Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community
A podcast dedicated to celebrating the people, farms, and traditions that make agriculture such an important part of our lives here in Dutchess County and beyond.
Hosted by Suzanne Rajczi — is a 25-year member of the Dutchess County Agricultural Society, foodservice industry leader, community advocate, and passionate supporter of local agriculture.
This podcast shines a spotlight on agriculture and community — and the incredible stories behind them.
Dutchess County Fair - Legacy of Agriculture & Community
How Battenfeld Farm Became a Hudson Valley Christmas Tree & Flower Destination
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Today we visit Battenfeld Flower & Tree Farm in Red Hook, New York, to explore the story behind one of Dutchess County’s most unique multigenerational farms. Fred Battenfeld shares how the family operation evolved from apple orchards, dairy farming, and violet greenhouses into a thriving flower and Christmas tree business. The farm became known for greenhouse-grown anemones cold-season flowers that thrive in the Hudson Valley developed through careful seed breeding, cross-pollination, and meticulous greenhouse practices.
Fred also discusses the seasonal rhythm of the farm, from breeding new flower varieties and shipping blooms nationwide to managing nearly 100 acres of Christmas trees. He reflects on the craftsmanship behind pruning and shaping trees, the intense holiday rush when visitors arrive for cut-your-own trees, and the Battenfeld family’s decades-long involvement with the Dutchess County Fair, helping expand agricultural education and community traditions.