Welcome to Balance Rock Farm

OUR HISTORY
Balance Rock Farm is a 5th generation family farm. The farm stand was originally used as a cobbler shop during the Cottage Shoe industry of the 1800's. Lester, Adelia & Cora Berry maintained a small, diversified farm alongside the shoe business. Previous to that, combs were carved from horn in an older building that no longer stands.
Around 1942, the Berry's nephew Fred Wheeler began to work at the farm and over time acquired it from his aunts and uncle. Fred married Ruth Bridges in 1948 and together they had 4 children. He expanded the milking operations while hiring out with a backhoe and a dump truck which he fondly called "Old Lizah".
Fred & Ruth's youngest son Fred Jr (Buddy) married Linda Ganusko in 1977. In 1978 Fred took Buddy on as his partner. Various cousins & nephews were employed as they continued to expand the milking herd and added a milking parlor on to the barn. At it's peak the dairy herd consisted of about 130 Holstiens, with a few Jerseys in the mix. Three children were born to Buddy & Linda, Erin Lee (1979-1983), Shane & Lauren.
As profitability in the dairy industry became difficult in New England Buddy and Fred decided to try direct marketing their milk. In 1994 the old cobbler shop became a farm stand. They contracted with Lundgren & Jonaitis Dairy in Shrewsbury to bottle the milk in glass, allowing the dairy aspect to remain profitable for another decade. A series of events forced the bottling plant to close and Balance Rock Farm was forced to return to wholesaling milk. Around 2008 the farm ceased milking cows and switched to raising meats and eggs. Today the farm stand offers quality meats (some grass fed), eggs and other products sourced locally including cheeses, ice cream, honey, maple syrup, jams, sauces, coffee and more. Home gardeners & landscapers also enjoy enriching their growing season with manure and compost sourced from the farm. There are 140 acres in pasture and hay land. Maintaining the open space and providing quality, nutritious food to our community is our goal. The farm is not certified organic, but has not used commercial fertilizers, pesticides or hormones in production since 1983. 
The farm continues today as a tribute to Buddy and his family heritage. Sadly, Buddy passed away on October 31, 2021, at the age of 64 due to Covid. Buddy & Linda's son Shane and his wife Lynette are the current stewards of the farm with their 3 girls, Alexis, Tessa & Erin Rose. Cheering her brother Shane on from the sidelines is Lauren, her husband Bobby and their son Nico. With Alexis already helping in the store, Erin's compassion for the animals and Nico's love of tractors we hope the next generation will keep this family farm going.
When you visit the farm be sure to visit the goats Caramel, Angel, & Baby, the alpacas Cappuccino & Rocky and Perdie the Sheep. Occasionally you may see Sherriff our quarter horse. We can't forget Gruffery James (Gruff for short) the cat who found us, he even has his own Instagram page!
The Balance Rock Farm family has been blessed with a little piece of God's green earth to steward. We are grateful and honored to be able to offer value & service to our community and continue the legacy of our loved ones who came before us.