264 Prospect St, Norwell, MA 02061, USA
Owned By: Hornstra Farm
One of the last working dairy farms on the South Shore. A beautiful spot to enjoy a classic agricultural landscape and catch a glimpse of some cows. Group tours and field trips available. Farm store and seasonal dairy bar/ice cream window on site.
Features
Hornstra Farm considers caring for its cows to be the first step in its high-quality milk processing procedure. The red and white Holsteins graze and exercise in the pasture every day, weather permitting. In addition to grazing, the cows are fed a total mixed ration that includes hay, grain, and corn silage. Proper nutrition results in optimum quality milk and a healthy herd. No artificial hormones are needed!
The barn is equipped with a powerful tunnel ventilation system to keep the cows comfortable, even on the hottest days of summer. In their stalls, they enjoy the comfort of special mats that cushion the cement floor and make it feel more like the outdoors. The farm takes excellent care of its animals so they seldom need antibiotics. (Milk from cows taking antibiotics is disposed of, never sold.)
Trail Description
No trails. Farm tours available by appointment. See website for farm store hours.
Habitats and Wildlife
Hornstra Farm is a beautiful agricultural landscape. It’s common to see the farm’s red and white Holsteins gazing in the pastures.
Burnt Plain Swamp, a large (hundreds of acres) wetland complex, is very close to Hornstra Farm. The swamp is known as a watershed divide, meaning that the water in one portion of it flows to one watershed, while the water in another portion flows to a different watershed. The waters in Burnt Plain Swamp flow north across Grove Street toward the Aaron River Reservoir in Wampatuck State Park and also south into Hoop Pole Swamp, which eventually drains to Third Herring Brook, a tributary to the North River.
Historic Site: No
Park: No
Beach: No
Boat Launch: No
Lifeguards: No
Size: 2.43 acres
Hours: Hours change seasonally. Visit website for details.
Parking: On-site parking.
Facilities:
Benches, trash receptacles. Barns are open sometimes for viewing cows and calves. Farm store and seasonal dairy bar. Hours change seasonally. Home delivery of Hornstra products available within a certain geographic area.
Dogs: Pets must remain inside patrons vehicles (be safe!).
Boat Ramp: No
ADA Access: Yes
Scenic Views: Yes
Waterbody/Watershed: Burnt Plain Swamp: Aaron River (Gulf River watershed/Cohasset Harbor) and Third Herring Brook (North River watershed)