When Denville Farmers’ Market manager, Liisi Lascarro, set out to organize the Market, she did so with Union Hill Farms as an inspiration. Our town is fortunate enough to have farms as a resource, we should take advantage of that, she thought.
Founded in 1986 by Jeff O’Hara, Union Hill Farms is one of our town’s local farms and one of the original DFM vendors.
O’Hara says that farming is in his blood. His grandfather and uncle were farmers. Many years ago, his grandfather’s farm boasted an impressive 140 acres and transported crops to sell in a horse-drawn carriage. That farm has since become houses in Denville, but O’Hara, who began Union Hill Farms shortly after college, has much to show for his hard work.
Today, he and his family, along with five employees operate their farm, just off of Rt. 10, the area otherwise known as Union Hill. O’Hara says their main crop is sweet corn, which is usually ready at the Denville Farmers’ Market in mid-July—just a few weeks from now. Union Hill Farms is known to have a truckload of their corn to sell at the Denville Farmers’ Market. The farm has about 18 acres of corn, in addition to other crops such as cucumbers and squash. He’s still planting now and will continue to plant until middle of August. Fall crops include cauliflower, broccoli, radishes, cilantro, among other items. The farm also grows and sells in-season items such as fresh flowers, tomatoes, apples, potatoes and other produce available at their booth at DFM.
Because Union Hill Farms is a staple in the Denville community, O’Hara realizes the importance of being a part of DFM. “We farm right here in Denville, so I know I have to be there.” O’hara says. “The Denville Farmers’ Market is so diverse, not only in farms, but also specialty vendors. There’s such a camaraderie with other vendors, too.”
Right now, Union Hill Farms has a new planting of raspberries that are kicking in, so be on the lookout for some ripe raspberries at the market this weekend, as well as the first field tomatoes from south Jersey.
Need some produce during the week in between Farmers’ Market Sundays? Union Hill Farms operates a road stand that features their in-season produce, as well as homemade jellies, jams, preserves and honey.
Union Hill Farms
25 Cooper Rd, Denville, NJ 07834
(973) 366-0440
Union Hill Farms on Facebook
Owner: Jeff O’Hara
Years Open: 29
Photo credits: Union Hill Farms