Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community

Suzanne Rajczi sits down with Russ and Amanda Brezinski of North Wind Farms in Tivoli, New York, a family-owned, vertically integrated livestock farm. Russ shares how the farm grew from his father’s 1982 start raising antibiotic-free poultry into a diversified operation with chickens, turkeys, cattle, pigs, lambs, goats, ducks, geese, guinea hens, and rabbits. 

They describe raising and processing poultry on-farm, turkey breeds and seasonal ordering, biosecurity practices, feed sourcing, and timelines for turkey and beef production. 

The conversation covers pasture rotation, soil health, farm size and herd numbers, winter challenges, labor shortages, processing and USDA inspection constraints, farmers’ market sales, customer education, and misconceptions about farming’s demands. 

They also discuss ties to the Dutchess County Fair, 4-H, and hopes to preserve farmland for future generations, including support for FFA.

Today we visit Battenfeld Flower & Tree Farm in Red Hook, New York, to explore the story behind one of Dutchess County’s most unique multigenerational farms. Fred Battenfeld shares how the family operation evolved from apple orchards, dairy farming, and violet greenhouses into a thriving flower and Christmas tree business. The farm became known for greenhouse-grown anemones cold-season flowers that thrive in the Hudson Valley developed through careful seed breeding, cross-pollination, and meticulous greenhouse practices.

Fred also discusses the seasonal rhythm of the farm, from breeding new flower varieties and shipping blooms nationwide to managing nearly 100 acres of Christmas trees. He reflects on the craftsmanship behind pruning and shaping trees, the intense holiday rush when visitors arrive for cut-your-own trees, and the Battenfeld family’s decades-long involvement with the Dutchess County Fair, helping expand agricultural education and community traditions.

The Dutchess County Agricultural Society is proud to present Episode 1 of our new podcast, The Legacy of Agriculture and Community. Hosted by Suzanne Rajczi, this series celebrates the people, farms, and traditions that define our region.

Our first guest is Jennifer DeForest from Stormfield Swiss Farm. Located on the historic Knapp Farm property, Stormfield Swiss is a testament to the resilience of New York agriculture. Join us as we explore Jennifer’s journey from 4-H member to dairy farm owner and advocate.

Hello and welcome to the Dutchess County Fair – Legacy of Agriculture & Community, a podcast dedicated to celebrating the people, farms, and traditions that make agriculture such an important part of our lives here in Dutchess County and beyond.

I’m your host, Suzanne Rajczi — a 25-year member of the Dutchess County Agricultural Society, a foodservice industry leader, community advocate, and passionate supporter of local agriculture.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with farmers, producers, and foodservice professionals who are committed to quality, sustainability, and community.

This podcast shines a spotlight on agriculture and community — and the incredible stories behind them.