The Farm at Alvirne
Our farm is home to horses, donkeys, and cows. Our 100+ acre farm offers Veterinary Science students hands on learning with large animal species in both our working dairy farm and equine environments. In our Natural Resources program students manage the school's vast forest, which even offers the community a hiking trail system. The Community Garden is also on the grounds of the Farm.
Why dairy cows?
Alvirne High School is the result of a generous gift of the Hills family. Back when the Hills family settled here, Hudson was considered an agricultural town, and believe it or not, Hudson remained mostly agricultural until the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The Hills family always had a working dairy on their property and wished the dairy to remain as part of the agricultural high school they hoped would be established through their gift. Today, staff and students maintain the dairy herd as an agricultural and educational lasting legacy of the Hills family.
Dairy Facts
- Currently our dairy is home to milking cows. Our cow barn offers enough tie stalls for up to 20 milkers and 2 large maternity stalls.
- The lower barn houses the heifers, the number of which change as the milking cows continually cycle in and out of calving. So far this year, 10 heifers await their turn in the milking parlor.
- The milk produced here at our Farm is sold to Agrimark a family dairy farm cooperative.
Our milk is used in the making of the "World's Best Cheddar" under the Cabot brand name. Cabot cheese products can be purchased at grocery stores right here in Hudson—a great way to support local farm products and Alvirne High School students at the same time!
Horsing Around
The Farm's herd of 3 miniature donkeys utilize an older portion of the lower barn which was converted into a box stall with adjacent area for cross tying. The new stall area has rubber mat flooring and electricity and is roomy enough for our herd of donkeys.
Vet Science students help manage the daily care of the donkeys.
