We spoke with Claire MacNamara and Aaron Stearns, the wife and husband team that owns and operates Highland Farm:
We are driven by our interest and passion for raising unique animals. Non-domestic animals, such as our deer, elk, bison, and ostriches, require very specialized care. They grow more slowly than typical “barnyard” animals, and that yields lean, tender meat that is truly different and superior in nutritional value.
We love being able to introduce people to these special proteins. We offer cooking tips and suggestions with the hope that folks can really enjoy their purchases. It’s rewarding to help people try something new, especially knowing that there are great health benefits for consuming naturally lean game meats.
We are proud to bring products to the market that aren’t available in your local grocery store. From ostrich eggs to elk steaks….you’ll leave our market stand with something fun, tasty and different. We feel that is at the heart of what makes the Copake Hillsdale Farmers Market so special!
Our premium meats will always be the star of the show, and the perfect balance of spices will really help it shine! We mixed, blended, seared, roasted, grilled and taste-tested (such a hardship!) until we were satisfied!
Young Claire on the farm
If you ask my parents, Mark & Martha MacNamara, they would say with a laugh and a smile that we have been at this “too long”. My parents founded Highland Farm in 1986. They really put in the hard work to build momentum for our farm. It took a long time for venison and other alternative meats to catch on. They’ve shared that there were times when it felt like the challenges were insurmountable, but they kept at it and didn’t give up on their dream.
Little Cecilia admiring the ostrich
My husband and I are hopeful we can carry the farm forward and keep people excited about trying our products and supporting local farms! We are incredibly grateful to have the support of wonderful loyal customers and local venues like the Copake Hillsdale Market.
We are located in Clermont, a small town in beautiful Columbia County, right in the heart of the Hudson Valley. We have a great farm staff (3 people) that we really appreciate and celebrate every chance we can.
Some of our items are available at Random Harvest right in Craryville. We stock many local farm stands and small grocery stores in the region including Adams Fairacre Farms, the Migliorelli Farm Stands, Big Rock Farm Market in Stanfordville, Chatham Real Foods Co-op and many more.
Customers are welcome to pre-order for pickup at the market via our website (www.eat-better-meat.com). Upon checkout just select “pickup at market” instead of the shipping option. We also are happy to take orders over the phone (518-537-6397) or via email (sales@eat-better-meat.com).
Lots of ways to “eat better meat”!
