Tiashoke Farm: Diversifying the Dairy Model
Nestled in the scenic hills of upstate New York, Tiashoke Farm is more than just a working dairy—it’s a dynamic fusion of tradition, innovation, and heartfelt community engagement. Owned and operated by the Ziehm family, Tiashoke is now in its fifth generation of agricultural stewardship. At the heart of it all is Jessica Ziehm, whose creativity and entrepreneurial spirit have helped reshape the farm’s identity and outreach.
A Growing Legacy
The story of Tiashoke Farm begins generations ago in Albany, where Jessica’s husband’s family farmed land that is now overtaken by development. Seeking sustainability and space, the family moved to Buskirk in Washington County with 35 cows and a vision. Over the decades, the farm expanded both in acreage and ambition. Today, they milk around 1,100 cows, manage 2,200 acres of crops, and employ two dozen team members.
For Jessica, her place on the farm emerged from a unique blend of passion for agriculture and a drive to create something personal. “I grew up on a dairy farm,” she says. “I didn’t think I’d marry a dairy farmer, and here I am—very happily married. But I knew I wanted a creative outlet.”
Diversifying the Dairy Model
While dairy remains Tiashoke’s core, diversification has been key to the farm’s resilience. Over the last 15 years, the Ziehms have expanded into beef, pork, poultry, and even pumpkin production. This shift was born out of both economic pragmatism and a desire to deepen customer relationships.
Jessica recognized early on that customers wanted more than bulk beef or freezer packs. “Sometimes people just want to buy a steak,” she notes. This feedback inspired the creation of the Tiashoke Farm Store, a welcoming retail space offering “meats, sweets, antiques, and other local farm treats.”
Inside the repurposed dairy barn—now a vibrant storefront and event space—customers can find everything from grass-fed beef and pasture-raised pork to local maple syrup, vintage cast iron, and handmade wreaths.
Community, Connection, and Creativity
The farm store isn’t just a business—it’s a community hub. Jessica has transformed what was once a practical agricultural building into a lively destination for events, learning, and connection. Workshops, birthday parties, bridal showers, and even funerals have been hosted in the lovingly restored barn space.
Two standout community initiatives highlight Tiashoke’s commitment to fostering deeper local ties. First is “Worship Night,” a monthly gathering that brings together area churches for music and fellowship. The second is “Fridays on 40,” a celebration of local vendors, food, music, and handmade crafts.
Jessica puts it best: “We’re not just supposed to sell stuff. We should be giving people more of an experience and allowing them to just be in this atmosphere.”
Stewardship and Sustainability
Tiashoke’s success also comes from a careful blend of traditional farming methods and modern technology. From their strategic breeding programs—where they crossbreed dairy cows with Angus for better beef yields—to the use of embryo transfer for high-end genetics, Tiashoke combines hands-on care with scientific rigor.
One of the most innovative developments is the farm’s recent use of drone technology, spearheaded by Jessica’s nephew, a Purdue graduate. These drones help monitor crop health, precisely apply treatments, and avoid damaging delicate crops like pumpkins. “It’s amazing,” Jessica says. “Instead of spraying a whole 50-acre field, we can target just three acres with an issue.”
The Human Side of Farming
Jessica is candid about the challenges of running a large-scale farm in today’s environment. “It’s not easy. There are a lot of easier ways to make money,” she admits. But what keeps her going is the belief that farming should be a legacy worth inheriting. “Our goal is to have something vibrant and progressive enough to attract the next generation.”
The Ziehm family is already seeing that vision come to life. Their nephew has returned to the farm full-time, marking the beginning of the fifth generation’s leadership.
The Store That Feeds the Soul
In many ways, the Tiashoke Farm Store encapsulates the Ziehm family’s philosophy. It’s a place where agriculture meets artistry, and where customers are not just buyers but part of the story. With a growing inventory of locally sourced products and thoughtfully curated antiques, the store has become a regional destination.
Pumpkin season, in particular, has become a cornerstone. “It gave me the courage to leave my day job and start this,” Jessica recalls. Today, the farm grows 10 acres of pumpkins—over 100 varieties—making it one of the largest pumpkin displays in the Capital District.
A Vision for the Future
Tiashoke Farm is not just a symbol of agricultural endurance; it’s a blueprint for how farms can thrive by blending heritage with adaptability. Whether it’s selling artisan cheeses and pasture-raised pork, using drones to monitor corn fields, or hosting a worship night in a 1950s barn, Tiashoke shows that farming is as much about heart as it is about harvest.
As Jessica puts it, “Our motto is to share the bounty and beauty of our farm.” And through their store, events, and unwavering family commitment, they’re doing exactly that.
To Learn more about Tiashoke Farm visit www.tiashokefarm.com