from NRCS to include a dedicated heifer barn.
Kies and Jared’s passion for farming, innovation, and community engagement make Fort Hill Farms a standout in Connecticut agriculture. Their motto, “Farm On,” is more than a slogan—it’s a way of life that honors the past while building a sustainable future.
Congratulations to Kies and Jared LaVack of Fort Hill Farms on being named the 2025 New England Green Pastures Award Winner for Connecticut.
Visit https://forthillfarms.com/ for more information.