Era ends: Last dairy farm in town is gone

KENT — The last dairy farm in Kent, the Arno Farm on South Kent Road, is moving away, ending the once-thriving dairy farm industry in town.

Retired Harvard University professor Detlev Vagts, who leased the property to Mary and David Arno, confirmed that the Arnos are moving out of state.

“We decided not to renew the lease, it was a mutual agreement,� Vagts said. “The farm was purchased by my grandmother in 1929 and my mother took it over in the 1940s. I took over the land when she died in 1982.�

In November, South Kent School announced its plans for turning the property into a secondary campus. The farm is at 170 S. Kent Road and borders the school.

The property is still listed for sale, as two separate parcels, by Bain Real Estate. One holding of 200 acres is listed at $2,500,000; a 21-acre parcel is listed at $800,000.

South Kent School Headmaster Andrew Vadnais said previously that school alumnus Frederick Day plans to purchase the farm and create an arrangement for the school to operate environmental initiatives there.

Mark Berghold, director of academic resources at the school, confirmed the sale of the property is going forward but said he could not comment until the sale is finalized.

Vagts also confirmed the sale is going forward and said he hopes the transaction will be complete by July.

He also said he plans to donate about 30 acres to the Kent Land Trust.

The closing of the Arno Dairy Farm ends what was once a rich agricultural tradition in Kent.

Susi Williams of the Kent Historical Society, who has lived in town for more than 70 years, said she remembers when there were still 62 working dairy farms here.

“There just isn’t any money in it anymore,� she said. “The huge cooperative farms have pushed the little guys out and tourism has taken over as an economic force.�

Williams said she does not anticipate a day when the dairy farms will return.

“It’s pretty much done and gone,� she said. “Even the farms still around town are still struggling.�

Vagts said it was almost impossible for the Arnos to keep their business afloat because of the economy and because of the way that milk is priced.

“The prices for raw milk are so low, it just wasn’t workable for them,� Vagts said. “Dairy farmers all over are having a tough time.�

First Selectman Bruce Adams said the situation is sad for all farmers across the state.

“Farming is a very difficult business to work in,� he said. “Much of the land in Connecticut, with its hills and rocks, is not conducive to farming, which is why the farms in the state are minuscule compared to the farms in the Midwest. It’s sad to see it come to an end.�

Mary and David Arno did not return calls for an interview.