Granby Farm Finds Another Way to Grow Local Produce

Laura LaFlamme has spread her strong agricultural heritage — she grew up on Cedar Rock Farm in East Granby — among her husband and children, who collectively operate Another Way Farm in Granby.

The small farm, known for its hand-cut flowers and blueberries, has slowly grown its operations for the past 13 years and is tended to by the entire LaFlamme family. Parents Kevin and Laura LaFlamme work the land with the active participation of their three children.

Operating the farm is a second career for both Laura, who teaches a wide variety of classes for Suffield High School’s vocational agricultural program, and Kevin, who drives a tractor-trailer. Kevin has experience working on farms from his youth, although he did point out that he married into the farming lifestyle. Laura’s family farming tradition and experience teaching agricultural classes both help guide Another Way’s operations.

“I’ve been farming my entire life,” she said.

Besides operating Another Way, Laura said she’s been taking on more responsibilities at Cedar Rock Farm. The LaFlammes' goals are to keep both farms viable and operational, so they’re grateful to live in an area that provides support for local farmers.

“Communities like this really help,” Laura said, calling Granby and East Granby “great towns.”

Kevin and Laura both said a major benefit of having the farm is the positive impact it has on their kids. Kevin said it helps their children learn some valuable skills, keeps them occupied and, as a smile crossed his face, out of trouble. Laura said working the farm teaches hard work and dedication and, she pointed out happily, it’s fun too.

“I was raised on a full-time, working farm,” Laura LaFlamme said. “It’s a great lifestyle.”

Joey and Emily LaFlamme were working with their mother at the East Granby Farmers’ Market Wednesday, helping to sell produce and otherwise run the booth. When Kevin arrived towards the end of the market, just returned from a run to New York, the four shared in the work of breaking down and packing away their tent, tables and wares.

Besides helping maintain the farm’s presence at the farmers’ market, where Another Way has been since the weekly event began in 2011, the LaFlamme children work the gardens, help pick fruits and vegetables and perform other important farm chores.

Another Way Farm often offers its produce and hand-cut flowers at the , held at the East Granby Center Shops (3 Turkey Hills Road, at the intersection of Route 20 and Route 187) each Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. through the end of September.