INDUSTRY — Happy Valley Farm Market & Bakery came about from Philip and Dovey Balsam’s desire to be self sustaining and has been selling excess vegetables, baked goods, and other value added products for about a year.

“Philip’s mother Carolyn Balsam would be so pleased,” Dovey said recently. Carolyn had always said it would be neat to have the property go back to being a farm.

Sales started with a stand to sell excess vegetables. Dovey had a friend bake items to sell as well. When the supplier couldn’t deliver them anymore, Dovey started baking goodies herself.

Dovey bakes donuts, cookies, squares, muffins, coffee cakes, pies, breads and whoopie pies. Her coconut whoopie pies are fast becoming a customer favorite.

Jams, jellies, soaps, scrubs, and maple syrup are also made and sold. Dandelion syrup is another new offering this year. Dovey also sells canning jars filled with bread mixes or hot chocolate mix. She said, “Within reason I will try to honor requests.” She does ask for at least 48 hours notice for special orders.

Eggs were hatched on the farm for the first time this year. Her son raised chicks first. “There’s nothing like fresh eggs,” Dovey said. A new chicken house has been erected and eggs are sold when available. 

There are several beef animals being raised for the freezer as well as a couple of milk cows. A new addition is a pregnant donkey.

To collect rain water and later maple sap, Philip located 275 gallon FDA-approved plastic bulk containers held in a metal framework. He discovered that the outer metal part conveniently holds nine square hay bales. Less hay is lost with a holder when feeding animals in a pasture setting. Philip now sells the bulk containers and frameworks as an additional source of income.

Dovey finished her schooling two years ago after her children were grown. She is still learning the ins and outs of farming. “We’re having growing pains, figuring out what works and what doesn’t,” she said.

Philip is a truck driver and Dovey was elected an Industry selectman earlier this year. The couple has seven children between them and two grandchildren.

While Dovey enjoys the farm life, the hard part for her is that “you can’t just take off and go.” The work is tiring, but she says it’s a good tired.

The couple has a 5-year plan they’re trying to follow for the farm. “It’s been a learning experience. I love it,” Dovey said. She especially enjoys the cooking she now does.

Happy Valley Farm Market & Bakery located at 1292 Industry Rd, is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

For more information or to place an order, call 778-0356 or check out the farm’s Facebook page.

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