33-year-old Ellie Brown owns and operates Thistle Pass Farm in Millerton, NY, a farm that grows vegetables, flowers, and herbs.
When did you start Thistle Pass Farm?
I started Thistle Pass Farm in January of 2023. The opportunity came up to lease the piece of land that I’m on, so that was a huge inspiration to start my own farm.
How did you come up with the name “Thistle Pass?”
The name is a play on words and on the phrase, “This too shall pass.” On a level pertaining to the farm system, we can think of the passing of seasons or the life cycle of plants and animals. The logo is two hands with foliage growing from the tips of the fingers, arranged in a circular way, calling back to the notion of the cycle of life and providing a visual representation of that.
Do you have any background in farming?
My background is not in farming, but in art photography. After working in the arts for a few years, I felt drawn to outdoor work and got an apprenticeship at Common Thread CSA in Madison, NY. From there, I went on to work at several other farms before starting my business in 2023.
How did the first year of business go?
There were some bumps in the road – namely the extremely rainy weather, being new to the market, and getting to know the land – but overall, it was a positive first year.
Is there someone who has been an influential part of developing Thistle Pass Farm?
My partner, Daniel, has been my ultimate cheerleader. His encouragement and help on his days off pushes me through the busiest, most difficult times of the season.
What was your plan when you started Thistle Pass Farm and has that plan changed at all in the past two years?
My plan was to sell at the Millerton Farmers Market and to local restaurants. That has remained the same, and in October 2023, Daniel helped open Willa Restaurant + Bar on Main Street in Millerton. He’s the head chef, so that has been a wonderful outlet for my produce. Unfortunately, though, it also meant having Daniel on the farm less frequently.
What is the most important lesson you learned while starting Thistle Pass?
The most important thing I’ve learned since starting the business is that it’s all about the people who support you – my customers, fellow farmers, volunteers, friends, and family.
What was the most challenging thing about starting Thistle Pass?
The most challenging thing about starting Thistle Pass has been trying to figure out how to grow it and make it financially viable. I’ve been trying to wrap my head around hiring and scaling up production.
What was the most fun part about starting Thistle Pass?
There are so many fun things about starting and operating the farm – getting to customize your branding and style, choosing the varieties to grow, and deciding who to sell to. The most fun for me, though, is filling up the market stand and feeding my customers.
How has Thistle Pass Farm changed over time?
In addition to the farm in Millerton, I expanded this year to Foxtrot Farm & Flowers in Stanfordville, NY. Kate, who owns and operates Foxtrot, offered me bed space where I grew onions, shallots, and winter squash.
How is your work-life balance?
That is still a work in progress [laughs].
Is there anything that you wish you knew before you started the farm?
I wish I would have known that my job requires a lot of driving and I should have found a more gas efficient vehicle. •
To learn more about Thistle Pass Farm, visit thistlepass.com and keep up with them on Instagram @thistlepassfarm.
