The Baumgartner Foundation
In 2014 when I purchased the land where June Farms currently resides, there was nothing on the property. No roads, no barns, no electricity, no animals. It was just 120 acres of overgrown brush, forests and marshes.
My “big idea” for the land was to build a farm house, and raise cows and pigs for beef and pork. I’d hoped to use the meat in my restaurants as part of a “farm to table” experience for guests.
But after “harvesting” the animals for a year, I couldn’t do it any longer. The process made me sad and it just didn’t feel right. So I decided to keep the animals as pets, and invite friends and family to the farm to visit with them. Get a bite to eat, and have a drink while they were at it.
And that was the beginning of June Farms.
Over the years, we’ve grown our animal family to include Shire horses, Scottish Highland cows, Nubian dwarf goats, Gloucestershire pigs, farm dogs, barn cats, and too many egg-laying ducks and chickens to count.
Today, guests of all ages and backgrounds continue to visit the farm to enjoy the animals and the fresh air of the Hudson Valley. That’s because June Farms gives them a safe space to make happy memories.
Some of the most heartwarming memories I’ve heard, and for which I’m the most proud, are ones like:
“My son with autism is happiest at June Farms,” and “My father is a veteran with PTSD and we come here every week to see the horses.”
Stories like these have helped me to realize the power of animals. We, as humans, often connect with animals more easily than other humans – especially if we’ve suffered from trauma or have other challenges.
Matt Baumgartner
June Farms Owner
This realization has helped shape the mission of The Baumgartner Foundation, which is to raise funds for animal wellness experiences for children and adults.
Your generous donation to The Baumgartner Foundation can help us pay for the costs of the following:
- Trained Wellness experts
- Staffing for client outreach programs
- Therapy animal care and feeding
- Veterinarian and farrier visits
We sincerely appreciate your financial gift and please know that it is helping to make a big difference in a person’s life.
