HomeMy WebLinkAboutGood Hope Farm Submission 8-14-2025Oliver & Natasha Brahmst
88 Mill Ln.
Yarmouth Port, MA 02675
August 14, 2025
Conservation Commission
Town of Yarmouth
Yarmouth, MA
Re: Application ID SE-83-2492 – Hearing of August 21, 2025
Dear Members of the Conservation Commission,
Please Uind enclosed materials in connection with our continued application before the
Conservation Commission. SpeciUically, we have attached updated Farm and Conservation Plans, a
table of Best Management Practices (BMPs) with details of how Good Hope Farm intends to comply
with those BMPs, photographs documenting the fencing, gates, gardens, and other items requested
by the Commission, and written responses to questions raised by members of the public during the
hearing on August 7, 2025.
We respectfully submit these materials for the Commission’s review and consideration in support of
our application, and we remain committed to ensuring that our operations are in full compliance
with applicable environmental and agricultural standards.
Sincerely,
Oliver & Natasha Brahmst
Good Hope Farm Plan for 88 & 100 Mill Lane Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts
Flowers and Pro duce. G ood Hope is a small team of dedicated, creative, flower-
and farm-loving p eople currently operating in South Salem, New York. Our
family farm cultivates gorgeous, lovingly grown flowers in the Hudson Valley,
and now plans to continue its traditions in Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts.
Goat Husbandry. We are a no-cull herd of Nigerian Dwarf goats, registered with
New York State and resp ected for our top-notch care. Our goats receive annual
vaccinations and as needed veterinary oversight. E ach year, we offer goat
husbandry classes in partnership with Westchester Community College to
educate students in responsible herd management.
We are committed to responsible growing and sustainably. All animal and plant
waste is composted into nutrient rich mulch and soil which is composted and
returned to the earth for future growth and soil restoration.
1. Executive Summary
Good Hope Farm is a small family farm originally based in South Salem, New
York, now relo cating and reducing in scale to Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts.
Current operations fo cus on:
● Sustainable goat herd management with emphasis on goat kid sales and
potential ecological services for invasive plant management
● Field-grown flowers and vegetables for retail sale, CSA, and event design.
2. Legacy Op erations in New York State
Agricultural Background:
● Good Hope Farm op erates within a licensed New York State Agricultural
District established over 8 years ago specifically to support its use
● 40 goats rotationally grazed on pasture across 10+ acres
● G oat kid sales
● 1+ acres in flower and vegetable production
● Seasonal farm stand, and
● Established floral/event design services
The farm is now undergoing full relo cation and reduction of operations to
Massachusetts.
3. Projected Massachusetts Practices (Yarmouth Port – 3-Year Plan)
Phase I: Year 1 – Establishment and Compliance
● File MA LLC documentation to register Goo d Hope Farm as an op erating
entity
● Update Site Plan (Completed by Down Cape)
● Apply for fence and gate p ermit to protect livesto ck from predator threats,
especially coyotes
● Apply for stable permit and farm license with the Yarmouth Board of
Health to authorize animal housing and farm op erations
● File Notice of Intent with Town of Yarmouth Conservation Commission to
fully restore agricultural use and assess impact on any wetlands or
protected zones
● Reduce goat herd to 30 head for initial scale operations with two guardian
miniature donkeys
● Utilize existing 6 acres of pasture land for rotational goat grazing
● Fall breeding for spring kidding season
● Restore 1/2 acre of garden b eds for cut flower and vegetable cultivation
● Implement manure management plan: Comp ost all manure on-site outside
of 100-foot setback zones. Comp osting will either occur mechanically in
an in-vessel system or in a three bin compost system. The resulting
compost be turned regularly and used as soil amendment for crops
● Assess fruit tree production potential on existing trees
Phase II: Year 2 – Infrastructure & Feasibility Exploration
● Begin Floral and produce production moving dahlia tubers in Fall
● advertise and screen adopters for goat kids in Spring
● Implement manure management plan:
● Compost all manure on-site outside of 100-foot setback zones. Compost
will b e turned regularly and used as soil amendment for crops offer goats
for targeted invasive plant management
● Repair existing irrigation systems for crop and pasture needs
● Explore feasibility of dairy operation in coordination with MA Department
of Agricultural Resources
Phase III: Year 3 – Full Op erations and Certification
● If viable, introduce creamery activity with revised 3-year approval under
MDAR
● Expand bouquet and vegetable CSA delivery within Cape Cod region
● Consider feasibility of application for USDA Organic certification for crops
and florals
4. Up dated Agricultural Production Plan
Goat Herd Management (MA).
