Bob Gray Farm, Amherst MA

My name is Robert Gray, our family farm is facing a dire situation and I am reaching out for your support. Recently after my brother's death in 2020 an unexpected conflict has emerged putting our family farm in jeopardy. His wife is now seeking a forced sale of our farm totally disregarding my brothers and my agreement we made 20 years ago, and the legacy we built for generations.

Our farm, located in Amherst MA, has 40 acres of hay and woods, 20 acres tilled by Brookfield Farm for locally grown produce. For years I made prototypes for inventors for Ecological Equipment. The barn is turned into a mechanical workshop for farming and other various equipment. I grew up on this farm and raised my family here.

I would like to continue mechanical repair as well as teach others, passing on my knowledge and skills. Most importantly, To Leave a legacy behind that will help future generations of family farmers. Not developers.

The house was built in the 1830’s. Purchased in 1947 by Rodney Earl Gray (who passed away in 1999 at the age of 86) and his wife Edith Sybil Gray (who passed away in 2003 at the age of 96). They had 2 sons, Rodney William Gray of Belchertown (who passed away in 2020), and myself, Robert B. Gray, still living on the farm with my immediate family.

My brother Rodney was the executor of our parents' will, he and I were the sole beneficiaries of the will. After my mothers' death 20 years ago My brother and I were satisfied with the agreement the 2 Cape Cod properties and 3 Florida Properties went to Rodney and his immediate family. the farm went to myself and my immediate family where I resided for 60 years. I dedicated the past 40 years of my life to the maintenance and development of our farm, and paid all taxes for the past 20 years.

Rodney and my wishes were satisfied with our “Internal Family Business” and splitting everything to fit our needs and wants. Rodney did not have any desire for responsibility of the taxes and burden of maintenance of the farm, as he always referred to the farm as “Bob’s Place”. In return I did not have interest in the 5 other properties since the farm is my home. Our wishes were upheld for the next 17 years until my brother passed away in June 2020.

A relative by marriage only wants to challenge and modify only my part of my inheritance. Using any technical flaws in MA laws to invalidate my mother's Will, my brothers and my wishes and our final agreement made 20 years ago. Seeking a forced sale of our farm for a lump sum. Totally disregarding our agreement in whole and our family values.

We stand at a critical crossroad, where the fate of our farm hangs in the balance. I do not want a forced sale of the farm or split land up for future developers. I want to leave a Legacy behind that will help future generations of family farmers.

Your generous donation and sharing of our campaign will make a significant difference. The money raised will be used for our legal battle and maintain our family farm.