CALLICOON, NY — It took 180 years, but it was worth the wait.

In 1842, homesteaders John Simon and Catherine Bernhardt Diehl arrived in Sullivan County from Darmstadt, Germany—by way of New York City—and established what would eventually be known as the Diehl Homestead Farm in the hills overlooking Callicoon Creek.

As time passed and the farm grew, the Diehls moved to a hillside overlooking the original site.

Their son, John Simon Jr., went on to build the family homestead.

Fast-forward from those days to 2022.

Now the farm is operated by Adam and Annette Diehl, with the help of family members, including daughters Ashley, a 13-year-old eighth grader at Sullivan West; 16-year-old Karlee, a junior; and Michaela, who graduated in 2013.

On October 8, for the first time in the farm’s long history, the Diehl family hosted a fall festival at their homestead. The event attracted several hundred visitors from near and far. The visitors learned what it takes to run an independent farm, and explored the projects undertaken by the local high school’s fledgling chapter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA).

“It’s a lot of work; you wake up and see what you have to do every day,” said Adam Diehl, talking about the festival. “It’s pretty hectic, it’s the first time we did it, and it turned out pretty good.”

Noting that the family’s young daughters are active in Sullivan West’s FFA chapter, Diehl said, “The community comes out and sees what the farm’s all about, the hard work we put into it… We support them in the FFA 100 percent.” And, he said, it’s a really “great thing for the kids in school to learn more about agriculture and be part of it.”

Caught mid-stride while putting up a sign advertising pony rides, Annette Diehl said their daughters represent the sixth generation of the Diehl family to live on the original farm. Their oldest daughter is expecting a girl sometime during the Thanksgiving holiday—the seventh generation to be part of  their cherished land.

“Farming is work every day, and it brings you peace and happiness,” she said of the farming life. And when it comes to Ashley and Karley’s participation in the Sullivan West FFA chapter, “It’s wonderful. I’m hoping they learn the agribusiness, and pursue it in college after high school, and come back to the farm, help us grow it and keep it going.”

The Sullivan West FFA chapter

The chapter was created last year by ag teacher Padrick “Paddy” McCarthy, and is now official, boasting nearly 70 members of the national organization.

“I’m gratified to see upperclassmen join, even though they only have a few years left before graduation,” said McCarthy. He explained that, contrary to what was anticipated,  more older students are joining the chapter than younger members. “They see the potential for leadership development, community service [and learning about] public speaking, parliamentary procedures, things citizens need to know.” This would help them to possibly become members of “planning boards, town boards and school boards.

“Agriculture is pretty much the backbone of our economy,” added McCarthy.

As the events at the fall festival unfolded, the school’s FAA members rotated through several stations, lending helping hands at the food table, cotton-candy stand, an inflatable castle slide for kids, and the chapter’s informational display table, which included face-painting and 3D-printed little cows and other barnyard critters.

A pair of 16-year-old juniors and a 13-year-old underclassman talked about why they joined the FFA.

“I joined FFA because I wanted to be a leader at things like this,” and learn about the state of farming today, said Abby Parucki. “It’s kind of hard, but at the same time it’s unique.”

Grace Gorr added, “I just want to be a leader, and become a better public speaker.”

Taking her turn in the spotlight, 13-year old Kaitlyn Revukas said she joined for similar reasons.

“I want to be a leader and influence people to do good deeds, have a lot of community service, and help people out,” she said.

The previous Saturday, October 1, saw the FFA students participate in numerous activities staged at Hilly Acres Farm during Farm Fest 2022. Hilly Acres is  located a mere cow’s toss away in nearby Jeffersonville.

For more information about Hilly Acres Farm, 32 Wahl Rd., call 845/482-4296, visit hillyacresfarm.com or find it on Facebook at Hilly Acres Farm.

To learn more about the Diehl Homestead Farm, which is located at 93 Diehl Rd. in Callicoon, call 845/482-5047, visit diehlfarmsstarmmarket.com, or find it on social media at Diehl Homestead Farm.