● 30 goats grazing on 6 acres with emphasis on goat kid sales and invasive
species management
● Rotational goat grazing with in the pasture
● Repair and complete predator fencing
● Finalize manure composting procedures
● Regular veterinary oversight
Flowers and Vegetables:
● 1/2 acre of restored garden beds in M A, including heirloom and
pollinator-friendly varieties
● Integrated p est management and seasonal succession planting
Irrigation:
● Upgrade legacy control systems with drip and timer-controlled irrigation
● Rainwater collection and drought contingency strategy
5. Updated Compliance and Filing Steps Massachusetts:
● File Notice of Intent (NOI) with Yarmouth Conservation Commission
○ For Farm
○ For Fencing (if Request for Determination is insufficient)
● Register with the Conservation District to obtain farm registration numb er
● Submit Fence & Gate Permit as needed
○ Conservation
○ Building D epartment
○ Old Kings Highway
● Apply for Stable Permit and Goat License with Yarmouth Board of Health
● Implement manure composting plan
Good Hope Farm Soil Management and Conser vation Plan
Good Hope is committed to resp onsible soil stewardship, ecological preservation,
and sustainable farming practices see the attached addendum highlighting the
b est practices Goo d Hope will continue to employ.
Soil management practices at Goo d Hope are grounded in science and
conservation. Soil testing will b e conducted every three years using the Mo dified
Morgan method, and whenever possible only organic fertilizers are applied—and
only as needed—based on those soil test results. Nutrients when needed are
applied exclusively when crops are actively growing, and never on saturated or
frozen soils thereby ensuring minimal runoff potential and maximum
absorption by crops. Records of all soil amendments and applications will be
maintained as part of our nutrient management plan. All floral and vegetable
cultivation is confined to the existing garden site.
In terms of animal husbandry, Go od Hop e employs rotational grazing through a
managed hay feeding system as hay feeding areas are rotated in tandem with
paddo ck use. Our animals are only on the pasture from 8 am until sunset. No
animals are left in the field after sunset or before sunrise- ever. The animals are
housed in stalls in the pre-existing barn with impermeable flo oring. Outside in
the pastu res, animals are moved regularly to ensure manure is distributed evenly
and no single area is overburdened. The grass will also b e monitored to ensure no
large concentrations of manure. In order to avoid erosion, the grass will be kept
in good condition with irrigated watering as needed. Any excess hay residue
from feeding stations will b e collected and composted to prevent smothering of
vegetati on or buildup of organic material in sensitive areas. Any patches or holes
will be remedied and reseeded in short order and the goats will be moved as
necessary to allow for regrowth and restoration. In high traffic areas such as
gates and doors, gravel will be added as necessary to avoid stripping of grass-
this has the added b enefit of assisting in minimizing hoof trimming.
Manure management at Good Hope is executed with rigor and care following a
comprehensive set of Best Management Practices (BMPs). Our goal is to protect
soil and water quality, supp ort plant and animal health. Animal manure is
collected from stalls every day or other day depending on the season and from
pastures regularly- we anticipate this b eing every three days. All collected
manure and pine s havings are composted in accordance with b est industry
practices relying largely on parasitic fly predators and natural traps to disrupt fly
breeding and support soil health.
Collected manure will b e stored on a covered three-sided structure on an
impervious graded pad to prevent nutrient runoff and leaching into groundwater.
All storage areas are carefully sited with appropriate setbacks from wetlands and
water sources.
