Frequently Asked Questions

Where is 11 Kettle Farm?

We are a family farm in Lagrangeville, New York, in Dutchess County. Customer pickup is at 142 Tompkins Road, Lagrangeville, NY 12540. Please check your order confirmation and our Visit Us page before coming because availability and pickup instructions can change.

What makes 11 Kettle Farm different?

The farm was built first around what we wanted for our own family: more knowledge about our food, better control over ingredients and animal care, and a direct connection to the people producing it. The products we sell are connected to the same farm and kitchen that feed our household.

Our Polish-American heritage also shapes the business. We value traditional food, hospitality, hard work, small-batch production, and the idea that a meal should bring people together. At the same time, we use modern recordkeeping, organic standards, and transparent labeling to give customers more than nostalgia. We want to give them confidence.

Is everything at 11 Kettle Farm USDA Organic?

No. Organic certification applies to specific products and production systems included within the farm’s certified scope. Holding an organic certification does not automatically make every product sold by a business certified organic.

We work under applicable USDA Organic standards through NOFA-NY for the products and operations covered by our current certification. We aim to identify certified organic products accurately and distinguish them from products that may simply use organic ingredients.

Do your baked goods use organic ingredients?

We prioritize carefully selected organic ingredients in our baking and prefer simple formulas built around ingredients people recognize. The exact ingredients and organic status can vary by product, so please review the individual product listing or contact us if you need a specific answer.

Why do you talk about “Babcia-style” baking?

Because our Polish-American heritage is part of the farm. “Babcia” means grandmother in Polish, and for us it represents a style of cooking and baking where real food, patience, resourcefulness, and feeding people well matter more than novelty or convenience.

How are your animals raised?

Practices vary by species and season, but our priorities include clean water, appropriate shelter, dry bedding, fresh air, quality feed, room for natural behavior, outdoor access when appropriate, and daily observation. Poultry management has included frequent access to fresh grass, and our pigs are managed with pasture access and attention to natural behavior.

Do you use antibiotics or hormones?

We do not use growth hormones and do not use routine antibiotics as a production shortcut. Animal welfare comes first. If treatment is ever necessary, we handle the care and any certification or labeling consequences according to the applicable rules rather than hiding the treatment.

What breeds do you raise?

Our farm has raised chickens, Gloucestershire Old Spots pigs, Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys, and Giant White turkeys, among other seasonal livestock and poultry. We have operated as a registered breeder of Gloucestershire Old Spots and value heritage breeds for both agricultural history and their practical farm qualities.

Why are products sometimes sold out?

Because this is a small farm, not an industrial production line. Eggs follow the flock’s natural production. Meat is seasonal. Baking is done in small batches. Weather, animal growth, harvest timing, and family workload all affect availability. We would rather sell out than lower our standards simply to keep inventory high.

Can I order online?

Yes. The online shop is the best place to see products that are currently available. Ordering ahead is especially useful for limited bakery products and seasonal farm items.

How does farm pickup work?

Place your order, review the pickup information in your confirmation, then come to the designated customer area at the farm. Bring a cooler for eggs, meat, or other cold products, especially during warm weather.

Can we walk around the farm or visit the animals?

11 Kettle Farm is a working farm and our family home. Customer access is limited to designated areas unless a visit has been arranged. Children must remain supervised, and gates, fences, equipment, livestock areas, and private areas should always be respected.

Can I ask exactly what is in a product or what an animal was fed?

Absolutely. In fact, we encourage it. Transparency is part of the reason we built a local farm business. If you have a question about ingredients, feed, organic status, animal management, or sourcing, contact us and we will give you the most specific answer we can.

Do you support local suppliers?

When practical, yes. Supporting local businesses is part of our philosophy because a strong farm community depends on more than farmers. It depends on feed suppliers, tradespeople, local stores, customers, and other small businesses keeping skills and dollars circulating in the Hudson Valley.