Scot Galliher at Silver Mountain Hay in Millerton.
“I bought the farm to prevent that from happening,” he said.
That philosophy still shapes the operation today. For Galliher, farming and land preservation are inseparable. The open fields and rural landscapes that define the Harlem Valley survive only because working farms continue to exist, he argues. Without economically viable agriculture, open land eventually disappears — either overtaken by development or left unmanaged.
That long-term vision is visible across the property, particularly in the massive red barn that has become one of the area’s most recognizable agricultural structures. After the original dairy barn deteriorated, Galliher began studying historic barns throughout the Northeast before working with an architect to design a replacement that reflected both traditional agricultural design and modern functionality. The finished structure includes clerestory windows that flood the interior with natural light, an Olympic-sized indoor riding arena and infrastructure designed for a future equestrian facility. “I wanted to build an equestrian barn,” Galliher said.
Although the scale of the operation is impressive, Galliher speaks about farming in notably practical terms. Much of what he knows about hay production was learned through direct experience.
“Farming is largely learned through experience,” he said. “You learn by doing.”
Silver Mountain Hay in Millerton.Provided
Producing premium horse hay, he explained, requires careful attention to weather patterns, moisture levels, grass composition and timing. A sudden storm can destroy thousands of dollars’ worth of hay in less than an hour.
Galliher approaches haymaking with the precision of an engineer. Moisture levels must be carefully controlled to prevent mold, and different horses require different nutritional profiles. While many horse owners prefer softer second-cutting hay, Galliher noted that first-cutting hay is often nutritionally superior. “It is very difficult to make 50,000 feed-quality bales of hay year after year,” he said. Still, despite the technical demands of the work, Galliher describes farming less as an occupation than a way of life. “Farming is not a job,” he said. “It’s a lifestyle.”
He speaks enthusiastically about the smell of fresh hay after a successful harvest and the satisfaction of watching trailers return to the barn at sunset after long summer days in the fields. And after years spent in finance, he says he does not miss Wall Street very much.
“The reward system here is different,” he said. “I think it’s richer. I think it’s more human.”
Today, Silver Mountain Hay stands not only as a working agricultural operation, but also as a reflection of Galliher’s broader philosophy — that preserving rural landscapes requires more than admiration. It requires active stewardship.
Ronin Hinman slides into third base.
It was the eighth win in a row for the team of players from Cornwall, Falls Village, Kent, Norfolk, North Canaan, Salisbury and Sharon.
On offense, Housy scored early and often. Jaxxon Rogers, Brody Ohler and Landan M. each rounded the bases three times. J.T. Farr scored two runs. Sam Hahn and Ronin Hinman each had one run.
Brody Ohler at bat. Riley Klein
Kieran Bryant and Milo Ellison got on base twice. Greyson Brooks and Colin B. each hit a single. Liam Downey and Joey V. contributed a strong defensive effort.
The game was well attended with spectators dotting the foul lines. It was about 75 degrees, mostly cloudy and breezy.
The Northwest Connecticut Junior Division Little League is for players aged 13 and 14 in the region. The spring league is reaching its end, but the Housy Juniors will continue into summer league with home games played in Sharon.
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Drama teacher and playwright Kimberly Compton (center) poses with students following an originalmiddle school prodcution at Kent Center School.
“I wanted to elevate the theater experience,” Compton said.
Rather than spending money on licensing pre-written productions, Compton proposed writing original scripts herself and redirecting those funds toward costumes, lighting, sets and other production elements. The approach has allowed the school to stage unique shows tailored specifically to its students and cast sizes.
“A lot of these junior shows are made for really large ensemble casts,” she said. “It doesn’t always fit the mold of a smaller school.”
The result has been productions that students can truly call their own. Cast members become the first to bring characters to life, with no previous performances to imitate.
Maeve Dietrich, a fifth grader at KCS, said it’s exciting to perform in an original play.
“You have to give it your all because you’re setting the example for anyone who does the play in the future,” Dietrich said. “Miss KC also inspires everybody to think that maybe they could write a play one day, too.”
“My goal is to help them learn to make choices as actors and as people,” Compton said.
She encourages students to develop their own interpretations of characters rather than simply reciting lines. One instance that makes Compton particularly proud is when a student cast as a villain transformed what could have been a stock character into someone “sassy and memorable” through her own creative choices.
Original cast members perform Headspace in April at Kent Center School.Provided
Students say the productions have helped build confidence while teaching them to work together. Compton intentionally runs rehearsals like a professional theater company, introducing students to industry terminology and expectations while creating a nurturing environment.
“They rise to the occasion and surprise themselves with what they can do,” she said.
Kent Center School Principal Michelle Mott said that authenticity has had a big impact.
“I think the students are more engaged because she’s making it real for them,” Mott said. “It’s a real theater experience.”
The sense of belonging is at the heart of the program, Compton said.
“Theater was always a safe space for me,” she said. “It was always, ‘Come as you are, and we will love you and accept you no matter what.’”
She works to create that same atmosphere for students today.
The productions have steadily grown in popularity.
“I eventually want this to be a can’t-miss event,” she said.
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