Currently we are cho osing b etween two composting metho ds both of which
comply with best management practices. We will either utilize a three pile
comp osting approach or a mechanized in-vessel composting system such as the
316 BIOvator, or similar in-vessel composting system. The Biovator in-vessel
system achieves highly controlled mechanized comp osting conditions.
Both approaches will process animal waste efficiently and minimize odors and
pathogens. Both approaches will maintain the required internal temp eratures
above 130°F for the required time p erio d—conditions that meet pathogen
reduction standards and produce a stable, high-quality compost.
Best practices are not a one-size-fits-all framework; they must be adapted to
each farm's specific environment and operations. As a safety net, we retain a
contingency plan: should we ever generate more waste or comp ost than our
storage facility can store or waste that the Biovator can process in a reasonable
timeframe—which we currently do not anticipate—we will arrange for excess
material to b e c arted off in a covered sealed trailer to an appropriate waste facility
or farm for onward comp osting.
Regardless of the method we chose, all will op erate on an impervious surface and
be covered on three sides and meet or exceed federal and state standards and
pathogen reduction requirements through the controlled conditions in full
compliance with federal and state laws and Massachusetts b est practices.The
finished compost would be applied to our vegetable and floral cultivation areas
only during th e active growing season, based on soil test results and crop
nutrient requirements. Nutrients are never applied to frozen or saturated soils.
We have based this composting practice on our long established practices in New
York. Storage capacity is based on our actual operational exp erience- not
estimates.
Good Hope relies primarily on sustainable, organic practices and natural pest
control metho ds. However, in limited cases where p est pressure endangers crops
or animals, their use may be necessary. In such instances, applications are
handled with utmost care and in full compliance with best management
practices. Our approach is rooted in Integrated Pest Management with careful
p est monitoring. If needed, only targeted, reduced-risk products are selected. We
actively supp ort b eneficial insects through native p ollinator plantings and, when
needed, augmen t ecological balance through the seasonal releases of
commercially- raised beneficial sp ecies.
Good Hope will utilize a preexisting, low-impact irrigation system installed
during its previous flower and vegetable production years. This system, limited
to lawns, pastures and in cultivated zones is limited to pasture grass areas or
drip-based watering, greatly reducing water consumption and overspray or
runoff. Automated for efficiency with conservation in mind, the system
incorp orates early mo rning watering, plant-sp ecific delivery, and automated
weather-based skips based on atmospheric conditions. This approach supp orts
crop vigor, conservation and soil integrity.
Through these practices, Go od Hop e ensures that its agricultural use remains not
only environmentally resp onsible, but also aligned with the region’s goals for
habitat protection, water quality, and sustainable land stewardship. We have
spoken directly with John Locke, our local National Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS) representative, who did read our farm plan and agrees it
directionally al igns with NRCS guidelines. Our next task from him is registering
with Farm Service Agency (FSA) and continuing to work with him through site
visits and other recommendations so that our practices are in complete
alignment with NRCS conservation standards and appropriate for the scale and
sensitivity of our site. Mr. Locke did caution that if we are not applying for
financial assistance through NRCS this will not b e priority review due to their
very constrained resources and therefore they will not become directly involved
in this project b eyond issuing technical recommendations. He also confirmed
that the NRCS do es not become a party to or other wise participate in local board
hearings or provide formal opinions or oversight on town p ermitting matters.
Prepared For: Good Hope Farm, Yarmouth Port, M A
Prepared By: Natasha Brahmst May 29, 2025, Updated August 13, 2025
This table reviews Good Hope Farm’s (GHF) practices against relevant Best Management Practices (BMPs) from Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP),
Massachusetts Department of Food and Agriculture (DFA), University of Massachusetts Extension (UMass), United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service
(USDA NRCS), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
BMP / Standard Source How Good Hope Farm is Complying
Erosion prevention through maintaining healthy
vegetative cover >70% all paddocks see also
Rotational Grazing, Heavy Use Area Protection,
Pasture Management, Leaching Prevention
NRCS CPS 528 Prescribed Grazing;
MassDEP Livestock BMPs; UMass Pasture
Mgmt
Active management of grass through irrigation and maintenance - reseeding if any patches
and holes develop.
