© 2026 New England Small Farm Institute | info@smallfarm.org
NESFI is a land-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to support beginning farmers and small-scale farming. It was founded in 1978 by a local citizens’ action group—Women in Agriculture, Food Policy and Land Use Reform—to encourage more sustainable regional agriculture. We are in Belchertown, MA, on Lampson Brook Farmstead, a diverse and beautiful property that once served as the Belchertown State School Farm. As stewards of the Lampson Brook Farm, the volunteer Board of Directors is committed to protecting the land and the buildings.
New England Small Farm Institute (NESFI) is proud to announce the next phase to restore the historic Horse Barn, a treasured landmark. The “Save the Barn” campaign raised funds to strengthen the structure and now the barn is ready for its new roof.
Our next campaign, “Raise the Roof”, is essential in continuing the restoration process to preserve this historic structure. With our vision to create a new venue for the community, we believe this barn is worth saving – not just for today, but for future generations who will learn, gather, and connect here.
Built in 1893, this post and beam horse barn features a unique oak block center aisle floor. For many years it was once home to the first Therapeutic Riding Center while the Belchertown State School Farm was still a working farm.
The fundraiser is ongoing and features the “Winners Circle” where donors can “Buy a Horseshoe” with a customized nameplate to be displayed in the restored barn. There are additional ways to make tax deductible donations to our 501c3 organization. EIN# 04-2666842. Click on our Donate tab. Check our Donors.
The historic horse barn at Lampson Brook Farm in Belchertown is getting a second chance. After years of water damage left the structure at risk of collapse, restoration efforts are now underway to stabilize and preserve the late 1800s building.
Backed by community support and preservation funding, the project aims not only to repair the aging structure but also to reimagine it as an educational and cultural space that honors the town’s agricultural roots while serving future generations
Our mission is to promote small farm development by providing information and training for aspiring, beginning and transitioning farmers. We maintain an extensive resource collection; produce publications; develop and offer innovative, farmer-guided programs; and advocate for policies that encourage sustainable small-scale agriculture. We seek collaborative program-delivery partnerships with service providers-associates, on-farm mentors, organizations and agencies-throughout the Northeast and nationwide.
New England Small Farm Institute (NESFI) is a land-based, non-profit organization. It was founded in 1978 by a local citizens’ action group—Women in Agriculture, Food Policy and Land Use Reform—to encourage more sustainable regional agriculture, Our mission is to promote small farm development by providing information and training for aspiring, beginning and transitioning farmers. We maintain an extensive resource collection; produce publications; develop and offer innovative, farmer-guided programs; and advocate for policies that encourage sustainable small-scale agriculture. We seek collaborative program-delivery partnerships with service providers—associates, on-farm mentors, organizations and agencies—throughout the Northeast and nationwide.
We are located in Belchertown, MA, on Lampson Brook Farmstead, a diverse and beautiful 416-acre property that once served as the Belchertown State School Farm. As a land-based organization, we are offered the challenge of “walking our talk”—implementing the alternative tenure options and environmental stewardship practices that we advocate to others. The Farmstead hosts a number of independent small farm businesses and is the site of a developing on-farm training program and business incubator. Visitors are welcome. Our cultural heritage interpretive program celebrates the site’s 250-year farming history and its importance as a National Historic Register working agricultural landscape and state-designated “Special Place of Environmental Significance.”
© 2026 New England Small Farm Institute | info@smallfarm.org