Eastonite of the Week: Irv Silverman

Name: Irv Silverman

Occupation: Owner of

Family: Wife and three daughters

How long have you lived in Easton?

All my life.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

The people. Silverman’s Farm is considered agri-tourism. We have the animal farm and a very big part of our business is picking your own fruit. So many kids from the city and suburbia think their fruit grows at the Super Stop & Shop. Kids don’t see farms anymore. They come here and we have tractor rides and golf cart rides around the farm. We like to call it interactive farming.

What are some of the challenges you face with your farm?

One word: Weather. Every farmer has to deal with it. In early spring at bloom time you worry about the frost, and when we get wind or hail it can wipe out crops in minutes.

What is your biggest season during the year?

Mid-July through October. We start picking peaches July through mid-September, apples from September through October. In October we have pumpkins as well.

What should people know about Silverman’s Farm?

We bake our pies daily. We have 19 different ones to choose from.

What time of year is best for your business regarding sales?

It is a fun place to go shopping it’s the opposite of the massive supermarkets. We have hayrides, pumpkin picking; people travel to watch the fall foliage, scenic rides around the property and shopping in our store. We have New England jams and jellies from local companies. Honey and maple syrup from local farms which is great for allergies.

Where do you see farming in the future?

Farming is making a bit of a comeback in the form of part-time farmers who have other day jobs. People are farming one or two acres of land either planting vegetables or growing fruit. People are becoming afraid of the corporate farms who freeze things on the other side of the country and truck them here. That creates a big carbon foot print, where as if things are grown locally they are fresh.

What is the history of the farm?

My dad started the farm in the early 1920s. In those days there was no canning so he grew everything from cabbage and tomatoes as well as fruit. Today we specialize in fruit. Today most farmers specialize, as it is cost effective. We have 60 acres and 15,000 trees both peaches and apples.

Anything new on the horizon?

We planted grapes this year and may think about making wine in the future, first we want to develop them.

What community service organizations are you involved in?

I have been a fireman for many years. I am on the Agricultural Commission and I was an EMT for many years.

What is your favorite thing about Easton?

The fact that it has stayed rural and so many of the citizens are active in the community and volunteer their time and service.

What is your favorite spot in Easton?

That is easy, my farm.

How much has Easton changed over the years?

Not much. Population has grown, farms have gone, but other than that it is a close-knit community with no major industry.

Download the movie