Finch Family Farm

Finch Family Farm is owned and operated by Dakota Finch, his partner Courtney Kimble, and their four children: Memphis, Weston, Aspen, and Carson. Dakota’s passion for farming began in his childhood while growing up on his grandfather’s dairy farm. After six years in the United States Air Force, Dakota made the decision to pursue farming as a career. He enrolled at SUNY Cobleskill, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science. Dakota interned at Tafel’s Dairy Farm in Laurens, NY, gaining insight into how they operated their farm and lifelong mentors and friends. Adam Tafel introduced Dakota to his sister Heidi. Heidi was looking to sell her 100% grass-fed organic dairy herd and rent her farm at the time. Heidi and Dakota came to an arrangement in 2017 where Dakota would rent Heidi’s farm in South New Berlin, NY, and buy her cows and equipment, and so began Finch Family Farm. Finch Family Farm started with 23 milking cows, 12 heifers, and 6 calves, and immediately started shipping 100% certified organic Grass-Fed milk to Maple Hill Creamery. In 2018, Dakota was ready and wanted to own the land he farmed on and make it his own. In December of 2019, Dakota, Courtney, and the kids moved to Marathon, NY, along with 30 cows, 18 heifers, and 6 calves. Once moved to Marathon, it took about a year for the animals, family, and operation to settle into the new location. Since then, Finch Family Farm has grown to 48 milking cows, 10 heifers, 3 calves, 6 steers, and 6 beef cows. The dairy and beef farm continues to be certified organic and raises all cattle 100% grass-fed, certified by Organic Plus Trust. In 2020, Memphis was given his first 4-H show pig, “Snouts.” Memphis’s passion for raising and showing pigs started that year. In 2023, Memphis raised his show pig “Basil” for a 4-H project. Instead of selling her at the auction, he decided to bring her home and breed her. In February 2024, Memphis waited patiently for the piglets to arrive. Basil, now named “Mama Pig,” gave birth to 5 healthy piglets. Basil’s piglets started what is now Memphis’ pork business, “The Crispy Pig.” He raises pasture-raised pork for wholesale and retail. In the Winter of 2024, Weston wanted to start his own small business. After considering his options, Weston decided to raise chickens for eggs and meat. Weston chose chicken because it was a product the farm wasn't producing at the time. Weston looked forward to what he thought would be an easy business; chickens are only 5 pounds after all, not like his 1,000-pound cow. In January 2025, Dakota and Weston sat down and designed their chicken business. They ordered Cornish crosses to raise for meat and pearl white leghorns to raise as egg layers. Weston named his business “Weston’s Wings.” Although twins Aspen and Carson are still young and have not started their own small business, they are a vital part of Finch Family Farm. Aspen and Carson raise their 4-H projects, tend to animals, ride tractors, assist in daily chores, and are eager to learn each day on the farm. In Winter 2025, Courtney had a desire to have a small farm stand to sell her produce from her vegetable garden, homemade beef tallow lotion, and other homemade goods. The desire for a small stand quickly turned into the dream of a larger farm stand with all the products Finch Family Farm could offer. At around the same time, Cortland County proposed a grant to small businesses. After careful consideration, Dakota and Courtney applied for and were awarded the grant, which would help start a farm stand. Finch Family Farm will provide the local community with raw milk, beef, pork, chicken, eggs, tallow lotions, and more. Dakota, Courtney, and the kids are forever grateful to Cortland County for helping make a dream a reality.