Appleton Farms in Hamilton and Ipswich is one of the oldest continuously operating farms in the United States, with a vegetable CSA as well as a working dairy farm with milk and cheese for sale at our dairy store, and a beef cattle operation. Established in 1638 by a land grant to Samuel Appleton, it is the oldest working farm in Massachusetts. The farm preserves a bucolic, pastoral landscape, agricultural traditions, and historic farm buildings that are rapidly disappearing in the eastern part of the state.
Community Supported Agriculture
To connect people with the land and provide greater access to local food, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program was established in 2002. CSA members buy shares, joining in the risks and rewards of farming, and receive a rich bounty of fresh produce, flowers, herbs and other farm products. Today, we grow 625 shares and are currently offering shares to our waitlist for the 2019 season.
About our farming practices:
we follow the organic standards but are not certified organic. This means we don�t use GMO seeds or chemical fertilizers; and when needed to protect crops from pests or diseases, we only apply organic pesticides or fungicides. We seek to care for our soils, create healthy habitat for pollinators, and protect the air and water in our community.
Route 1A
Hamilton and Ipswich, MA 01982
Latitude: 42.652023
Longitude: -70.843688
Visitor Center & Dairy Store Parking Area: From Rt. 128, take Exit 20A, Rt. 1A North. Travel about 6.5 miles north on Rt. 1A and turn left at the Appleton Farms entrance sign (just after entering Ipswich sign). Inside stone gates, follow signs to visitor center or dairy store. Address is 219 County Road, Ipswich.
Waldingfield Rd. Parking Area: From Rt. 128, take Exit 20A, Rt. 1A North. Travel about 7 mi. north on Rt. 1A and turn left onto Waldingfield Rd. to parking area (20 cars) at street corner.