Two of Peru’s finest being honored at Peru’s 2024 Farmers’ Parade
Mrs. Dimock celebrated her birthday the day we visited.
By John T Ryan
Peru, NY – On Friday, December 13, at 6 p.m., Don Dimock will be Grand Marshal of the Peru Farmers’ Parade. As she has been throughout his farming career, his wife Martha will be at his side. (Look for them immediately behind the State Police Car) Among farmers, the Dimocks are best known for producing high-quality, award-winning milk. However, more people undoubtedly know their Route 22B farm for the candy cane decorating its 90-foot high silo during the Holiday Season. People travel from far and wide to see the silo’s bright lights.
Don and Martha moved to Peru in 1971. The Massachusetts natives worked on farms during their teen years. After high school, Don graduated from the University of Connecticut’s Agricultural School and worked for eight years for a purebred Holstein association before buying a farm.
The Dimocks looked at Vermont farms before coming to Peru. Don recalls, “I thought the Vermont farms were overpriced. I ended up buying the Harold Davis farm here in Peru. Paul Calkins was the realtor.” Martha commented, “The farm had sixty cows when we bought it and far fewer barns than we have now.” Dimock Farms, LLC has 360 cows and crops on about 800 acres.
Three children, Bruce, Anne, and Lisa, accompanied their parents to Peru. Heidi was born here. Today, Bruce is a farm partner and manager. Bruce’s wife, Mary, succeeded Martha in keeping books. Daughter Anne Farrell works with milking and feeding and is the brave person who climbs up the 90-foot silo ladder each year to replace burned bulbs and untangle cords. About every three years, she replaces all the lights. Don still does tractor work. Not counting Don and Martha, the farm employs ten people.
Dimock Farms, LLC is part of the co-op AgriMark, which sells Cabot & McCadam products like cheese, butter, and yogurt. AgriMark’s top-quality milk awards cover Dimock’s office walls. How do they produce such high-quality milk? Don mentions mastitis prevention, cleanliness, and animal health. Martha said, “We have good workers who do a good job!”
The Dimocks are rightly proud of their farm and family. They richly deserve to be honored in the 2024 Peru Farmers’ Parade.
Posted: December 11th, 2024 under Adirondack Region News, Agricultural News, Faces of Peru, General News, Peru News, Peru resident news/accomplishments, Peru/Regional History.