For 50 years Smith’s Blueberries has been open to the public. Generations of families have walked these fields, picked berries, visited the animals, and gathered here with friends and neighbors. Over time the farm also became home to our free-to-vend Community Market, where small growers, homesteaders, artists, and neighbors could come together without barriers. It became something much bigger than a market — it became a place of community.

Over the past year, however, the farm has been under enormous strain.

Defending our property rights and addressing damage to the land has already caused significant financial loss. At the same time, the stress of this situation has taken a real toll on me physically and personally. Running a farm while navigating an ongoing legal battle is something I would not wish on anyone.

This past year also brought a serious bout of pancreatitis that forced me to slow down in a way farmers rarely allow themselves to do. Anyone who runs a farm knows there are no real days off, and trying to keep everything moving while dealing with illness has been incredibly difficult. It was a reminder that in order for this farm to continue serving the community long into the future, I need to take the time to stabilize both the land and my own health.

Another difficult factor has been the ongoing situation with my abutter. His actions over the past year have been unpredictable, which creates serious concerns from both a safety and liability standpoint when inviting the public onto the property. During this time he also purchased the “Smith’s Blueberries” name when my LLC briefly lapsed while I was under significant financial and legal strain. While we are addressing these issues through the proper legal channels, the situation has added considerable stress, expense, and uncertainty for the farm.

There is also a practical reality many people don’t see. After fifty seasons of welcoming the public, the farm itself needs care and maintenance that can only realistically be done during the summer months. Our driveway requires major work, sections of roofing need attention, and other infrastructure projects must finally be addressed if we want this farm to remain strong for the next generation.

Operating the Community Market responsibly also requires substantial insurance coverage because it involves livestock, public animal interaction, food vendors, and community gatherings. That coverage alone costs more than $11,000 a year. While the market has brought tremendous joy and connection to many people, carrying those costs right now while defending the farm and repairing the property simply isn’t responsible.

Because of all of this, we have made the difficult decision to pause large public activities this season, including the Community Market.

I know this will disappoint many people. With other markets closing across New Hampshire, I understand how important these spaces have become for communities. Please know that this decision was not made lightly.

My first responsibility is to protect the land itself. Without the land, none of the rest of it — the berries, the animals, the market, or the community gatherings — can exist.

Right now my focus is on defending the property, restoring what has been damaged, and making the repairs necessary to ensure Smith’s Blueberries can continue serving this community for many years to come.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the farm, shared their talents at the market, and helped create something truly meaningful here. Your encouragement and kindness mean more than you know, especially during this chapter.