ABOUT THE FARMERS

In the mid 1800s Casper and Elizabeth Wike came from Baden Germany and settled in White Hollow. In the 1860s their son John bought the present farm and some of the surrounding farms to provide a livelihood for his growing family. John and his wife Mary Liner Wike had five sons, the Wike Brothers, the fourth son Edward (1879-1969) passed the farm to his daughter Helen Wike Humeston. It is through her love of nature, natural farming methods, and her commitment to open space preservation that the farm remains intact and unspoiled and will, God willing, be passed to the next generation. Helens' son in law Hank Barlow, her daughter Donna, and grandson Ben have cleared and revived pastures which had lain idle for nearly 30 years. They have reseeded and are naturally fertilizing hay lands for improved production. Their herd of Hereford and Piedmontese Cattle is grown naturally fed with only grass, minerals and pure well water from the farm.

Hank Barlow was born on a dairy farm in Westchester County. He and his father and grandfather farmed for many years, both in Westchester and Dutchess Counties... An electrical engineer by education, Hank has been a farmer, an engineer, an Air Force missilier, a farm equipment dealer, a carpenter, a building inspector, and now, again a farmer (well actually a grazier). 'But no milking this time'. His time is spent making the best possible pasture, and hay a luscious and healthy mixture of grass, legumes and wild plants. Hank has a wonderful way with animals. His employees will follow him anywhere.

Donna Hoskins Barlow grew up on Wike Brothers Farm following her grandfather, Ed Wike just about everywhere. She has always loved being on the farm, gardening and caring for horses and chickens. She is an advanced practice nurse. Therefore, she spends less time on the farm than she would like.

Ben Hoskins also grew up on Wike Brothers' Farm and has started to build his own herd of cattle as he helps his stepfather Hank revive the old homestead.

Ben Hoskins

Hank Barlow