Brad Wiley - Consolations On 5 Generations Of Farming | #78

Farm tour #3. Wow. This episode is a must, must listen. An incredible perspective on farming, legacy, and what it takes to keep a farm in today's day and age. Enjoy, and share with a friend if this impacted you as well. Follow the tour on YouTube Brad Wiley is a fifth-generation farmer at Otter Creek Farm in Pittstown, New York. He grew up working alongside his grandparents, parents, and sister, and today he stewards the land with a focus on diversification, sustainability, and family continuity. Brad is also a passionate local historian, with deep knowledge of his family’s roots and the surrounding region.Otter Creek Farm is a 440-acre multigenerational farm in Pittstown, NY, with 200 tillable acres, 100 pasture acres, and 140 woodland acres. A former dairy farm (1937–2018), it now raises pastured poultry, pigs, grass-fed cattle, and turkeys, and hosts a 20-acre chestnut orchard run by Breadtree Farms.Key Topics:Brad’s early memories on the farm and changes across generationsThe decision to end dairy and shift toward grass-fed/regenerativeNavigating family legacy, land succession, and identityThe role of history, community, and storytelling in farm lifeThe deeper “why” behind keeping Otter Creek alive and resilientTimestamps:00:00:00 Brad’s roots: five generations on Otter Creek 00:06:15 The end of dairy and what came after 00:11:45 Transitioning to diversified livestock and pasture 00:17:30 Navigating family dynamics and succession 00:31:40 Balancing conviction with economic reality 00:37:00 What stewardship means in practice 00:47:30 What drives him to keep farming 00:54:20 The daily grind: routine, rhythm, and responsibility 01:01:10 Supporting the next generation without control 01:10:40 Climate, weather, and shifting environmental patterns 01:18:30 What “regeneration” means—and doesn’t mean—to Brad 01:50:40 Final thoughts: continuity, hope, and what enduresConnect with Brad:WebsiteFollow the tour on YouTube