The Story of Ferris Acres

In 1864 William David Baldwin Ferris, a descendant of the first Ferris to arrive in Newtown around 1703, purchased the farm. He established a family tradition in agriculture that has been adopted by at least one family member of each succeeding generation. His son, Charles D. Ferris, Sr. grew apples and raised beef. Charles D. Ferris, Jr. in the 1930's began the transition to dairy specialization. In the 1950's, Charles D. Ferris III purchased registered Holstein cows to upgrade the herd and introduced modern technologies in crop, environmental and herd management. Several conservation projects and improvements and expansions to the facilities followed as three generations worked together.

In 1996, Charles D. Ferris IV (Charlie), Brendan, and Colleen joined their father to form Ferris Acres Farm, LLC. In March 2003, Shirley, wife of Charles III, joined the LLC and Ferris Acres Creamery was established. She developed several original recipes for our unique ice cream for on-farm sales. In 2007, Terry, Charlie's wife, became general manager of The Creamery and off-site sales were added to the business repertoire.

Today, Ferris Acres Creamery continues as a true family business with three generations involved. Charles III and Shirley, owners of the property, lend advice here and there, but have turned the heavy lifting over to the next two generations. Grandchildren Chad, Emily and Melinda are now part of the Creamery crew. Charlie and Brendan also work the farm with their dad while, Cole, who handles landscaping, and Michael, lend a hand with harvesting and delivery hay.

Ferris Acres Farm offers the public a unique opportunity to get a glimpse of how one family strives to maintain a liable farmstead.  While we sold the dairy herd a few years back, beef are still raised on the farm This affords our customers a chance to sit on a bench and view animals in our pasture, while enjoying a summer time treat.

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