Rotational grazing to avoid overgrazing NRCS CPS 528 Prescribed Grazing; EPA Ag
NPS Measures; UMass Pasture Mgmt
Rotational grazing, pasture rest, hay feeding areas rotated in tandem. Avoiding overtaxed or
challenged areas.
Pasture Management-ensuring a healthy pasture MassDEP Livestock BMPs; NRCS CPS 528
Prescribed Grazing & 590 Nutrient
Management; UMass Pasture Mgmt
Rotational grazing, if needed bi-monthly mowing to encourage regrowth maintaining healthy
grass and vegetative buffer; reseeding if any patches and holes develop. Irrigation to avoid
dryness. Manure collected from pastures regularly, every three days with seasonal adjustment.
Leaching prevention from pastures and storage
areas (nutrient runoff control)
MassDEP Livestock BMPs; NRCS CPS 528
& 313 Waste Storage Facility; EPA Ag NPS
Measures
Maintain vegetative buffers on grazing areas, manure collected from pastures regularly;
Composting undertaken in covered, three sided structure outside of 100 foot setbacks from
wetlands on impervious, graded concrete pad.
Heavy use area protection (gates, feeders) NRCS CPS 561 Heavy Use Area Protection Moving goats and feeding stations regularly to minimize compaction through rotation;
considering gravel for doors, gates.
Irrigation efficiency & runoff prevention EPA Ag NPS Measures; UMass Irrigation
BMPs
State of the art irrigation on historic system footprint; weather-based skip.
Proper manure and compost storage
(runoff/leachate prevention)
MassDEP BMPs; NRCS CPS 313 Waste
Storage Facility; DFA Manure Management
Covered, three sided structure outside of 100 foot setbacks from wetlands on impervious,
graded concrete pad.
Composting for pathogen reduction, nutrient
stabilization
UMass Composting BMPs; NRCS CPS 317
Composting Facility; DFA Manure
Management
Three bin composting; exploring in-vessel BIOvator 318- both will comply with the foregoing
best practices.
Manure application timing – no frozen/saturated
soils
NRCS CPS 590 Nutrient Management; Mass
DFA Manure Management
Manure not spread, compost spread but prohibits nutrient application on frozen/saturated soils;
only during active crop growth based on soil test results.
Nutrient management for optimal application rates
and timing, soil testing, recordkeeping
NRCS CPS 590 Nutrient Management;
UMass Extension Nutrient BMPs; Mass DFA
Manure Management
Soil testing every 3 years; nutrient applications planned, records kept three years and done as
needed and only during active crop growth; avoid application to frozen or saturated soils.
Fly/vector control EPA Ag NPS Measures; UMass BMPs Regular cleaning, timely manure removal, composting and biological fly predators, if approved
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) UMass IPM Program; EPA IPM Guidance Monitor pests; targeted as needed only, reduced-risk treatments; beneficial insect releases if
approved.
Additional Information on response to
Conservation Commission Request
88 & 100 Mill Lane
Type of Fence Proposed: Option 1 (will not
require welded wire)
Proposed Fence Option 2 Rounded Post and
Rail with Black Welded Wire (4.5 Feet)
Raising Stone walls to 4.5 feet-will have
rounded post like remainder
Proposed Gates (Automated, 72" High)
Style Match Existing Gates.
Black Welded Wire (actual photos from
Good Hope Farm )
compost structure added partial doors to keep livestock out and compost
and waste in final design to be agreed with Board of Health- would have
three sections and a concrete pad in front- with a small apron cover to
ensure no excess- will be sloped to ensure no run off
Feasibility of In-Vessel Composting under review
Historical Agricultural Use with Prior Owners
Location of Flower Garden- Remains where
existing Floral/Vegetable Garden- Restored.
Pastures Maintained, fences restored.
3 story 8 stall barn remains including stalls, feeders