Tractor Donated To The Queens County Farm Museum By Neighbors

LITTLE NECK, QUEENS — A farm in Queens welcomed a new member to its herd this month: a shiny red tractor, donated by a neighboring housing operative.

The piece of equipment was a gift from Glen Oaks Village to its neighbors of nearly 75 years, the Queens County Farm Museum, which has been farmed since 1697.

By 2026, the historic farm is slated to add an additional five acres into production, where it will grow produce for its farmstands and showcase farming techniques for educational programs — all with the help of the 2016 Massey Ferguson agricultural tractor, which only has 66 hours of use so far.

“I look forward to seeing even more fresh, local, organic food produced right here in eastern Queens,” said Council Member Barry Grodenchik, who represents northeast Queens and helped secure some of the millions allocated to the Queens County Farm Museum in the 2022 budget.

Grodenchik was one of a handful of elected officials who gathered at the Queens County Farm Museum last Friday for a ceremony donating the tractor to the farm.

Leadership from Glen Oaks Village and the farm were at the ceremony, too.

Queens County Farm Museum’s executive director, Jennifer Walden Weprin, said that even before the tractor donation, Glen Oaks Village has served as an important neighbor to the farm.

“Queens Farm has been continuously farmed for over three centuries as New York City grew around it. Our relationship with Glen Oaks Village is a testament to our connection to the community,” she said.

Since the housing co-operative was built in 1947, the Queens County Farm Museum has been a source of fresh produce and public programs to Glen Oaks Village, which prides itself on being the largest garden apartment residential co-op in New York with a distinct feel.

“Don't be surprised to see sheep, chickens and other domesticated farm animals in this part of New York City,” the co-op advertises on its website.

In addition to its newest tractor, the Queens farm just received a $5 million grant from the city to build a new education center focused on sustainability.

"It's important to be at one with nature around us. That's how we build the future," said Mayor Bill de Blasio when he announced the multi-million-dollar investment.

The mayor, who, visited the Queens County Farm Museum earlier this summer, encouraged New Yorkers to stop by, especially to visit the farm’s Amazing Maize Maze, a three-acre cornfield labyrinth, which this year depicts a rendition of Andy Warhol's "Cow" print.

The maze was designed for the annual Queens County Fair, which took place earlier this month, but will remain open through Halloween.

Related Articles

• $5M Environmental Education Center Coming To Queens County Farm
• Queens County Fair Returns This Weekend With Warhol-Inspired Maze