Farmstead 1868: Honoring Madison County’s 2025 Small Business of the Year

We are proud to announce that Farmstead 1868 has been selected as the 2025 Madison County Small Business of the Year! This incredible farm-to-table business, founded by husband and wife team, has earned this recognition for its dedication to excellence, its unwavering commitment to sustainability, and its ability to create a unique culinary experience for the Madison County community.​


Farmstead 1868 is more than just a farm—it’s a story of family, resilience, and a deep rooted connection to the land. Our farm dates back to 1868 when my husband's family, the Cody's, first started with hops and horses. For generations, they worked the land, but when a devastating fungus swept through New York and wiped out the hop industry—long before Prohibition—they had to pivot, and turned to dairy farming which we continue today.


Then came COVID. Like so many farmers, we faced heartbreaking challenges. The supply chain was a mess, and we found ourselves in a situation no dairy farmer ever wants to be in—we had to dump milk. I couldn’t let it go to waste. So, I got creative. I made cheese and yogurt, but I also started experimenting with soaps and lotions. At the same time, as a mom of five, the stress of the pandemic was overwhelming. But before I was a mom or a farmer, I was a bioengineer. I knew from studies that lavender had powerful effects on the brain—there are over 2,000 scientific studies showing that it can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. That’s when I had an idea.

We planted lavender.


What started as a small garden project with my kids grew into 4,000 lavender plants in our front yard. The transformation was incredible—our stress melted away every time we walked through those rows. Then, I invited friends and family to visit, and I saw it happen to them, too. The perfectly spaced six-foot rows (ideal for social distancing) became a sanctuary. That’s when I knew we were onto something.


Today, Farmstead 1868 has evolved into a place where people come to reconnect—with nature, with themselves, and with each other. In the summer, we open our fields as a U-pick farm, giving visitors the chance to experience the calming effects of lavender firsthand. We host immersive and educational farm experiences that bring people together. And through our small-batch, handcrafted products—made with the same care and intention that started in my kitchen—we give people a way to take a little piece of the farm home with them. From a legacy of hops and dairy to a new chapter rooted in wellness and community, Farmstead 1868 is a testament to the power of resilience, reinvention, and the simple beauty of slowing down.


"The SBDC and my advisor have been invaluable to my business journey. From reviewing grants and funding requests—many of which I received—to providing entrepreneurship training and guiding me through cash flow management, their support has been instrumental in my growth. My advisor is always available to help me navigate challenges and seize new opportunities to scale my business and build community partnerships. Thanks to the SBDC, I feel more confident in my ability to grow Farmstead 1868, and I will absolutely continue working with them as my business evolves."